Abandoned

and

Unseen

ABrandedPacksNovel

By

AlexandraIvyandCarrieAnnRyan

AbandonedandUnseen

ABrandedPacksNovel

By:AlexandraIvyandCarrieAnnRyan

ISBN:978-1-62322-190-4

©2015AlexandraIvyandCarrieAnnRyan

CoverArtby

Syneca

Thisebookislicensedforyourpersonalenjoymentonly.Thisebookmaynotbere-soldorgiven

awaytootherpeople.Ifyouwouldliketosharethisbookwithanotherperson,pleasepurchasean

additionalcopyforeachpersonoruseproperretailchannelstolendacopy.Ifyou’rereadingthisbook

anddidnotpurchaseit,oritwasnotpurchasedforyouruseonly,thenpleasereturnitandpurchaseyour

owncopy.Thankyouforrespectingthehardworkofthisauthor.

Allcharactersinthisbookarefictionandfigmentsoftheauthor’simagination.

FormoreinformationfromAlexandraIvy,joinher

MAILINGLIST

.

Formoreinformation,pleasejoinCarrieAnnRyan’s

MAILINGLIST

.

TointeractwithCarrieAnnRyan,youcanjoinher

FANCLUB

.

AbandonedandUnseen

BrandedPacksBook2

Abandoned

Whenbearshifter,AnyaTuckerfellinlovewiththewrongman,theonlythingsheleftwithwasa

brokenheart—andhertwobearcubs.Nowshe’smendedherwoundsandlearnedthatinordertoraise
herbabiesshecanonlytrustherself.Whenhersonsmeetthelazycatnextdoorandfallheadsovertails
forhim,she’lldowhatevershetakestoprotectthem—evenfromapastshe’dthoughtshe’dleftbehind.

ColeMcDermottisajaguaronamission.Longnaps,awillingwoman,andafullstomachisusually

allheneedswhenitcomestorelaxingafteralongdayofprotectinghisPack.ThenhemeetsAnyaandthe
burnoftemptationissilkyandtantalizingindeed.WhenahorrorfromAnya’spastthreatenseverything
sheloves,Colewillputeverythingasideandfightforherfamily—aswellashisown.

Unseen

NicoleBradleyhadnoreasontoliveafterthehumansmurderedherson.Notuntilshelearnstohunt

downthoseresponsibleforhisdeath.Shiftingintoherwolfformatnight,sheslipsoutofthecompound,
determinedtodoasmuchdamageaspossible.Thelastthingsheexpectedwastodiscoversecretsthat
coulddestroytheSAU.

Polarshifter,TuckerStone,livesoffthegrid.It’stheonlywaytheUnseencanavoidbeingrounded

upbythehumansandtossedintoacompound.Besides,he’salonerbynature.Buthecan’twalkaway
whenheseestheprettyfemalewolfindanger.Riskingexposure,hetakeshertohishiddendenandtries
tohealherwounds.

Canareclusivepolarbearandawolfwithadeathwishfindhappinesstogether?

Abandoned

Chapter1

Abranchcrackedunderthesoftpadofapaw,butColeMcDermottdidn’ttwitchhisearsatthe

sound.Thewindbrushedhisfur,thescentofpredatorandhomewrappingaroundhim.Hekeptperfectly
stillfromhisperchinthetreebesidehishouse.Hedidn’twantthosetrackinghimtoknowhe’dheard
theirloudtrekthroughtheforest.Infact,he’dheardthemlongbeforethey’dmistakenlysteppedona
fallenbranch.Thesetwoneededlessonsonhowtoproperlyhunttheirprey.

That,however,wasnotCole’sjob.
Normally,asaTracker,hewouldhavebeentheonehunting.Today,however,hewastheprey.And

astheprey,he’ddohisbesttostaystillsothehunterswouldn’tknowhe’dcaughtontothem.Toliein
waitwouldallowthosewhohuntedhimtofallintoafalsesenseofsecurity.Hisfatherhadtaughthimthat
longago.

Hewascurrentlysprawledoutonalowbranch,closeenoughtothegroundthathe’dbeabletoland

easilyifhefell.Ofcourse,hewasacat,sohealwayslandedonhisfeet.Andsincehewasinhisjaguar
form,he’dbeinevenbettershapeifhefell.Ofcourse,hehadn’tfallenoutofatreesincehewasacub,
sothepointwasmootanyway.

Thehunterscamecloser,theirstepsbecomingtentativeevenastheygrewlouder.Heflickedhistail,

once,twice.Thehuntersfroze,theirbodiespressingclosertotheground.Colemayhavehadhiseyes
closed,buthecouldstillheartheunderbrushpressedclosetothehunters’tenderbellies.

Coleyawned,hismouthstretchingwide,hisfangsgleaminginthesunlightthatfilteredthroughthe

trees.

See?Harmlesscathere.Justsleepingthedayaway.Easyprey.
Ifonlythesehuntersknewthetruth.Butagain,hewouldn’tbetheonetoteachthemsuchdarkness.

Theydidn’tneedtoknowthatbehindtheyawn,thestretch,wasapredatorinitsownright.Theywould
soonfindout.

Butnottoday.
Thetwohunterscamecloser,andColeforcedhimselfnottomove.Itwouldn’tdotoalertthemthat

theirpreywaswellandtrulyawake.

Whenoneofthembattedathistail,Coleheldbackhissmile.Well,asmuchofasmileashecould,

consideringhewasinhisjaguarformatthemoment.Theotheronewenttohistwins’sideandbattedas
well,eachofthemlettingoutatinygrowlwhenColecurledhistailup,makingitharderforthetwobear
cubstoattack.

Coleswishedhistailbackandforth,enjoyingthewaythetwocubsrolledaroundintheirbearform,

chasingeachotherwhentheyweren’tjumpingathim.Thesetwohuntersneededtolearnafewthings
abouttracking,butthey’dlearnitfromtheirfamilyeventually.Hejustenjoyedhearingthemsoundhappy,
innocent.Ifthey’dbeeninhumanform,hewassurethetwowouldhavebeenlaughing.

Therewasn’tmuchtolaughatthesedaysinthecompound.
Heletthetwoplayforabitlonger,notevenbotheringtoopenhiseyes.Theyweren’tclimbingthe

treetogethimsothey’dbesafe.Bearcubscouldclimbforsure,buttheywerestillinthelearningstages
attheirage.Hethoughttheywereaboutfour,buthewasn’tsure.Hehadn’tactuallyspokentothem.
Instead,he’dstayedincatformeachtimethey’dsnucktheirwaytohistreeoverthepasttwoweeks.

Coledidn’tbotherworryingorgettingangryabouttwobearcubsencroachingonhisterritory.Hehad

otherthingstoworryabout,andsomethinglikethiswasminimal.Infact,he’dratherjustlieinthetree
andconservehisenergyforthecageandritualfightinghe’dbepartakinginabitlater.Thatalwaysgothis
adrenalineup.ItalsokeptthePackshappysinceallthreespecieswerenowforcedtoliveinone

compoundthankstothehumanswhothoughttheycouldcontrolwhattheydidn’tunderstand.

Plus,asTracker,hecouldbecalledupontoprotecthisPackatanymoment.Hehadthebestsenseof

smelloftheentireFelinesection,andhewasprettysurehecouldout-trackeventhebearsandwolveshe
wasforcedtolivewith.So,ifsomeonewerecomingatthemwithinthecompound—or,evenoutsidethe
denwallssincehecouldjumpprettydarnhigh—he’dbeabletofindoutwhoitwasandtakecareofit
beforesomeonegothurt.ThatwashisdutytohisAlpha,andhewasdamngladtodoit.

Otherthanthatandthefighting,he’dratherjustlieinthistreeandsoakintheminimalsunraysthathit

hisfur.Ifawillingwomanshowedupandwantedtoscratchanitch,hewouldn’tbeopposed.Buttwo
cubswhojustwantedtoplay,afterhavingtheircaged-inlifeberockedfromtheboundariesup,wasn’t
worthColebolsteringtheenergytostopthem.Aslongastheyweren’tusingtheirclawsonhim,hewas
fine.

Ofcourse,onthatnote,perhapsheshouldhavecaredalittlebitmore.
Afterall,wheretherewerebearcubs,therewasprobablyamommabearjustaroundthecorner.And

shedidn’tholdbackwithherclaws.

“Owen!Lucas!”
Andthatwouldbemommabearrightthen.Helethisclawscomeoutslightly,onlytodigintothe

branchherestedon.He’dheardthatAnyaDarehadawickedrighthook,andhewasn’tinthemoodtogo
flyingwhenshefoundouthercubshadbeenplayingwithhimwithouthersupervision.Thatwomanhad
nosenseoffunwhenitcametoherkids.Itwasn’tasifhe’deverhurtthecubs.

Shedidn’tknowthat,however.
Sheonlysawalazycat,whodidn’tbothertoshooherkidsbacktotheirprison—akatheirnew

home.Ofcourse,itprobablywasn’tlikethat.Shejustdidn’tlikehercubshangingoutwithhim.Anya
hatedhimforsomereason,andhecouldneverquitefigureoutwhy.Itwasn’tasifhe’dknownherfor
long.TheUrsineshadonlybeenlivingwiththeFelinesandCaninesfortwoweeks.Infact,theFelines
hadn’tbeenlivingintheCaninecompoundforthatlongeither.Everythingwasstillnew,butAnyahad
seemedtotakeafirmdislikingtohimthemomentshe’dseenhim.

Andnowitsoundedasifhecared.Wellhedidn’t.Heonlycaredaboutsleeping,sexyshifterfemales

whowantedinhisbed,andprotectinghisPack.Andnotnecessarilyinthatorder.

ColefinallyopenedhiseyestoseeAnyaglaringathim.Damnshehadprettyeyes—brightblue,

flashingwithahintoffireandanger.Hewasn’tthatfarupfromtheground,andthegrizzlymommahadto
beclosetosix-feettall;shecouldhaveeasilyjumpedandtakenhimdownwithonepaw.

Thecubsletouttinygrowlsfrombehindhistree.Coleriskedhislife,consideringAnyastillglared

athim,andturnedtowatchthetwolittleboysinbearformpeekoutfromeithersideofthelargetrunk.

Anyaletoutasmallgrowl,andColeshothisgazetoher.Shecurledherlipathimthenstalked

towardhersons.Colestayedwherehewas,notwantingtoangerherfurther.Hewasn’tinthemoodtogo
upagainstamommagrizzlyinarage.Hewasn’tsureifhe’dwin.

“WhatdidIsay,boys?WhatdidIsayaboutleavingthehousewithouttellingme?”Shefoldedher

armsunderheramplebreasts,andColedidhisbestnottostare.Hecouldn’thelpit.Shewasfucking
gorgeous—notthathe’dtellherthat.Ever.

Hevaluedhislife,afterall.
OwenandLucasloweredtheirheadsandpaddedatthedirt.Theywereadorable.Seriously.Cole

lovedkids,andonedayhopedtohaveafewofhisownwithanicecatwhowasadventurousinbedand
wouldmeethimstrideforstridewhenitcametoprotectinghisPack.Ormaybehe’dmatewithanice
littlesubmissivewhowouldpamperhiscatwhiletakingcareoftheothersideofthePackthatmostnever
knewexisted.

WhatColewouldn’tbedoing,wasdealingwithAnyaforlongerthanheneededto.Hemightlike

OwenandLucas,buthedidnotwanttobeonthereceivingendofanangryfemaleprotectinghercubs.

Nooneintheirrightminddid.

“Don’tthinklookingcutewillgetyououtofthis,boys,”shesaidfirmly,butColestillheardthesmile

inhervoice.Shewasn’tabadmother,alittleoverprotective,buthecouldn’tblameherforthat.Notwith
whatwasgoingonaroundthem.“Youguyssnuckoutofthehouse.Iwasscared.Don’tyougetthat?You
can’tjustsneakoutofourhomelikethatandnottellmewhereyou’regoing.Youknowyoucan’tcome
outtoanother’sterritorywithoutpermission.Especiallyhis.”

Whatdidshemeanbythat?Especiallyhis.Whatwassowrongwithhim?
Colekepthisgazeontheboysastheymadetheirwayoutfrombehindthetree,theirheadsdownand

theirlittlepawsdraggingalongthedirt.Theydidn’tlookscared,moreresignedthatthey’dgottencaught
breakingtherules.Coleheldbackawince.Heshouldhavedonesomethingaboutthemcomingouttohim,
buthehadn’tthoughttheywerehurtinganyone.Despitethefactthathe’dbeenaroundcubsallhislife
withinthecompoundwalls,hewasn’tthatusedtochildren.

Thecubswenttoherlegs,rubbingtheirnecksandbodiesalongher.Shereacheddownandrubbed

theirheads,hermouthathinline.“Don’tdoitagain,boys.I’mnotgoingtoloseyou.Gotme?”

Thetwomadelittlegrowlsthensatontheirrumps,blinkingupattheirmother.Seriously.Adorable.
Anyaprobablywouldn’tappreciatehimsayingso,however.
“Youfoundthem?”adeepvoicesaidfromthedirectionofAnya’shome.
Coleflickedhiseartowardtheintruder,hisbodytense.“Yes,Oliver,”Anyaanswered.“They’re

rightwhereyouthoughtthey’dbe.Withhim.”

Hewasstartingtohatethewayshesaidhimlikethat.ColesearchedhismentalfileforwhoOliver

waswithintheUrsinePack—yes,bears,cats,andwolveswereeachcalledPacks.That’swhathappened
whenthedamnwolvesnamedthingscenturiesagoandCole’sancestorshadgonewithit.Oliverwasthe
ForeseeroftheUrsines.Meaninghecouldtellthefuture—oratleastmakesomepredictionsabout
immediatechangesordangerbasedonpremonitions.Colewasn’tquitesurewhatitallentailedsince
FelinesandCaninesdidn’thaveaForeseercounterpart.Instead,thewolveshadanOmega,andthecats
hadaShaman—oratleasttheywouldoncetheyfoundhimorher.Itwashardtofindeachoftheir
hierarchywithinthewallsoftheirconfinement,butthatwasanotherstoryaltogether.

OliverwasnotonlytheForeseerbutAnya’sbrother,aswell.Forsomereason,thatrelievedsomeof

thetensioninCole’sjoints.Hewasn’tquitesurehowhefeltaboutthefactthathe’dnotonlygonetense,
buthadlostthattensionwhenhefiguredoutwhotheothermalewas.

“Gowithyouruncle,boys,”Anyaordered,hervoicefirmbutnotangryanymore.“Ineedtotalkwith

Mr.Felineoverhere.”

Coleheldbackawince.Shewouldn’tevensayhisname.Well,thiscouldn’tendwell;thoughhe

hadn’tthoughtitwouldonceshe’dsteppedtowardhimallangry-like.

Theboysgavehimonelastlookthenstartedthewalkbacktotheirplace.Oliverraisedabrowat

himthenfollowed.Colewasn’tquitesurewhattothinkofthatbrow,butatthemoment,hehadother,
morepressingmatterstodealwith.Namely,themommabearglaringdaggersathim.

“Youneedtostopencouragingthem,”shesnapped.“They’rebabies.Andtheyarecurious.Igetthat.

Butwedon’tknowhowsafeitishere,andyoujustsitherealllazy-likeandletthemplaywithyourtail.
You’reanadult.ATracker.Actlikeit.”

Heopenedhismouthinanexaggeratedyawn.She’dyelledathimforthisbefore,anditwasn’this

fault.Thecubswere,likeshe’djustsaid,curious.Iftheywantedtoplaywithhistail,thenhe’dletthem.
Theyweren’thurtinghim,andAnyaneededtobreathe.

“You’reanasshole,”shesnapped.“Sofreakinglazyyoucan’teventurnbacktohumananddefend

yourself.SomeTrackerthecatshave.Leavemyboysalone.Iftheycomebackhere,sendthembacktome.
Orcomegetme.Idon’twantthemoutontheirown.I’malltheyhave,Tracker.I’mnotgoingtoletthem
gethurtbecauseyouthinkit’sfuntobreakmyrules.”

First,hewasn’tgoingtoshiftbecausehe’dbenaked.Andbeingnakednearherwhenhehadahard-

on—because,comeon,shewasfreakingsexy—wasn’tworthriskinghislifeaftershegotalookathim
sportingwoodbecauseofher.Second,hewasn’tlazy,hejustpickedhisbattles.Asforherboys?Next
time,hemightjustsendthemback.Shehadapointwhenitcametosafety.Hewouldneverhurtthem—
theywerecubs—buttherewerehumanpatrolscomingthroughthecompoundatalltimes.Hewouldn’t
seethoseboyshurtbecausethehumanswereinthewrong.However,hewasn’tgoingtoshiftandtellher
this.Shedidn’twanttohearit.Shehadherownreasonsforbeingangry,hesuspected,andhimdefending
himselfwouldn’thelp.Instead,heswishedhistail,hiseyesonhers.

Sheliftedherlipinanothersnarlthenthrewupherhands.“Ican’twithyou.”Sheturnedonherheel

andstompedbacktowardherhome.Hecouldn’thelpbutwatchthewayherjeanshuggedherassasshe
didso.ShewasonesexyblondeAmazonofawoman.Notforhim,butitdidn’thurttolook.

“Iseeyou’remakingallkindsoffriends,”Gibsondrawledasheslidthroughthetrees.
Colehadscentedthewolfcomeupafewmomentsbeforebuthadn’tletontoAnya.Hewasn’tsure

she’dnoticedthemantheresinceshe’dbeensofocusedonCole.Plus,withallthenewsmellsaround
her,heknewitwouldtakeabitlongerthanacoupleofweeksforhertogetherbearingswhenitcameto
thedifferentscentsofthecompound.Hedidn’twanttoseeherembarrassedforheroutburstinpublic.
Andhedidn’tknowhowhefeltaboutthatlastthought.Insteadofdwellingonit,hestretched,liftinghis
backinacurlbeforejumpingdowntotheforestfloor.Withashake,heshiftedbacktohuman.Itwasfast,
apainfulreminderthathisbodyheldtwoformsthatdidn’tquitemeshwhenonethoughtofthephysics
behindit.

“Getsomepantson,”Gibsonsaidsmoothly.Heranahandthroughhisdarkblackhairthatalways

endedupinhisface.Thedamnmanhadoneofthoseemorockerhaircutsthatlookedlikeittookanhour
togetperfecteachmorning.ThoughColeknewitjustcamenaturallytothewolf.“You’relateforyour
appointment,andIdon’tneedtoseeyourbareass.”

“It’sacatass,”Colesaidwithagrinandshookitbeforebendingovertograbthepairofsweatshe’d

leftinanearbybush.

“Isodidn’tneedtoseethat.IthinkI’mblind.”
Colesmiledwideasheslidhissweatsoverhiships.“Youknowyoulikedit.”
Thewolfflippedhimoff,theinkonhisfingersstandingoutagainsthispaleskin.“Imightlikecock

andpussyequally,butthatdoesn’tmeanIwantyours,asshole.”

“LikeIsaid,youlikemyasshole.”
Gibsonletoutagroan.
“See,you’regroaning.”Colesmackedthemanonhisbackandstartedwalking.“Idon’tknowhow

youeverlivedwithoutme.”

“Itwasmucheasier,letmetellyou,”Gibsonmuttered.
Gibsonmutteredalot,butalsotalkedCole’searoffwhenhewantedto.Theothermandidn’tspeak

muchaccordingtotherestofthePack.HeapparentlylikedColeenoughtoopenhimselfupabitmore.He
wasthePacktattooartist,inchargeofnotonlypersonalink,butalsotheritualinkthatcamewithbeinga
mate,aPackmember,andashifter.Thethreeemblemsblendedintoonefulltattooonceashifterfound
theirmate,thoughmostofthePackmembersonlyheldtwo—thebrandthehumansforcedthemtowear
thatGibsontattooedover,andthetattoothatsignifiedwhatPacktheywerebornormadeinto.Hedidthat
workforwolvesalone,buthealsodidotherwork—likethepiecehewasdoingforCole—fortheother
shifters.Therewasafelineartist,theonewhohaddonetheritualworkonCole’sforearm,butheliked
Gibson’sworkbetter.Notthathe’deversaythat.PeoplemaybepissedabouthimandGibson’s
friendship,andthathelettheothermanworkonhisback,buttherestoftheshifterswouldjusthavetoget
overit.ThethreePackshadbeenforcedtoliveinonesmallcompound—timeswerechanging,andhating
oneanotherforbeingadifferentkindofshifterhadtobepushedintothepastiftheyweretosurvive.

“You’relookingseriousoverthere,”Gibsonsaidastheywalkedintothewolf’shome.Hepointedto

thechairnearthetattoostationandliftedhischin.“Sit.I’llgetyouready.Now,tellmewhat’sonyour
mind.”

Coledidashewastold.Hehadn’tbotheredtoputashirton,sohedidn’thavetodealwiththat.“I

thoughtyoudidn’tliketospeakwhiledoingthis.That’swhatHoldensaid.”HoldenwasthewolfAlpha.
He’dmarriedanewly-turnedhumanacoupleofmonthsback,andthathadbeenthecatalystfornotonly
themoveofthePacksbutsomuchmore.

“Idon’tliketospeakunlessIhavesomethingtosay.AndIliketalkingtoyoubecauseyouusually

justlisten.”GibsonworkedonsettinguphisstationandpreppingCole’sback.Thiswasthesecondday
ofworkonthepiece.Whilehumanswouldhavetowaitbetweensessions,hehealedfastenoughthathe
onlyhadtowaitaday.Hecouldhaveprobablydoneitallinonesession,butthatwasaskingalotofthe
wolfwhohadhisowndutieswithinthecompound.

“So,youneverdidsayanythingaboutAnya.Whydoesshehateyousomuch?”Thewolf’sfoot

workedthepedalandhebeganworkingonCole’sback.ThebuzzoftheneedlesettledCole’scatandhe
relaxed,evenashethoughtaboutAnyaandherapparentdislikeofhim.

“Shecalledmelazy.”
Gibsonsnorted.“Well,youkindofare,butprobablynotforthereasonsshethinks.”
“I’mnotlazy.”Colescowled.“Ijustdon’tlikewastingmyenergyonthingsthatIwon’twin.Orat

leastthingsthatwon’tbeworthitifIwin.Thecubswantedtoplay,andIdidn’twanttogrowlatthemto
go.Atleastwithmethere,theyweresafe.

“Butshedidn’tseeitthatway.I’dsaysheshouldn’thaveletthecubsgetout,butthere’snowayto

stopshiftercubssometimes.Thefactthattheyfeltsafeenoughtoventureouttellsyousheraisedthem
right.Thankstothehumanssurroundingus,someshiftersscarethehelloutoftheirchildrentokeepthem
safe.Somuchthattheyinherentlycripplethem.”

Andthatwasthecruxofit.Theywereshifters,nothuman.Theyhadtheabilitytobecometheanimal

theywerebornwithand,therefore,hadtoassumetheresponsibilitythatcamewithit.Whenthey’dcome
outtothehumansandrevealedthattherewassomethingmoretothemthantheothersunderstood,shifters
hadbeenforcedintocompounds—collaredandbranded,butnotforgotten.He’dbeenthreewhenhis
parentsriskedtheirlivestryingtoprotecthim.They’dlostthebattle,andhe’dendedupraisedbyagroup
ofshifterswithinthedenwallswhohadtriedtohealtheorphansoftheirgeneration.

Hispeoplehadlostsomuch,andnowwitheachnewdecisionbroughtonbytheShifter

AccommodationUnit—theSAUforshort—hewasafraidthey’dbeonestepclosertoanewwarwhere
thecasualtyofpeacewouldbefargreaterthanthewarsoftheirpast.

Gibsonworkedonhisback,andColetriedtosettlethedeepacheinhisbonesthattoldhimthat

peacewasfarfrombeingwithinhisgrasp.Hemaybedeemedlazybyacertainmommabear,buthe
hadn’tearnedthatdescription.He’dfightforwhatwashis—bleedforit,dieforit.

Only,anewagewasuponthem,andthethreeshifterPackswereforcedtolivewithoneanotheras

punishmentsforcrimesthatshouldn’thavebeendeemedoffensesinthefirstplace,Colewasn’tsurehe
wouldbeabletofightanenemyhedidn’tunderstand.

Hisworldhadchangedonceagain,andheknewhe’dhavetotakeastandwithhisPackandwiththe

otherPackshenowlivedwith,toprotecthispeople.HejustprayedAnyaandhercubsweren’tcaughtin
thecrossfire.He’dseenthepaininhereyes,thewearinessthatcamefromyearsofbeingonalert,tuned
tothedangerfromthosewhowouldriseagainstthem.Hedidn’twanttoseethatagain,didn’twanttosee
thewomanwhohadraisedthosecubshurtbecauseofabattlefarfrombeingwon.Onlyhedidn’tknow
whyhefeltthatway,nordidhefeelhehadtherightto.

Hewasonlyalazycat,aTracker,ajaguar.Onlyworththebloodheputontheline.
Nothingmore.Nothingless.

Chapter2

AnyaDareranherhandsthroughherhairandrefusedtothinkaboutthatdamnlazycatandhisfeline

ways.Sheknewsheprobablyshouldn’thavebeensocurtwithhim,consideringitwashersonsthathad
snuckoutofherhomeandgonetothedamntree.Butshealwaysgotflusteredaroundhim.

Andthatwasthecauseofherattitude.
She’dbarelyseenColeinhishumanformsinceshewasforcedtotakeherfamilyandmoveintothe

newcompound.Infact,itseemedtheonlytimesshesawhimwerewhenhewaslyingaboutinthattree,
notcaringthathertwoboyswereplayingwithhistail,andcompletelyignoringherinstructions.Well,that
wasn’texactlyaccurate.Theonlytimesshe’dspokentohimwerewhenhewasrelaxing,butshe’dseen
himoutsidehistreearea.

She’dcaughtglimpsesofhimaroundhernewden.HewastheTrackerforthecats,sohewasalways

onpatrol—hisbodyonalert,thoughthedamnmansomehowmadehimselflookrelaxed,asifhehadn’ta
careintheworld.Ifshehadn’tseentheintensityinhiseyeswhenhewaswatchingoutforahumanguard
patrol,shewouldhavethoughthimtheworstTrackershe’deverseen.Butshe’dseenintothosehazel
depthsandknewhecaredabouthisPack,hispeople.

Andthatbuggedhertonoendforsomereason.Thoughitshouldn’thavebecause,hell,hewasdoing

hisdutytohisPack.Buthejustbuggedher.

Ithadnothingtodowithhischestnuthairthatwaslongeronthetopbutcutshorteronthesides.Nor

didithavetodowithhisbeardthatsheknewwaslongenoughtotouchhischestifheloweredhischin
eversoslightly.Shewasnotattractedtoafreakingcat.

Sure,shecouldadmirehisform—humanandshifter.Shewasawoman,afterall.Hewastallerthan

her—whichatherheightoffive-tenwasn’tactuallyascommonasshe’dlike.Andhehadsmoothmuscle
thatdidn’tmakehimlookbulky,juststrongashell.Butadmirationwasallitcouldbe.Appreciationfrom
afar;annoyanceupclose.Because,darnit,shedidn’thavetimeforlazycatsandtheirindolentways.

Again,itwasonlyherattentiontodetailthatmadethismatter.Shewasjustlookingoutforher

peopleinanewcompound.She’dnoticedmanycatsandwolves.Colewasnotspecial.

Hewasannoying,conceited,andnotworthasecondlook.Orathird.Orevenafourth.
“Youdonebroodingoverthere?”Oliverasked,asmirkonhisface.
Shestuckouthertongue.Realmature.Shewastheyoungersister,afterall;sheshouldn’thavetobe

asgrownupasherbigbearofabrother.Ofcourse,theywerebothintheirearlythirties,andthattwo-
yeardifferencedidn’tmattermuch.Technicalities.

Oliverranahandthroughhisshoulder-lengthhairandgrinned.Shewantedtotakeaphotososhe

couldrememberthatsmilesincehedidn’tdoitoften.TheweightofthePack—theworld—restedonhis
shouldersmostdays,andshedidn’tknowhowtohelphim.Butifactingasyoungashersonshelpedher
brothersmile,she’ddoitagaininaheartbeat.

“Momma,I’msorry,”Owenwhispered,hishandsclaspedinfrontofhimandhisheadlowered.He

washerquietbaby.HefollowedLucasanddidwhathisbrotherdid,notbecausehehadto,butbecause
hewantedto.Hewashappybeingafolloweranddoingwhathecouldtomaketheirdaybetter.Hewas
heremotionalbaby,andshelovedhim.

“Yeah,Momma,sorryforrunningaway.”Lucasbouncedonhisfeetashespoke,histeethbitinginto

hislip.Lucaswasherloudandtake-chargebaby.HetookOwenonadventuresandwantedtoexplore
everythingbeforemovingon.WhileOwenmaystaybackandstudysomethingalittlelonger,Lucaswas
readytojumpintothenextthingquickly.Thoughhecouldbealittlelouder,hewassweetwhenheneeded

tobe.Hewasherfierybaby,andshelovedhimjustasmuch.

ItwashardforAnyatostaymadatherboysforlong,butsometimes,theyneededtolearnthat

boundarieswereputinplaceforareason.Shehadn’tgrownupwithintheconfinesofacompound.She’d
knownwhatitwasliketorunfreeintheforest,tohavetohidewhatshewas,yetstillknowshewasfree.
HerchildrenhadbeenbornaftertheVeronaVirus,andintoaworldwheretheyhadnevertastedthe
freedomshecraved.Andbecauseofthat,theyhadtolearnthehardwaythattheirworldwasn’tonethey
couldlettheirguarddownin.Shehatedthat—hatedit—butmaybeonedayshe’dbeabletogiveher
childrensomethingbetterthanthetallwallsthatsurroundedthem.

Anyakneltinfrontofthem,tryingnottosmile.Shewasn’ttrulyangrywiththem.Shecouldn’tbe

whentheywerejustbeingcuriousshifterchildren.Butshe’dbeenscared.Andthatwassomethingthat
neededtobeaddressed.Because,despitethefactthattheywereinsideasmallcompoundwithnumerous
shiftersshedidn’tknoworunderstand,itwasthehumanswhoventuredinthatworriedhermostofall.

Thehumansthoughttheyownedthem.Theyruledoverthem.Putlawsonthem,andbrandedthem.

She’dbeenforcedtowatchhercubsbebrandedjustlastyear.TheAlphahadtakenthepaininside
himself,usingthemagicofthePacktokeepherbabiesfromagony.Thehumansdidn’tknowtheAlpha
coulddothis,andshewouldbeforevergratefulthattheydidn’t.TheSAUthoughttheyweresubjugating
theentireshifterpopulationtofireatayoungage.Instead,theAlpha—AndrewinherPack’scase—felt
eachlickofflameashisown.Ifthehumansfoundoutwhattheshifterscoulddo,they’duseittotheir
advantage.Thenthey’dfindanotherwaytohurttheshifters’children.She’dbeenforcedtowatchher
babies’fleshbeburnedandmarkedsothattheywereforeverknownasnothumanataglance.

Andbecauseofthis,becauseofhernightmaresaboutthescreamsshe’dforcedthemtovoice,though

sheknewthey’dfeltnopain,shehadtobestrictwhenitcametotheirsafety.

“Iknowyou’resorry,boys.”ShefeltOliver’sgazeonher,butherbrotherletherdowhatshehadto.

Herbrotherwasunmated,andbecauseshe’dbeenanidiotyearsago,shewas,aswell.SheandOliver
raisedherboystogetherbecausetherewasnowayshe’dbeabletodoitalone,butintimeslikethese,
Oliverletherlead.Theywereherchildren,herresponsibility,thelightsofherlife.

“Areweintrouble?”Lucasasked.Heshiftedfromfoottofoot,lookingfartoocuteforhisowngood.
“Yes,butthat’sbecauseyouhavetolearntobecareful.”Lucasopenedhismouthtospeak,butOwen

nudgedhisshoulderintohistwin’s.Lucasclosedhismouth,andAnyaheldbackasigh.Damnit.She
didn’twanttobetheniceandmeanparentallatonce.Shewantedapartner,hadwanteditallthoseyears
ago.Butthehumanmanwhohadtoldherhelovedherwhenhe’dvisitedthecompoundwiththeothers
hadlied.HewasoneofthemedicalprofessionalswhohadcomeintodohealthchecksonthePack.
Somehadbeenthereunderthatguise,buthadactuallywantedtolearnmoreaboutshifterphysiology.The
manwhohadtakenhertobedhadtoldherhewantedtohelppeople.She’dbelievedhim,stupidly,and
hadendeduppregnant.

Whenthethoughtofbeinglabeledashifterloverbecametoomuch,he’dleftherpregnantandalone.
“Momma?”
SheclosedhereyesatOwen’svoiceandtookadeepbreath.Sheneededtokeepherheadoutofthe

pastandlooktowardthefuture.Hersonswereherfuture,andtheywerethemostimportantthing—not
brokenpromisesandlies.

“Iknowyouwanttogooutandplay,butwe’restillnewhere.Weneedtomakesureweall

understandhowthisnewcompoundworks.”

“ButIlikethecats,”Lucassaid.“Imean,youtoldustherewereotherslikeus,butdifferent,butwe

onlysawbearsbefore.”

“Uh-huh.Ilikeseeingthecats.Andsometimesthere’sawolfthatsleepsunderthetreewhenCole

sleepsinthebranches.They’refriendsIthink.”

Anyathinnedherlips.ThatwolfwouldbeGibson,thePacktattooartist.Shedidn’tenvythatjobin

theslightestsincepartofhisjobwastoinkoverbrandsandmakethemtheshifters’own.HeandCole
werefriendsitseemed,thoughshedidn’tknowthewolfwell.Shedidn’tknowthecatwelleither.Orat
all.

“Ithinktheyare,”sheagreed,tryingtokeepherattentiononhersonsandnotthecat.“Butboys,

pleasedowhatIsay.Okay?Onceweknowthelayoftheland,wecangooutandplaymore,butfornow,
wehavetobecareful.Iknowit’snotfuntobelockedupinsideallthetime,butitwon’tbeforever.”

Herboysnodded,theirlittlefacesinfrowns.Sheheldoutherarmsandtheywenttoher,wrapping

theirtinylittlearmsaroundherneck.Shesqueezedthemtightly,inhalingtheirlittleboyscent.Herbabies
wouldn’tbelittleforever,andshecherishedthesehugs,eveniftheycameafterherhavingtobeharsh.

“Okay,nowIhavetogotoameetingwithyouruncleandtheAlphas,butthematernalbearswill

watchyoutomakesureyoustayoutoftrouble.”

Owensmiledupather,hiseyesbright.“We’llstayoutoftrouble.”
“Youbet,”Lucasagreed.
Anyathoughttheyhadafifty-fiftyshotatnotgettingputinthecornerbyoneofthematernals,butshe

didn’tsaythat.Cubsneededtopushtheirboundariesastheyfoundtheirdominanceandstructure,butit
wasthesafetyissuesthatmadeherworry.Amommabearalwaysworried.

Shekissedhersonsquicklythenledthemtothematernals’camp,anolderbuildingthattheywere

renovating.Whenthey’dbeenforcedtomoveintothiscompound,they’dlefttheirhomesandpasts
behind.They’dbeenallowedtobringwhatevermeagerpossessionsthey’dacquiredovertheirlives,but
thatwasit.Nowtheywereforcedtouseathirdofthecompoundthathadoncebeenfilledwithall
wolves.Peoplewerelivingtwotothreefamiliestoahomewhiletheyworkedonbuildingmore.Sheand
OliverhadtheirownplacesincehewastheForeseerandneededspacetokeepsane,forlackofabetter
word,buttheirhomewashalfthesizeoftheonethey’dusedtohave,andhonestly,theiroldplacehadn’t
beenallthatlarge.Thewolvesandcatswerehelpingwiththeconstructionsincetheytoohadtobuild
moretoaccommodatetheirnumbers.Thingswereinsuchfluxthatshewasn’tsurewhatthefutureheld,
butshe’dgointoitwithherchinheldhigh.Therewasn’tanotherchoice.

“I’mnotreallyinthemoodtodealwithameetingoftheAlphas,”Oliversaidsoftlyastheymade

theirwaytothecenteroftheden.Thecompoundhadbeensplitasevenlyaspossibleintothirdswiththe
additionofthebears,butthecenterwasforallshifters.Theforestedareawasalsomixed,asthehumans
hadn’tallowedthemthatmuchroomtobeginwith.Anyahadafeelingtheterritory,asitwas,wouldone
dayblendevenmore.Therewasn’tenoughspacetokeepjustadividinglinebetweenthem.Thatwasone
ofthepointsofthemeetingthatday,sheknew.

OliverwaspartofthemeetingastheForeseer,andsincehedidn’thaveamate,hewasallowedto

bringAnya.Visionstookalotoutofhim,andheneededsomeonetheretocatchhimifhefell.Noone
wouldeverdarethinkhewasweakforhisneedofanother,butitstilltookatoll.Italsowasn’tasifhe
couldleanonanyoneelse.Thecloserhegottosomeone,thelessclearhisorherfuturebecametohim.
Hecouldn’treadhisownpath,norcouldhegetmorethanacasualglimpseofhersorhersons’.Shehated
thatheputsomuchdistancebetweenhimselfandtherestoftheworld,buthedidsotoprotectthem.Or
sohesaid.She’dalwaysthoughtitwasawaytoprotecthimself,aswell.

“Itwon’tbetoolong,Idon’tthink.It’sjusttheAlphas,Betas,andyourcounterparts,right?”
Olivernodded.“Pluswhatevermatesandfamilymemberstheyhave.Themantleisn’tjustonthe

shouldersofthosewiththetitle.ThoughIdon’tknowiftherearecounterpartsrightnow.Thewolves
don’thaveanOmega,andthecatsaremissingtheirShaman.”

Itbrokeherhearttohearit.Beforethey’dbeenlockedinsidethecompoundsthankstothehumans’

fearaftertheVeronaVirus,bears,cats,andwolveshadroamedfree.Whiletheywereoutthere,they
couldventuretootherPacksandmeetthosethatcouldeventuallyjointhem.Itwaseasiertofindtrue
mates,andthosethatwouldfilltherolesofAlpha,Beta,andwhatevertheirthirdmemberwas—Omegas

forwolves,Foreseersforbears,andShamansforcats.Nowthough,theyonlyhadasmallpoolofshifters
toworkwith.ThebearshadbeenblessedwithfindingaForeseer,buttheotherswerestillsearching
amongsttheirown.Itcouldstillhappen,sheknew,anOmegaorShamancouldbeborntothePack,or
evenbornoutoftragedy.Itwasn’talwaysknownfrombirthwhatashifterwouldbe.Thethreespecies
mighthavehadtheirterritorydisputesinthepast,buttherehadneverbeenatruehatredbetweenthe
three.Shewasn’tsuretherewasnoweither,beyondtheteasingandclosequarters.

Anyaletoutabreathassoonastheyenteredtheoutdoorcirclewherethemeetingwouldtakeplace.

Holden,theCanineAlpha,andhismate,Ariel,weresittingonalog,leaningintooneanother.Holden’s
Beta,Soren,satontheground,leaningbetweentheslightlyspreadlegsofhismate,Cora.Corawasn’ta
wolf,butratherthetigerprincess.Herfather,Jonah,theAlphaoftheGoldenPack,satacrossfromthem,
talkingwiththetwoofthemandhisBeta,Max.TherehadtobehistorybetweenMaxandSorenandCora
becauseAnyacouldpracticallytastethetension.

HerownAlpha,Andrew,satonanotherlog,whilehisBeta,Megan,stoodonhertiptoesbehindhim,

stretching.Theyweren’tmated,butratherbestfriends.Andfierceprotectors.Anyalikedthefactthatthe
bearshadafemaleBeta,consideringdominantfemaleswerejustastough,ifnottougherthantheirmale
counterparts.

Aspicyscenthitherandsheturnedonherheel.Colemeanderedtowardthecircle,hishandsinhis

pocketsandacockygrinonhisface.

Shebarelyheldintheurgetosnarlathim.Thedamnmanhadn’tevenbotheredtoputonashirt.

Rather,he’dputonanoldpairofjeansthatmoldedtohisthighsfartoowell.He’dalsoforgoneshoes.

Hepassedherwithawink,andOliversteppedbetweenthem.Herbrotherraisedabrow,andshelet

outasigh.Itwouldn’tdotopunchthecatinthemiddleofafreakingAlphameeting.Maybeshe’ddoit
later.Hewasfartoocockyforhisowngood.

Ofcourse,shecouldn’tstopthinkingofthewordcockwhenitcametohim,andthatangeredhereven

more.Herbearstretchedinside,wakingupandwantingtoshift.Shepusheditback,knowingitwasn’t
time.She’dshiftlaterandbeatupatreeorsomething.Thatwouldhelpalleviatethispressureinher
chest…andotherplaces.

“Cole,good,you’rehere,”Jonahsaidandnoddedtowardoneofthelasttwoemptylogs.Theyjust

hadtoberightnexttooneanother.ShesighedandtooktheoneclosesttoherownAlpha,thoughOliver
satdirectlynexttoAndrewsincehemightneedtowhispervisionsiftheycame.ThatleftAnyasittingnext
toCole.

Ofcourse.
“Where’syourshirt?”Coraaskedthenyelped.Sherubbedherthighandgrowledathermate.“I’m

allowedtonoticehe’snotwearingashirt.Plus,hehasabandageonhisback.”

Sorenkissedbehindherknee,andthistime,itwasJonahwhogrowled.Thewolfmightbematedto

Cora,butdaddytigerprobablydidn’tlikeseeinghispreciouskittennibbledoninpublic.

Ohtobenibbledon.Ithadbeenfartoolong.
Coleleanedtowardherasheturnedslightly,showingoffhisbacktothecircle.Sherefusedtomove

awayfromtheheatofhisbody.Itwasjusthormones.Nothingmore.Shewouldn’tgivehimthe
satisfactionofshowinghimthatshewasuncomfortablewithhispresence.

“Gibsonjustfinisheduproundtwo,”Coleexplained,hisvoiceasmoothgrowl.“It’sstillsoresoI

didn’twanttoputanythingonitthatwouldrub.I’lltakethebandageoffsoonsoitcanbreathe.”

He’dprobablygottenabig-chestedfemalecatonhisbackorsomethingequallycrude.Ofcourse,the

manwouldgetmoreink.Becauseitwasdamnhot.Andhehadtoannoyher.Because,apparently,
everythingrevolvedaroundher.

“Ican’twaittoseeallofit,”MegansaidasshesatdownontheothersideofAndrew.“Gibsondoes

goodwork.”

“Thathedoes,”Holdenadded.“Andnowthatwe’realldoneadmiringCole’snakedbody,canwe

getontobusiness.”

Arielelbowedhermateintheribs.“Benice.”
“Iwasbeingnice,”Holdensaiddeadpan.
“Anyway…”Andrewsaidsoftly,asmileinhisvoice.“Iappreciatethatwe’rehavingthesemeetings

together,butIthinktheyshouldbeatleastweeklyfromnowon.Wehavetoomuchtolosebynotsharing
whatweknow.”

Jonahrubbedhischin.“Everything?”
Holdenfrowned.“WeareallAlphasofourPacks,ourpeople,butasCoraandSorenshowedusby

mating,wearenotseparateentities.WewillhavetofindawaytomakethisworkbecauseIwillbe
damnedifweallowthehumanstokillusbecausewearetoobusyfightingwitheachother.”

AnyawrappedherarmsaroundhermiddleasthethreeAlphasspokeaboutwhattheyneededtodoin

ordertoprotecttheirPacks.Shetookeverythinginandtriedtoignorethecatnexttoher,whokeptleaning
intoher.Itwasasifhiscatweretryingtosootheherbear.Shedidn’tneedthat.

Shehadn’tbeforewiththeboys’father,andshedamnwelldidn’tneeditnow.
TheirPackswerechanging,therulesofhowtheylivedwereformingwiththesemeetings,these

termsthatmeantafuturefortheirpeople.WithoutthecooperationoftheAlphasandtheircircle,noneof
thePackswithinthecompoundwallswouldmakeit.Shedidn’tknowwhatthehumanswoulddonextto
subjugateherpeople,butshe’dbedamnedifshesatbackandallowedhersonstopaytheconsequences
ofthoseactions.

Theywereherlife,hereverything.Herreasontokeepfighting.
Andifanythingeverhappenedtothem,theworldwouldknowtruefear.
Becausetherewasnothingscarierthanamommabearwhenhercubswereintrouble.
Nothing.

****

FrankTalbotwasn’tabovebeggingforfavors,butitkilledhimeverytimehehadtoaskanold

acquaintanceforhelp.Helefttheshadybackdoorbusinessman’sbuildingandsnuckthroughthealleyson
hiswaytohisownabandonedwarehouse.

HesoundedlikesomearchvillaininoneofthecomicbooksofhisyouthbeforetheVeronaVirushad

wipedoutathirdofthehumanpopulation.Hedespisedthathe’dbeenforcedintotakingbackalleys
whileworkingandlivinginanabandonedwarehouse.Butthat’swhathappenedwhentheSAUwent
batshitcrazyandchangedtherulesrightinfrontofhim.

Hewasascientist,agenius.Hewasn’thumblebyanymeans.Whyshouldhebe?Afterall,he’dbeen

onthegroundfloorfortheveryvirusthatshouldhavebeenthebestweaponoutthereifnotforitsdeadly
consequences.Nomatterthough,allgreatstridesinhumanityhadcostsandsacrifice.TheVeronaVirus
haditsfailures,butithadalsopavedthewayforFrank’snewendeavors.

Withoutthevirus,theshifterswouldn’thavecomeoutofhiding.Andthankstotheirsacrificein

helpingtofinda“cure,”hehadbeenabletostudythebeasts.Atonepoint,he’devengoneasfarasusing
hisownbodytoprocreatewithoneofthem.Ithadbeendisturbingbutlikehesaid,allstridestook
sacrifice.

TheSAUhadkickedhimoutwhenhisgoalfortheultimateperfections—hisownbrandofshifters—

hadcrossedtheirlines.Whatacrock.TheSAUwasthefourthbranchofthegovernmentanddidn’thave
thechecksandbalancestheothershad.Theycoulddowhatevertheywantedtotheshiftersinthenameof

savingthehumanrace.AndFrank’sexperimentsweren’toutsidetheirnorm.Butthoseabovehimhadlost
afewshiftersandneededascapegoat.

Weak.
Nowhewasonhisowntofindawaytocreateshifters.Justafewmonthsago,oneofthebeastshad

letitslipthatittookthebiteofanAlphaoramatetocreateashifter.Beforethat,he’dthought—along
withtherestofhumanity—thatshifterswerebornandnotmade.

TheSAUwasnowtryingtoforcematings,andcoercedifferentAlphastomakeshifters.Frankhadno

ideaifitwastrulyworkingsincehe’dbeencutoff,buthehadhisownplans.Hedidn’twanttorelyon
adultmatingsorAlphaswhocouldriphisthroatout.Hedidn’twanttodealwithmatureshiftersatall;
theywerefuckinganimals.

Instead,he’dgoyounger.
Heneededshifterchildren.IfhecouldcodetheirDNAatayoungage,hewouldbeabletofindthe

bridgebetweenhumansandshiftersandmakeanarmyofhisown.Orrather,onehecouldselltothe
highestbidder.He’dhavetheglory,andtheabilitytoretireonasunnyisland.

Ofcourse,heknewthatgoingyoungerwithhisexperimentswouldtakeacertain…finesse.Itwasn’t

justtheideaofayoungershiftertodissectandstudy.No,heneededashifterwiththeperfectgenetic
makeuptobethebridge.OnethatheldpartshifterandparthumanDNA.

Itjustsohappenedheknewofachildwiththatmakeup…andthatchildhadatwin.Frankwouldhave

aspare,incasethefirstdidn’tsurvive.

Hegrinnedasheshuthimselfawayinhiswarehouse.Allthosetimesofforcinghimselftocopulate

withthatfemalebearwouldnowbeworthit.

He’dhavehislivesamples.Andthentheglory.
Perfection.

Chapter3

Anya’stempleshurt,butshedidn’tdarerubthem.Notwhenthatdamncatkeptsneakingpeeksather.

Oh,themandidn’tdoitobviously,butshecouldtellwhenhisgazewasonher.Everyhaironthebackof
herneckstoodonend,andshesworeherskinbrokeoutingoosebumpsfromthetouchofhisstarealone.

Sheignoredhim.Oratleasttriedto.Herbrotherneededherincasehehadavision,andshecouldn’t

bedistractedbyCole.Plus,shewantedtoknowwhattheseleadersweresaying.Theyheldthefutureof
thePacksintheirhands.

“We’vehadpatrolsgoingonfortwenty-fiveyears,”Holdensaid.“Wehaveourpathsandwhat

we’vedoneinthepasttoprotectourown.Whenthecatscame,weincludedthemintheroutine,andeven
addedmoreroutessothehumanscan’tfigureoutwhenwewillbeincertainplaces.”HemetAndrew’s
gaze,andAnyastoodupstraighter.“You’veonlybeenherefortwoweeks.Iknowyou’retryingtosettle
in,andfuck,we’realltryingtosettleintoournewhomessincetheyuprootedusfromthehomesyou’re
nowlivingin,butareyoureadytojoininonthepatrols?”

Andrewranahandoverhisbeardandfrowned.Hewasabigman,ahugegrizzly—evenbiggerthan

Oliver.TherewasareasonhewasherAlpha.“Whydoweneedtojoinyourpatrols?Whycan’twehave
patrolsofourown?”

Holdenliftedhislipinasnarl,butArielpattedhisknee.Hecalmedathismate’sinfluence,andAnya

feltastabofjealousy.She’dneverhadthatkindofconnectionwithsomeone,andastimemovedon,she
wasafraidshe’dneverbeableto.

ThewolfAlphaletoutaheatedbreath.“BecausewemightbethreedifferentPacks,threedifferent

Alphas,butthisisourfuckingcompoundnow.Andbitchingaboutthecircumstanceswe’rein,insteadof
tryingtofindawayoutofcaptivity,isn’tgoingtohelpanyone.”

AndrewstudiedHoldenforamomentthenturnedtoJonah.“Whatsayyou,cat?Youenjoyworking

withthewolves?”

JonahglancedathisdaughterandherwolfmatesprawledoverherlapthenlookedbackatAndrew.

“Isayweadaptorperish.WealllosttoomuchwhentheVeronaVirushitandwecameintothepublic
eye.It’snotoneagainstanotherinhere.Wecan’taffordthat.SoIthinkit’stimeweputasideour
differencesandactuallyworktogether.Thingsarerumblingoutthere,thehumansareafraid.Ifthey
weren’t,theywouldn’tbepunishingusateveryturn.Weneedtofindawaytoworkasoneandfindour
freedom.”

Anyaletoutabreath,andAndrewsmiled.HerdamnAlphawastoocunningforabear.He’d

probablybeenthinkingalongsimilarlinestheentiretime,butthisway,hegottheirtrueopinionsrather
thanblindlyagreeingtosomethinghewasn’tquitesureof.Damnbear.

“Isaywehaveadeal,”herAlphasaidsmoothly.MegansnortedbesideAndrew,andAnyaheldback

alaughofherown.“I’mnotinthemoodtoloseanotherPackmemberbecausethehumansthinktheyown
us.”Heranhishandsalongthemetalcollarheworearoundhisneck.Theyallworeone,asymboltothe
humansthattheshifterswereanimals,collaredpets.

Only,theshiftershadallowedthehumanstoputthecollarsontheirnecks.They’ddonesotoprotect

theirchildrenandlegacyinatimewherethefuturewasuncertain.ThehumansalsoforcedeachPack
membertowearabrandthatsignifiedtheirspecies—atribalheadoftheiranimalburnedintotheir
forearms.EachPacktookthatbrandonestepfurtherandtattooedtheirindividualPackmarksononeside
ofthebrand,whilematesdidthesamewiththeirmarksontheotherside.Fullymatedcouplesheldafull
symbol,whilethoselikeAnya,thoseinneedofamate,woretheirspartiallycompleted.

Witheachslashagainstthembythehumans,theshiftersdidtheirbesttoriseaboveit.
“We’reintightquartersnow,andaswe’reallstillbreedingandcreatinglife,Idon’tseeusfinding

moreroomanytimesoon.We’lljusthavetomakeitwork,”Holdenfinallysaidafterhe’dstudiedAndrew
forabitmore.

“We’vewonbattlesagainstthem,butnotthewar,”Jonahsaidsoftly.“Notyet.”
“We’restrongerasone,ratherthanthree,”Andrewaddedin.
Anyaknewshewasatthesiteofchange,witnessingatreatythatwouldhopefully,oneday,showher

sonsfreedom.ThesethreeAlphaskneweachothermorethantheyletontothehumans.They’dbeen
secretlysendingrunnerstoeachoftheothercompoundsovertime,butnowitwasdifferent.Nowtheyall
sharedahome,andcouldplanfacetoface.Thehumanpatrolswithinthecompoundwouldbewatching,
butitwasatleastastepintherightdirection.

Theydiscussedtherestofthepatrolsforabitlonger,andAnyastretchedherlegs,awareColewas

staringather.Shewantedtosnapathim,butthiswasn’ttheplace.HerAlphaneededhertobeOliver’s
support,notamadbearwithanachingpaw.

Herbrotherletoutagroanthenleanedintoher.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisshouldersand

broughthimcloser.Whenhisbodyshook,shepressedherlipstohishair,murmuringreassurances.Each
visiontookatollonhim,notjustemotionallyandmentally,butphysically.Theywerekillinghimone
premonitionatatime,andtherewasnothingshecoulddoaboutit.Shejustprayedthathewouldfinda
waytomatewithanotheronedayandsharetheburden.ItwastheonlywayForeseerscouldlive.Yet
Oliverhadputhimselfsofarapartfromothers,Anyadidn’tseehowhecouldlastformuchlonger.

Atthatmacabrethought,sheletoutashudderandwaitedforherbrothertotellthemwhathe’dseen

—thatwasifhecould.Hecouldn’talwaysrelayhisvisions.Shedidn’tknowifheheldbackbecausehe
didn’twanttoburdenothers,orifhewasphysicallyunable.Shedidn’tunderstandthebreadthofher
brother’spowersandresponsibilitiesasmuchassheshould.Thattookilledher.

Heatradiatedatherback,andshestiffenedbeforeforcingherselftorelax.Coleputhishandonher

shoulder,keepinghersteady.Shehadn’trealizedshe’dstartedtoleanofftheloguntilhetouchedher.
Energyflowedthroughhistouch,sendingshocksthroughhersystem.Herheartracedandshecursed
shifterhearing.Hopefully,theotherswouldthinktheincreasedbeatofherheartwasduetoherbrother’s
visionsratherthanthetouchofthecatbehindher.Cole’sgriptightenedforamoment,asifhetoofelt
whatshehad,thenherelaxed.Whydidherelax?Didheforcehimselftodoso?Andwhywasshe
overthinkingthis?Shedidn’tpushhimaway,thoughshedesperatelywantedto.Ifhistouchkepther
steadysoshecouldhelpherbrother,she’ddealwithit.

Olivershookoncethenpulledaway.Shelethimmoveback,herhandsshaking.Shehatedtoseethe

greypallorofhisskin;thedarkbagsthatformedunderhiseyesasthevisionstookfurthertollonhis
body,hissoul.

Cole’shandlefthershoulder,andsheignoredthesenseoflossshefelt.Herbearmustbegoing

crazy;becausethatwastheonlyreasonshe’dbethinkingaboutthelackofhistouchasaloss.

Theothershadgatheredaroundthem,silentintheirworryandanticipationofwhatOliverwouldsay.

However,theydidn’tcrowdhim,andforthatshewasgrateful.Oliverhatedbeingthecenterofattention
evenonhisgooddays.

“Here,drinkthis.”
AnyalookedupasColekneltinfrontofOliverwithabottleofwaterinhishand.
“I’dhavebroughtthebooze,butIfiguredyou’dneedwaterfirstbeforeyoudrinkofftheeffectsof

whateverthehelljusthappened.”

Oliverletoutaroughchuckle,andAnyarelaxed.Ifherbrothercouldlaugh,evenjustalittle,then

he’dbeokay.HerbrotherchuggedthewaterafternoddingatCole.WhenOliverlookedalittlelessgrey,
alittlemorecomposed,heletoutasigh.

“Canyoutelluswhatyousaw?”Holdenasked.Hefrownedandlookeddownathishandclasped

withAriel’s.“Orwasthatquestioninsensitive?”Heshruggedaseveryoneshottheirgazestohim.He
wastheAlpha,andthatwasoneoddstatement.“What?Iknowwhatitmeanstoholdaresponsibilityyou
aren’treadyfor.IwasateenagerwhenIwasforcedtobetheAlpha.Idon’tremembermeetingForeseers
whenwewereoutinthewild.Hell,Ibarelyrememberthestoriesofthem.Uswolvesandcatshavebeen
soseparatefromthebears,we’vemissedoutonalotoftheshiftercultureweshouldhavegrownup
with.”HegrowledagainbeforelookingdirectlyatOliver.“ForallIknow,askingwhatyousawwas
taboo,andyou’regoingtowanttoclawmyfaceoff.”HenoddedatArielandgrinned,evenifhiseyes
weredark.“Shelikesmyfacethewayitis.”

“That’strue,”Arielsaidsoftly.ShetiltedherheadatOliver.“I’mnewtothewholeshifterthing

sinceIgrewuphuman.Idon’tquiteunderstandwhatjusthappened.”Arielwasthefirstmadeshifter
Anyahadseensincethewallswerebuilt.Ithadbeendonetosaveherlife,andthoughitwasthecatalyst
forthechangethatplacedthemonrockyground,Anyacouldn’tblameHoldenforriskingitalltosavehis
mate.

Oliverletoutabreathandranahandoverhisface.“I’mtheForeseer.Icanseeglimpsesofthe

futureifthegodsallowit,butnotalways,andnotwhenIwantto.Hell,it’snotalwayscompletely
accuratebecauseonechangeinhowsomeonereactsandthefuturechanges.”

“Sonothingissetinstone?”Coleasked,hisvoicedeep.
“Nothing,”Oliversaidsolemnly.“Thoughsometimes,nomatterhowhardyoutrytochangetheway

thingsworkout,fatehasawayoffuckingitupandmakingtheworsthappenanyway.”Oliverclosedhis
eyesandgrowledbeforecomposinghimself.“YoucanaskwhatIsaw,butsometimes,Ican’ttellyou.”

TheothersnoddedasOliveropenedhiseyes.
“Whatdidyousee?”Anyaasked,hervoiceawhisper.
Oliverlookedpastthem,hiseyesseeingnothing.“Isawblood.Blood,loss,anddeath.”Hisvoice

washollow,amemoryofwhatithadoncebeen.“Changeiscoming,butatgreatcost.Theworldisn’t
readyforwhatistocome,butwemustbe.Forifwe’renot…thenthereisnouseforthehopewedugup
fromthetrenchesofagony.”

Anyaheldbackashudder,thoughshefeltthatsameshudderrollthroughColeatherside.Noone

askedOlivertoexplainwhathiswordsmeant.Somethingsdidn’tneedtobeexplained.Andotherswere
sovague,thetruthbehindthosewordssoshadowed,thatiftheyweretoask,theymightgetfarmorethan
theybargainedfor.

Theyendedthemeetingthen,theirmindsonwhatOliverhadseenandonwhatthecomingmonths

wouldentail.Whileshewantedtoaskherbrotherexactlywhathehadseen,sheknewhe’dsaidexactly
whathe’dmeantto.Ifhe’dwantedtoelaborateonthevaguestatementsofbloodanddeath,hewould
have.

Instead,shewalkedsilentlybesidehimonthewaytopickupherboysbeforetheyheadedhome.The

othershadtheirownplansfortheevening,butshewantedtoletherbearouttoplaywithhersons,then
makedinnerandpretend,ifonlyforthenight,thateverythingwasokay.She’dignorethemetalatherneck
andtheinkonherarm—therewasnothingmoreshecoulddo.

“Wouldyouliketogoforarun?”sheasked,hervoicedevoidofemotion.Shedidn’tknowwhat

Oliverneeded,andfrankly,herheadhurtfromdealing—orrather,notdealing—withColeduringthe
meeting.

Olivershookhishead.“Maybenotarun,Idon’thavethatkindofenergytoday.Butmaybewecan

shiftwiththeboysandrollaround.Iknowtheyalreadyshiftedtoday,buttheyareprobablyanxiousand
coulduseanothershifttogetoutallthatexcessenergy.”

Anyasmiledsoftly.“Ithinktheycoulduseanothershift,aswell.ThistimewhenI’mactuallythere

andtheyaren’ttryingtosneakoutofthehouse.”

Oliverwrappedanarmaroundhershoulders,andshesankintoherbrother’sside.“You’reagood

mom,Anya.Neverforgetthat.Okay?”

Shenodded,thoughsomethinginsidehertoldherthatthiswasn’tjustherbrotherspeaking,butthe

Foreseer,aswell.Whatthatmeant,shedidn’tknow,butshe’dhughersonsassoonasshecouldjustin
case.

LucasandOwenbouncedtowardher,fullofsugarandsmilesastheyleftthematernals.Anya

thankedthebearswho’dwatchedhercubsandpromisedshe’dhelpthemsoon.Shehadashiftwiththem
laterthatweek,butsometimesonherdaysoff,sheenjoyedwatchingthebabieswiththeothers.Asa
dominant,she’dgoneonpatrolsintheoldcompound,andnowshewouldhere,aswell.Plus,shedid
differentshiftswitheachofthesubmissives,maternals,andotherlowerrankingsectionsofthePack.
Sincetheywerenotallowedtoleavetheden,theyhadtomakedowithwhattheyweregivenbythe
humans.EachfactionwascriticaltothePack’ssurvivalasawholeandfunctionedonalevelthatensured
theirsurvival.

Herboysranaroundherlegsastheymadetheirwayhome,laughingandaskingquestionsabout

wheresheandOliverhadbeen.Theylivedrightontheedgeofthecat’sterritory,hencewhyherboys
sawsomuchofCole.Shefiguredthatsoon,onceagain,thelinesofwholivedwherewouldblur.There
justwasn’tenoughroomtobepicky.

“YouruncleOliverandIwanttoshiftandplay.Howdoesthatsound?”
Lucasjumpedupanddown,wavinghisfistsintheairbeforestrippingoffhisclothes.Well,atleast

he’dbotheredtodothatfirst,insteadoftryingtoshiftbeforedisrobing.

Owensmiledather,sosweetandadorable.“Wecanshift,too?”
Sheranherhandthroughhishair.“Ofcourse,baby.Let’splay.”
Owenbouncedonhisfeetandquicklyjoinedhisbrotherinbearform.Oliverrolledhisshoulders

andshiftedaswell,lettingtheboysjumponhisbackassoonashewasdone.Anyarolledhereyesas
LucastriedtojumpontopofOliver’sback.Sinceherboysknewnottousetheirclawswhileplaying,the
twinsweren’tsucceedingattheirgoaltotakeOliverdown.

Shequicklytookoffherclothesandshifted,thesharpburnandachethatcamewitheachshift

washingoverher.Itwasn’taburstofsparklestoshift,butitalsowasn’tthegrotesqueimagerythatold
moviesmadeitouttobe.

Assoonasshewasinhergrizzlyform,Owenboundedtowardher,hislittlepawsbattingatherside.

Sheyawned,pretendingshedidn’tseehim.Lucas,tiredofUncleOlivernotleaningdownsohecould
crawlalloverhim,rolledtowardAnya,alittlebeargrinonhisface.

Seriously,herbearcubswerethecutestthingsever.
Shewentdowntoherbelly,knowingtheboyswouldgetfrustratedsoonifshedidn’tplayalong.

Theyweren’thuntersyet.Onedaysoonthey’dlearnexactlywhatthey’dneedtogettheirprey,butfor
now,itwasallaboutplay.

OwenandLucascrawledontopofher,theirlittlepaddedpawsdiggingintoherfur.Theydidn’tuse

claws,butsheknewtheywantedto.Littlenicksandscrapeswouldn’tnecessarilyhurt,buttheyneededto
learnsafetysotheydidn’thurtotherlittlecubswhentheyweren’tpayingattention.

Sheletthemplayabitlongerthenfrozeasaspicyscenthithernose.Theboysscrambledoffofher,

andsheturned,seeingColeinhisjaguarformstandingonhissideoftheterritorybyhistree.Theboys
bouncedtowardhim,lettingoutlittlebeargrowls.SinceColewasn’tinthetreethistime,theycouldn’t
playwithhistail,sotheynudgedintohisside.HemetAnya’sgazeforamomentasifaskingpermission.
Shegaveanod,thoughitwasawkwardinbearform.Sayingnowouldonlyhurtthefragilerelationships
herboysheldwithintheirnewden.Ifshepushedthemaway,theymightfighthardertoplaywiththecat.
Whiletheyweren’tallowedtosneakoutofthehousetoplay,shewasrightthere,andtheboyswerestill
underherdirectsupervision.ItmayhavegratedonherthatColewasthereandhadinterruptedafamily

moment,buthonestly,therewasn’tenoughspaceinthedentobeasfrustratedasshewas.Colewasinhis
territory.Itwasn’thisfaultthatherbabieswantedtoplaywithhim.Thoughshe’dfindawaytoblame
himifshecouldsincehebotheredhersomuch.Andthatbotheredhermore.

Owenrantowardher,nudgedherside,andplayedabitmorebeforegoingbacktoCole,whohad

rolledonhisbacktolettheboysnuzzleintohisstomach.Itwouldhavelookedweirdtothehuman
populationtoseeajaguarplayingwithtwobearcubs,butforshifters,thiswashowithadbeenallthose
yearsago.Itmayhavebeendoneaspunishment,butinreality,puttingthethreeshiftergroupstogether
mightonedayleadtosomethingsignificant…somethinggreat.

Shelettheboysplayabitlonger,awarethatOliverhadshiftedbacktohumanformandgoneinside.

Fromthesmellofcookingmeatandspices,he’dstartedmakingtacosfordinner.Herstomachgrowled
loudly,andifshe’dbeeninhumanform,sheknewshe’dhaveblushed.Thankfully,herfurhidthatdisplay
ofembarrassment.Colelookedasifhe’dhaveraisedacatbrowatthesoundifhecouldhave.Yes,she
wasabear.Abigbear.Sheatealot.Sueher.

Colestoodupandshookhisbody,thennudgedhersonstowardher.Sheletoutarumbleofthanks

andledhersonsbackintothehouse,doingherbestnottolookbehindheratthecatthatbotheredherin
morewaysthanone.Shedidn’tknowwhatitwasaboutthatman,buthealwayssethernervesonend.

Bythetimesheshiftedback,herboyswereintheirclothesandbouncingaroundOliverashe

finishedcookingdinner.Anyarolledhereyesandhelpedthemsetthetable.SheandOlivertookturns
cookingsinceneitherofthemparticularlylikedit.She’dbeforevergratefulthathe’dgivenupsomuchto
helpherraiseherboys.ShecouldhavereliedonthePackforhelp,andshehad,butitwasn’tthesameas
havingsomeonemoveinandhelpchangediapersanddealwithmidnightfeedings.Othershadmatesand
loverstohelp.She’dhadnoone.She’ddealtwiththestigmaoffallingforahuman—anSAUledhuman
atthat—andhadlearnedthatnoteveryonewouldforgiveherforhavingfeelingsforthewrongman.But
noneofthosepeoplejudgedhersonsforthebloodthatranintheirveins.Andforthat,shewouldforever
turntheotherwayasothersjudgedher.Theylovedhersons,andthatwasallthatmattered.

Afterdinner,sheforcedtheboystotakeabathandthenstuffedthemintheirpajamas.Threestories

later,theywereconkedoutintheiragingbunkbeds.Oliverhadsaidhe’dbuildbetteronesforher,but
withthelackofmaterials,sheknewthey’dhavetomakedoforawhile.Oliversleptinthemain
bedroom,andshehadthesmalleroffice-turned-bedroom.He’darguedwithherforawhileoverit,but
sincehewasforcedtolivewithtwogrowingcubs,hewasallowedtohavethebiggerspace.

Shefellasleepquicklyafteralongdayofworryingandshifting,thoughthatdamncatwasneverfar

fromhermind.Heinvadedherdreams;thatspicyscentoverwhelmingheruntilshewokeupearlythenext
morning,herbodyslickwithsweatandherthighscoatedwithherorgasm.

Holyhell.
Thedamncathadgivenheranactualwetdream.
Sheneededtogoonarunforrealthistime.Ormaybefindawillingbear,whodidn’tmindthatshe

wastaintedgoods.Onthatdepressingthought,shequicklygotreadyforthemorning,showeringand
brushingherteetheventhoughherbodywantedtogobacktosleepandhaveanotherdream.

Asshewaswalkingouttothekitchenforcoffee,sheinhaled,wantingthesenseoffamilytowash

overhersensesandpushouttheweirddreams.Only,whenshetookadeepbreath,thescentofherboys
wasn’tasstrongasitshouldhavebeen.Infact,shecouldonlyscentthefactthattheylivedinthehouse,
notthattheywereactuallyinthehouse.

Thoughshestartedtopanic,shetampeddownherbearandranintotheboys’room,onlytofindtwo

rumpledbedsandanopenwindow.

No.Nononono.Theyhadn’tbeenkidnappedortakenfromherhome.Theycouldhaveopenedthe

windowforairandwentintoOliver’sroom.Onlythatdidn’taccountforthelackofscent.

Maybethey’dsnuckoutagainandwenttothatdamncat.

Herhacklesrose.
Thatfuckingcat.
Shepoundedonherbrother’sdoor.“Oliver!Wakeup.Ican’tfindtheboys.I’mgoingtoCole’sto

seeiftheywentthere.”

Oliveropenedthedoorassoonassheturneddownthehallandgrunted.“Shit.Okay,I’mrightbehind

you.”

Shedidn’tbothertolookathim,hermindonthehorrorsofwhatcouldhappenifshewerewrong

aboutwheretheywere.Butshecouldn’tbewrong.HerlittleboyswerejustontheirwaytoCole’s.That
hadtobetheanswerbecauseshecouldn’tdealwiththealternative.

Shestompedtowardhistree,followingthefadedscentofherlittleboys.Damnit.They’dgoneafter

thecat.Thefuckingcat.Onlywhenshegottothetree,shedidn’tseeColeorhiscatself.

Shehuffedoutabreath.Withallthescentsoftheothershiftersinthearea,andthefactthatthey’dall

beenoutherethepreviousnight,shecouldn’ttellifherboyshadbeentherethatmorningornot.She’d
haveabettersenseofsmellinherbearform,butCole,asaTracker,wouldhavethebestsense.

Knowingshewasgettingdesperate,sherantoCole’shome,poundedonthedoor,andyelledhis

name.

Heopenedit,hishairdisheveled,andapairofjeansridinglowonhiships.Hehadn’tbotheredto

buttonthem,andshecouldseethetrailofhairfromhisbellytothedarkpatchthatshouldhavebeen
hiddenbehindhisjeans.Itlookedasifhe’dpulledthepantsoninahurry,butshecouldn’tcareaboutthat
rightthen.

“AreOwenandLucashere?”sheasked,knowingshesoundedfrantic.
Hiseyeswidenedafraction,andshewantedtoscream.“No.Iwassleeping.Idon’tknowwhere

theyare.”

“Theyhavetobehere,Cole.Theyaren’tathome.Theyaren’tatthetree.Theyhavetobehere.”Her

heartraced,andsheknewshewasscreamingandprobablywakinguptheentireden,butshedidn’tcare.

Worryenteredhisgaze,andshealmostbroke.Thiswasn’tthelazycat;no,thiswasamanfarfrom

lazy.Andthatscaredhermorethananything.

“Wherearemybabies,Cole?”
Heletoutabreathandpushedpasther,grabbingherhandalongtheway.“Idon’tknow,Anya,but

we’regoingtofindthem.Gotme?We’regoingtofindthem.”

Sheheldontohishandlikealifeline,herbearroaringinside.Ifsheletthebearout,she’drampage

andnotbeabletothink.ButthefactthatColehadsaidthey’dfindthemmadeherwanttocalmslightly,as
well.Sheshouldn’trelyonhimandsheknewit,butifshedidn’t,she’dmisssomething—missfindingher
children.

Thelazycatwasn’tsolazyanymore,andnowsheneededhimmorethanshethoughtpossible.
Herbabiesweregone.
Andnowthismommabearneededtofindthem,andthatmeantdeathforanyinherway.Anyone.

Chapter4

Cole’scatscrapedathischest,butheignoredit,knowingheneededtostaycalmforAnya.He’d

seenthepanicinhergaze,andhedidnotwanttobeonthereceivingendofhersnapifshewentbearon
him.Hehadn’tbeeninvolvedinwhateverthehellwasgoingon,buthewastheeasiesttarget.

Thecatwantedtohuntdownanyonewhodaredhurtthosecubs.Itwassuchanintensereactionthat

hewasslightlystartled.He’dhavefoughtforanyoftheshifters’young,butthisfeltdifferent.Hedidn’t
wanttothinkaboutwhyitwasdifferent,soheshovedthosethoughtsasideandlookeddownathishand
clutchingAnya’s.

Mistake.
Bigfuckingmistake.
Hereyeswidened,andhehadtoswallowhard.Heshouldn’thavegrabbedherhand,shouldn’thave

touchedher.Notwhenshewasaboutreadytoblow,andfrankly,notever.Shehatedhim.Orperhaps
hatedeverythingherepresentedwhenitcametothechangesinherlife.Again,hepushedthosethoughts
fromhismind,knowingheneededtofocus.HewastheTrackerforhisPack,andthoughshewasn’ttruly
PackbeingUrsineandnotFeline,shewasstillinhisden.Therewasnowayhe’dlethisdutiesfallbythe
waysidebecausehedidn’tknowhowtotakewhateverfeelingsweregoingoninhismindrightthen.

“Let’sgotowheretheyshouldhavebeenfirst.ThenI’llshiftifIhaveto.Ihavebettersensesinmy

catform.”

Shenodded,herjawsetting.“Iknow.That’sanotherreasonI’mhere.Ican’tmakeouttheirscents

withallthenewones.Ishouldbeabletofindmybabieseasilysincetheyaremine,butwiththe
overwhelmingscentsofsomanyothershifterswehaven’tbeennearbefore,mybearcan’tdoit.”

Thatmusthavekilledhertoadmit.Noshifterwantedtoshowweakness—especiallyafemalewith

regardtohercubs.Healsodidn’tblameherbearfortheinabilitytosiftthroughsomanydifferentscents.
Asitwas,Colewasafraidhe’dhavetoshifttohiscatprettysoontodiscerntheboys’specificscents
amongsomanyothers.Itdidn’thelpthattheboyshadplayednearhistreesooftenthattheirscenthad
practicallyembeddeditselfinhisterritory.

Thefactthathiscatactuallylikedthatwassomethinghe’dhavetoexplorelater.
“Igetit,”hefinallysaidasheledherbacktoherplace.“We’llallgetthehangofthis.Ofcourse,

whenwedo,thehumanswillprobablychangesomethingelse.”Hewastryingtokeephermindoffthe
terrorofwhatcouldbewrong,buthecouldtellitwasn’tworking.Hereyeswerewide,butshewas
tryingtotracktheboys,aswell.

Asfarashecouldtell,however,thekidshadn’tbeenthiswayearlythatmorning.Hecouldbewrong

thoughsincetheymayhavecomeanotherwaytosneakoutofthehouse.Onlyhedidn’tthinktheboys
werethatundisciplinedtobreaktherulessosoonaftergettingintotroubleinthefirstplace.Thatwas
whatworriedhim.Theymightbelittleandwanttoexplore,buttheywouldn’triskthewrathoftheir
motherthedayaftergettingreprimanded.

Thescentofanadultbearfilteredthroughtheair,andColelookedoveratAnya’sbrother.Theman

woreanoldpairofsweatsandashirthe’dputoninsideout,probablychanginginahurrytobeginthe
hunt.Itwasearlyenoughinthemorningthatmosteveryonewouldbeasleep.Colewouldwakethemupin
aheartbeatthoughifheneededthedenonfullalert.

“Youfindthem?”Oliverasked,hisbrowsdrawn.
Coleshookhishead.“I’mgoingtotryandseeifIcanpickupanynewscentsaroundthehouse.We’ll

findthem.”

“Thereisn’tanotheroption,”Anyasaidsoftly.
Oliverglancedbetweenthem,hisgazefallingtoColeandAnya’sclaspedhands.Anyaletgoasif

she’dbeenburned,andColetriednottotakeoffense.Thereweremoreimportantthingstothinkabout.

Coleleftthetwosiblingstosearchontheirownasheloweredhisheadandmadehiswayaroundto

thebackofthebuilding.Ifherememberedcorrectly,thebedroomswereonthisside,andthat’swherehe
neededtostart.Assoonashefoundtheopenwindow,hefrowned.

Somethingwasoffaboutit,buthewasn’tsurewhat.Heinhaleddeeply,lettingeachandeveryscent

aroundhimcoathissenses.Heclosedhiseyes,tryingtounweaveanddisregardthescentsthatwouldn’t
helphimonhishunt.Notallshifterscoulddothissoprecisely,butthatwaswhyhewastheTracker.
Therewassomething…offaboutoneofthescents.Itsmelledlikeashifter,buthecouldn’tquiteplaceit.
Heopenedhiseyesashescentedtheboys.Itwasstronghere,meaningtheboyshadbeenoutsidethis
morningandhadusedthiswindowtogetout.Onlytheirscentsweren’tonthewindowitself.

OwenandLucashadn’topenedthewindowontheirown.
Fuck.
Heloweredhishead,inhaledaroundthewoodenpanessurroundingtheglassandcursed.
“Whatisit?”Anyaasked.
He’dnoticedthatshe’dcomearoundtothebackendofthehouse,buthe’dbeenfocusedonhis

scentinginsteadofacknowledgingher.

“Someoneopenedthiswindowfromtheoutsideandcarriedtheboysoutofit.”Heturnedtoher,his

catragingathim,wantingafight.“Whoeveritwascarriedeachboy,oneatatime,thenputtheminabag
orsomethingbecausetheirscentisn’tdirectlyonthegroundbeneaththewindow.”

Anyagrowled,low,deadly.“Abag?Someonekidnappedmycubsandputtheminabag?”
Hehelduphishands,prayingshewouldn’tswipeathim.Shecurledherhandsathersides,andhe

knewshewasstrugglingtocontrolherbear.Thebearwantedtoshiftandripanyoneinherwaytoshreds,
andhedidn’tblameher,butthatwouldn’thelpanyonerightthen.

“Yougood?”heaskedaftershetookafewdeepbreaths.
“Nothingisgoodaboutthis,”shesnapped.Hernostrilsflared,butshegavehimatightnod.“ButI’m

notgoingtogutyouorshiftrightnow.”

“Goodtoknow,”hesaidlightly.“I’mgoingtoshifttomycatnowandseeifIcanfollowtheman’s

scent.”

“It’saman?”
“Ithinkso,”hesaid.“IalsothinktheguymaskedhisscentsomehowbecauseIcan’tgetaleadon

exactlywhatheis.Thescentisheavierhereasifhejustrandomlypoppedupintoexistenceatyour
window.Sincethat’simpossible,Ithinkhecoveredhistrailtogethere,andafterawhile,itworeoffor
something.OnceIshifttomycat,Imightgetabetterhandleonit.”Hemethergaze.“That’salsowhyyou
couldn’tscenthimintheroomwiththeboys.”Shehadn’tsaidasmuch,butshewouldhavetoldhimif
she’dscentedanotherinthatroom.

Herlipsthinnedandshegavehimatightnod.
Heletoutabreaththenunzippedhispants.Hehadn’tbotheredtobuttonthemwhenhe’druntothe

dooratherknocking.Healsohadn’tbotheredwithunderwear.Hergazefellonhiscockashestripped
down,butshedidn’tsayanything.Hecouldscentherarousaleventhroughherpainandrageanditkilled
him.Itwasn’tthefirsttimehe’dscentedit,buthepusheditasideashehadbefore.Hisdickfilledand
stoodatattentioninherpresenceasitusuallydid,butheignoredit.Thiswasn’tthetimetoworryabout
attractionandhisdick’sfeelings.

Hequicklyshiftedtohiscat,thefamiliarburnandachenotcoolinghislibido.Herolledhis

shouldersthenstartedtotrack.AnyaandOliverkeptagooddistancebetweenthemselvesandhim,andhe
wasgratefulforthat.They’dinterfere,andhecouldn’tallowthattohappen,notwhenLucas’sand

Owen’sliveswereatstake.

Inhisjaguarform,eachscentwasintensified.Theworldaroundhimfeltasifeachtrailofforest,

man,andshifterwereatactiledisarraythathewouldnowbeabletounfoldandunravelifhetruly
focused.Hissightwascrisper,hishearingevenmoresensitive.Hecouldfeelthebrushbetweenhistoes,
andknewthepadsofhisfeetpickeduponeventhebaresttraceofdisturbanceintheground.Ifhelethis
cattakeover,heknewhe’dbefullyimmersedinallofhissenses.However,itwasthemanwithinthat
madehimwhohewas.Withoutbothhalvesofthewhole,hewouldn’tbeCole.

Hefollowedthescentoftheman—hewassureitwasamannow—andthemutedscentsofthetwo

boys.Sinceitwasonlyscents,hecouldn’ttelliftheboyshadbeenstrugglingornot.However,hedidn’t
tastethevividscentofdeath.Theboyswerealivewhentheyweretaken.

Thatwassomething,atleast.
Hecontinuedtofollowthetrailthatledtheboysawayfromthehouseandtowardthehighfencethat

kepttheshiftersinandthehumansthatdidnotworkfortheSAUout.Onlythatdidn’tappeartoworkin
eithercase.SomeshifterswerestillabletosneakawayforPackbusiness,andaswasevidencedbywhat
hadhappenedthatmorning,ahumancouldcomeontoPackland.

Coleshiftedback,hisbodysweat-slickfromshiftingbackandforthsoquickly.
“Whatisit?”Anyaasked.Shekeptarespectabledistancebetweenthem,andhewasn’tsureifitwas

becauseshewantedtokeepthescentsclean,orthatshedidn’twanttobearoundhimwhilehewasnaked.
Whilemostshiftersdidn’tcareaboutnudity,itwasdifferentwhenbothpartieswereattractedtoone
anotherandfightingit.Becausedamn,hecouldtellshewasfightingitasmuchashewas.

OliverthrewCole’sjeansathim,andColeslidthemon.ItseemedtheForeseerhadpickeduponthe

undertonesbetweenColeandAnya.Hedidn’tknowifthatwasgoodorbad,butitdidn’tmatterright
then.He’ddealwiththisachelater—oncetheboysweresafeandwhoeverhadtakenthemlayinapool
ofhisownblood.

“Theyscaledthefence,”Colegrowled.“Notwellsincethebastardcuthimselfonthewayup.He’s

humanandhe’snotlightonhisfeet.Whateverkepthisscenthiddenfromuswasman-made.Science.It
wasn’tskill.”

Humanskidnappingshiftercubswasn’tunheardof.Butmostwhodaredtotrywerekilledinstantly.

Andthentheshifterswerepunishedfordaringtoharmahuman.Thisman,however,hadusedscienceina
waythatColedidn’tunderstand,andthatworriedhim.Whatelsewasoutthere?Whyhadthecubsbeen
taken?

Colelookedoverhisshoulder,knowingthiswasfarbiggerthanjustaTrackerandamommabear.

He’dhavetotelltheAlphas,andthentheycoulddecidewhattodo.Buttheyneededtogetthehelloutof
therefastbeforetheSAUpatrolscaughtwindofthemventuringtooclosetotheedgesoftheenclosure.

Anyamovedcloser,herhandsshaking.Sheleanedtowardthefenceandinhaled.Whenshefrozeand

thescentofunadulteratedfearmixedwithherrage,Colemovedquickly.Hecuppedherfaceandforced
hergazetohis.Olivergrowledathisside,butheignoredtheForeseer.Thedamnmanhadn’tseenthis.
Hehadn’tknownhisnephewswouldbetakeninthedeadofnightbyahumanwhowasabletohidefrom
them.Foreseersmightnotbeabletoseethoseclosetothem,butdamnit,thisshouldn’thavehappened.
Coleknewheshouldn’tblamethebear,butfuckit,heneededtoblamesomeone.

“Anya,”Colebitout.Heranhisthumbsalonghercheekbones,theskinsosofttherehehadtohold

backagroan.Notthetime,cat.

“Iknowthishuman,”shewhispered.
Coleblinked,shocksmashingintohim.
“No,”Oliverbitout.“Fuckno.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Coleasked,hisvoiceshaking.Theonlyhumansshiftersknewweretheir

jailers,theSAU.Howcouldsheknowthisparticularhuman?WhywouldOliverbespeakingasifhe’d

heardfromaghostoftheirpast?DreadsliddownCole’sspineandheswallowedhardbeforespeaking.
“Howdoyouknowthishuman?”

Anyablinkedupathim,agonyandangerwarringinherblueeyes.“Theirfather,”shewhispered.

“LucasandOwen’sfather.”

Coletookastepback,blinking.“Whatthefuck?”
Anyaliftedherlipinasnarl,herbearinhereyes.“Itwasamistake.Alongtimeago.Iwasanidiot

andtootrusting,butthatisnottheissuerightnow.Thatmotherfuckerstolemybabies,andIwillbe
gettingthemback.Now.”

Sheturnedtowardthefenceandlookedreadytoclimb.Asacat,hecouldjumpoveritinoneleap.

Asabear,she’dbeabletoclimbitjustaseasily.Thewolvescouldjumpprettyhighaswell,buthe’d
neverseenabearclearthefencewithouthavingtousetheirhandsorpawsfirst.Hereachedoutand
grippedhershoulder.Shepulledawayfromhistouch,growling.

“Don’tyoudarestopme,cat.”
Hesnarled.“Thinkaboutwhatyou’redoing.Youcan’tjustleavethedenwithyourfuckingcollaron

withoutthinkingitthrough.Haveyoueverbeenoutsideyourden?Iknowdamnwellyouhaven’tbeen
outsideofthisone.Youdon’tevenknowtheinteriorworkingsoftheden,letaloneoutsidethedamnthing.
Takeastepback.WeneedtotalktotheAlphasandgetpermissionbeforewejustleavethedenandrisk
therestofourpeople.”

Sheswipedathim,herclawsout,readytospillblood.“Thosearemysons.Theyaremynumberone

priority.”

Heletoutabreath,tryingtoremaincalm.“Oliver.”
“Gotit.Hurther,though,andItakeitoutofyourhide.”TheForeseerrantowardthedencentertoget

theAlphasandformanemergencymeeting.

“Cole.Getoutofmyway.”
Hegrowled,lowanddeadly,hischestrumblingwiththeangerofhiscat.“Weneedtomakesure

othersknowwhat’shappening.Whatifyourboysweren’ttheonlyonestaken?Whatifsomeoneknows
somethingthatcanhelp?Goingoutblindwillonlyhurtus.Itcouldendangernotonlyourlivesbutthe
boys’,aswell.”

“Theirlivesarealreadyindanger.”Herbearwassoclosetothesurfacehewasafraidshe’dbreak

rightthenifshedidn’ttakeastepback.

Sohedidtheonlythinghecouldtogethermindoffthedanger.
Hekissedher.
Itwasaquickbutbrutalmeetingoflips.Justtoputherbearonthepathofanotherdanger,another

fearthatheknewsheheld.

Shepushedathim,herclawsdiggingintohisshoulders.Whensherippedhermouthfromhisshe

screamed,“Whatthefuck?”Shelookedangry,butatleastshedidn’tlooklikeshewasontheedgeof
insanityasshehadbefore.Thatwasatleastsomething.

“Youbetter?”heasked.
Shedeliberatelywipedhermouthwiththebackofherhand.Hewouldn’tletthatsting.
“Iwon’tsaythankyou.”Sheletoutabreath.“Ineedmybabies.”
“Andwe’regoingtogetthem.”Heheldouthishand,andshestaredatitforamomentbeforeplacing

hersmalleroneinhis.Hesqueezedonceandnodded.“Let’sgo.”

“Youhavethescent?”Holdenasked,hisbrowslowered.“Youcantrackit?”
Colenodded.“Yeah,Ican.AndIwill.”
They’dbeenatthedencenterforfiveminuteswiththeotherAlphasandvariousshifterswhothought

theycouldhelpandwerealreadyformingaplan.TheentirePackcouldn’tmeettodiscusswhatwas
goingonsincetheSAUwasalwayswatching.Iftheythoughttheshifterswereplanningarevoltoutinthe
open,itwouldspelldisasterfortheactualrevolttheykeptsecret.

“You’renotleavingmebehind,”Anyasnapped.“Thosearemysons.”
Colenodded.Hehadn’tplannedtoleaveAnyainthedenatall.Thoughitgratedonhimthathe’dbe

leadingherintodanger,therewasnowayshe’dbesafebackatthecompound.She’dendupgoingferalin
herworryforhersons.Ifhewerebyherside,hecouldhopefullykeepherbearatbaywhiletheyhunted
forhercubs.

“It’sahumanwhohidhisscent,”Jonahsaidwithafrown.“Thatworriesme.Whatelsearethe

humanshiding?”

“Maybewe’llfindoutwhilewe’rethere,butmyfirstpriorityisOwenandLucas.”Heraisedhis

chinbutdidn’tmeethisAlpha’seyes.TherewasareasonthebigcatwastheAlpha,afterall.

“Iunderstand,”Jonahsaidgruffly.“Buttakeinwhatinformationyoucan.”Hepaused,lookingatthe

othersintheroom.“Whatelsedoweknowaboutthishuman?”HelookedatAnya.“Yousaidhe’sthe
boys’father?”

Anya’sjawclenched.“Yes,theirfather.Hewasahumanscientistwholedmetobelievehewason

ourside.Helied.Heleftthefirstchancehecouldonceotherhumansfiguredouthewasasympathizer—
oratleastmadeothersbelievehewas.Hewantednothingtodowithmypregnancy.He’snevermetthe
boys.”Sheswallowed.“Untilthismorning.”

Andrew,theUrsineAlpha,letoutacurse.“Well,fuckit,Anya.Whoisthisguyandwhydidn’tIkill

himwhenIhadthechance?”

ShemetherAlpha’sgaze,andColewantedtoreachoutandholdherclose.“IfIcouldgobackin

time,I’dkillhimmyself.Youknowthat.”

“What’shisname?”Arielasked.ShesatnexttohermateHolden,hereyesglossywithtears.“What

elsecanyoutellusabouthim?Iknowyou’replanningtofollowhisscent,butisthereanythingelse?”

“HisnameisFrankTalbot.That’sallIknow.Idon’tevenknowifhe’spartoftheSAUanymore.”
Corasuckedinabreath.“FrankTalbot?”
Sorencursedbesideherandbroughtherclose,runninghishandsdownherback.
“What?Whatisit?”Coleasked,frowning.
“Frankwastheonewhokidnappedus,”Corasaid,hervoicefilledwiththerageofatigerprincess.
Anyatookastepback,herbodyshaking.Colewasthereinaninstant,nottouchingher,butclose

enoughthathecouldcatchherifsheshouldfall.Shelookedoverhershoulderathim,herfacedeathly
pale.Shedidn’tfall,buthershouldersloweredoncehestoodnear.

“No,”shewhispered.“How…howisthatpossible?”
Andrewgrowled,hisvoicelow.“ItseemsthatDr.Talbothasalotofexplainingtodo.”
SorentiltedhisheadandstudiedCole.“Wecan’tlettoomanyofusleaveatonce.YouandAnyawill

havetofindthisbastardonyourown.Killhimforme,fordaringtotouchmymate.Iwillnotbeableto
spillhisblood,butyouwill.”

Colenodded,vowingtothewolfwholovedhisfelinematewithallofhistorturedsoul.Anyaleaned

againstCole’schestandheputhishandonherhip,awareotherswerewatching.Hewasn’tsuresheeven
noticed,hermindhadretreatedintoherownpanicandfear.Heunderstoodthat,andoncetheyfoundthe
boys,he’dmakesuretheydiscussedwhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwoofthem.

“Becareful,”Corasaidsuddenly.“HegotkickedoutoftheSAUfromwhatIcouldtell.Thatmeans

theSAU…andothersarelookingforhim.”

Hefrowned.“Others?”
Sorenmethisgaze.“Others.Beonthelookout.”
TheUnseen?Couldthatbewhathewastalkingabout?Theshiftersthathadescapedbeingcorralled

bythehumanslivedinsecret,theirveryexistenceadeathsentence.WhatwouldtheUnseenwantwith
FrankTalbot?NotallshiftersknewoftheUnseen,butColedid,he’dscentedthembefore.He’dalways
giventhemawideberth,ashehadn’twantedtoalertanyoneofhispresencewhileoutsidetheden
walls…butifhecouldusethemtofindOwenandLucashe’dbreakhisruleinaheartbeat.

Anyapulledawayfromhimandturnedtomeethisgaze.He’dfindherchildren,thenfigureoutthe

nextstep.Becausenomatterwhat,hewasn’tlettinggoofthisfeeling,thisconnection.

Somethinghadchanged.
Somethingimportant.
Butfirst,heneededtosavethelivesofthosecurrentlyinthehandsofahumanwhodeserved

somethingfarworsethandeath.

Farworse.

Chapter5

AnyastoodnearthefencesevenminutesafterleavingtheAlphas.Themeetingitselfhadonlytaken

nineminutes.Ithadbeenthirty-fourminutessinceshe’dnoticedherboysmissing.

Thirty-fourminutesandalifetimeofagony.
ShepulledatthelongsleevesoftheshirtArielhadpassedtoherasthey’dheadedout.Thebrandon

Anya’sskinwouldneverfadeaway—theSAUhasmadesureofthat—butshecouldatleastkeepit
coveredwhiletheywereoutsidethedenwalls.

Sinceshe’dbeenforcedinsideatthetenderageofseven,shehadn’tbeenoutsidethecompound

excepttotravelfromtheformerUrsinedentohernewhome.Otherthanthat,she’donlyseentheoutside
worldviatheglimpsesothersshowedherinphotographsandrecountedmemories.Shebarely
rememberedwhattheworldlookedlikewithoutacagearoundit.Shehadn’tseentheeffectsofabadly
depletedhumanpopulationaftertheVeronaVirushadalmosttakenthemout.

Nowshewasabouttofollowacatshedidn’tevenlikeintoaworldthatscaredhermorethanshe’d

everadmit,tofindhersonsandbringthemhome.Ifshecouldkillthebastardthathadbrokenherheart
andstolenherbabiesintheprocess,shewould.

Revengewouldtakeabackseattoherchildren’ssafety,however.
Colecameuptoherside,Oliverbehindhim.Herbrotherfrowned,worryetchedonhisface.He

hadn’tseenthis,sheknew.Ifhehad,he’dhavedoneallinhispowertostopit.Shecouldn’tblamehim
forwhathappened,anddidn’t.She’dlearnedlongagothatherfatewasuptoherandheralone.The
otherscouldrelyonaForeseer.Sheonlyhadherbrother,notthemagicinhisveins.

Herbearpushedatherasithadbeenallmorning.Onlyitwasn’tassevereasithadbeenwhenshe’d

beenatthefencebefore.IfColehadn’tkissedher,knockingherforaloop,shemighthavegonebearand
hurtherselforsomeoneshecaredabout.Herbeardidn’tthinkaboutmorethantheneedtomakesomeone
bleedfordaringtotouchOwenandLucas.Anyahadbarelyheldinhercontrolandalmostsnappeduntil
Colehadpressedhislipstohers,keepinghersane.

Shewouldn’tthankhimforthat,thoughsheknewsheshould.
She’dalsoignorethewayhislipshadfeltagainsthers,thewayhisheatedbodyhadfeltpressedto

hers.

Therewasnousethinkingthingslikethat.Herfeelingswerejustamomentarylapseinjudgment

broughtonbyatraumaticeventandtheinabilitytocope.

Coletiltedhisheadthenreachedout,tracingthemetalcollaronherneck.Shedidn’tmovebackfrom

histouch,neitherdidsheleanforward.Shehonestlydidn’tknowwhichwayherbodywouldrespond,so
shestoodstill.

“Ihavethescenttraildownandweneedtomovefast.Butwecan’tbewearingthese,Anya.It’sa

deathsentencetotakethemoff,butit’sabeaconforanyonewhoseesuswearingthemoutsidethese
walls.We’llhavetotakethemoffandkeepthemonusforwhenwereturn.Wecankeepthebrands
hidden,butwe’restillgoingtohavetolookasinconspicuousaspossible.”

Shenodded,herhandsgoinguptotheclaspatthebackofherneck.She’dnevertakenhercollaroff,

notsinceshe’dbeenforcedtowearitatageseven.Shesleptinit,foughtitin,madeloveinit,showered
itin…everythinginherlifeheldthemarkofthebrandandthecollar.Themetalgrewduringashiftsoshe
couldwearitasabear,andhadgrownasshe’daged.Itwasspeciallymadebyscientistswhothought
theyweregods.She’dseenfriendsdieatthehandsoftheSAUbecausethoseshiftershadfoughtfortheir
freedom.They’dlost,butAnyaprayedthatwouldnotalwaysbethecase.

Cole’sfingersbrushedhersashehelpedherwiththeclasp.Itwasn’teasytotakeoff.Ithadbeen

builttostaytightuntilthedaytheydied.TheSAUprobablywantedshifterstobeburiedwiththeir
collars,butthatdidn’thappen.OfthebodiesthePackwasallowedtokeep—theSAUsometimestook
bodiestoexperimenton—theAlphastookthecollarsoffsothedeadcouldbelaidtorest.Asfreeasthey
couldbe.Allwouldweartheirbrandsindeath,buttheinkthatlayontopmadeittheirown.

Thelockonthebackopenedwithasnapandsheshudderedatthesound.Thatwasn’ttheclickof

freedom,butconfirmationofthebrevityofthesituation.

Coletookthecollarandsliditintohishoodiepocket,hiscollaralreadyoff.Hecuppedherface,his

gazeintense.

“We’llfixthis,”hewhispered,hiswordsavow.
“Iknow.”Andshedid.Shemightnothavebelievedthiscatbefore,butsheknewfromthewayhe

trackedandthepromiseinhiswordsthathewouldfindawaytofixthis.Andshe’ddiebeforeshegave
up.Therewasnootheroption.

“Anya.”
Sheturnedatherbrother’svoice,pullingawayfromColeintheprocess.Shedidn’tknowwhythe

felinekepttouchingher,butheneededtostopbeforesomethinghappened.Somethingidiotic.

“Besafe,”herbrothersaidsoftly,hiseyesonColeandnother.Sheclearedherthroat,andOliver

lookeddownather.“Ican’tseewhatiscoming.”

“Iknow,”shewhispered.Shepattedhischeekthenkissedhischin.“I’llcomebackwiththem.I

promise.”

Henodded.“I’llkeepthehousewaitingforyou.IftheSAUpatrolscomenear,we’llkeepyour

absencehidden.”

Sheclosedhereyes,knowingiftheirescapewerenoticed,itwouldmeannotonlyherdeathbut

likelythedeathofthoseclosetoher,aswell.TheSAUdidn’ttakerebellionlightly.

Sheturnedawayfromherbrotherandclimbedthefence,slightlyenviousthatColecouldjumpitin

onemotion.ShewasabearandslightlyheavierthantheothershiftersbecauseofherDNA.Shemightbe
abletoclimbaswellasacat,butshedidn’thavethesamebalance.

Whenshehitthegroundontheotherside,herkneesached,butshetookthepaininstride.Ithelped

herrememberthateverythingshedidfromhereonoutwouldbedangerous.Shelookedbehindher,but
Oliverwasgone.Herbrotherprobablydidn’twanttostandbythefencesfortoolongandattract
attention.Onthatnote,sheraisedherbrowatCole,whohadaseriousfrownonhisface.

“What?”
“Justkeepingupwiththescent.I’mbetterasajaguar,butit’snotlikethoseareverycommoninthe

Coloradolandscape.Itdoesn’tmatterthatwe’reinaforestwhereseeingabearwouldbecommon,the
SAUwillshootonsight.Ihavetoconcentratehardertotracklikethis.It’lltakemoreenergy,meaningwe
can’tgoasfarinoneday.”

“Iknow,Cole.Idon’tblameyouforhavingtogoslower.You’retryingtosavemychildren.”
“Farcryfromwhatyou’dusuallydo,though.”
Sheshrugged,followinghimcloselyandkeepinganeyeontheirsurroundings.Whilehekept

tracking,shewouldwatchtheirbacks.Hecouldn’tdoitallatonce,soshewoulddowhatshecouldto
keepthemsafe.

“I’llberateyouwhenwehaveOwenandLucasback.”
Shewouldnotthinkaboutheruseofthewordwejustthen.
“Goodenough.”Hegrunted.“Fuck.Hegotintoacarhere,Anya.”
Shefrozeandlookeddownatthetracksattheirfeet.“No.No.Wecan’tlosehim.”Forsomereason,

useofavehiclehadn’toccurredtoher.Ofcourse,itshouldhave,butshe’dneverdrivenbefore.She
didn’thavetheneedwithinaden.

“Icanstilltrackhim,butdoingitthiswayisgoingtobeawholelotharder.Ifhewentintothecity,I

mightlosethetrailcompletelysincethescentswillbemixedsowell.We’llhavetofindhimusingother
waysifthat’sthecase.”

Shefistedherhandsathersize.“Whatotherways?”
Hemethergaze,hiscatinhiseyes.“Ifwecan’tuseoursenseofsmell,we’llaskaround,findout

whoknowssomethingaboutshiftersbeinghiddenandtakenaway.”

Anyatookastepback.“Whatthehell?Youcan’tjustaskahumanthat?It’sadeadgiveawaythat

we’reshifters.They’llkillus.”

“You’reright.Theywill.That’swhywewon’taskahuman.”
Sheblinked.“You’retalkingabouttheUnseen.”
Coleletoutabreath.“ThankGod.Iwasworriedyoudidn’tknowwhattheywere,andIvowedto

myAlphaIwouldn’tspeakofthemtothosewhodidn’tknow.”

“Andrewdidn’tvowmetosecrecysinceIwouldn’ttellanyoneanyway.Ishouldn’thaveblurtedit

outtoyouasIdid,butyoucaughtmebysurprise.You’retellingmethatwe’regoingtofindtheUnseen
andtrytofindmysonsthatway?”

“Ifthat’swhatittakes.”
Anyaletoutabreath.“Fine,then.Let’sgo.Wedon’twanttostayinoneplaceforlong.”
“Gotit.”Withthat,hewentbacktohistracking.She’dneverseenhimsoinhiselement.Hisface

contortedasheconcentrated,butthenhe’drelaxeversoslightly,onlyhisjawremainingstrained.The
amountofenergyitmusttaketousehisabilityashedidwasstaggering.Shecouldn’tpinpointthe
individualscentsofhersonsandFrankafterthehumanpieceoftrashhadgottenintothecar.Nowshe
onlysmelledexhaustfumesandherowndesperation.

AndthespicyscentthatwasallCole.
Notthatshewouldbethinkingofthat.Atall.
Ever.
TheymovedtowardthecityofDenverquicklyandinsilence.Coleneededtofocus,andsheneeded

tokeepherbearfrompanicking.Shewasfarstrongerthanherbear,butonedgeasshewas,itwasn’t
easytokeepincontrol.Hergazekeptgoingtothemountainsinthewestandtheplainsintheeast.There
wasnothingmorebeautifulthanthelandscapeoftheDenverarea.Oncetheshiftershadroamedfree
throughthesewoodsandpeaks.They’dlivedandworkedwithinthehumanworld,yetcouldshifttotheir
otherhalfandbefreeinthewilderness.

WhentheVeronaVirushadhitovertwenty-fiveyearsago,onlythehumansgotsick.Anyanever

knewexactlywhytheshifterswerespared,butshehadhersuspicions.Astimepassedandmorehumans
diedwithnocureinsight,othersnoticedthatfamilygroupshadn’tgottensick.Shifterswereimmuneto
thevirus,andintheprocessoftryingtofindacure,herpeoplewererevealedtothepublic.Shifterswere
notonlyabletohelpcreateavaccine,butthey’dalsoinadvertentlystartedtheirownpathtodeath.

Thehumans—whatwasleftofthemaftertheVeronaVirushaddecimatedathirdofthem—were

fearfulofwhattheydidn’tunderstand.Thegovernmentfast-trackedlawsandstipulations,andtheShifter
AccommodationUnitwasborn.Theywerethefourthbranchofthegovernmentanddidn’thavetowaitfor
Congress,thecourts,orthePresidenttomakedecisions.

AroundeachmajorcitywithintheUnitedStates—andperhapstheworld—compoundshadbeenbuilt

forthethreespecies.Ursines,Felines,andCanineswereseparatedfromthosetheylovedandplacedinto
campswheretheyhadalmostdiedfromneglect.TheSAUhadeventuallygiventhemenoughleewayto
liveandformnewPackswithintheircages,butithadbroughtthemclosetotheirextinction.

Whereonce,shifterswouldmatewithdifferentspecies,theywerethenforcedtofindtheirmatesand

havechildrenwithonlytheirownkindwithintheirrespectivecompounds.Thatwouldhavebeenfinefor
some,butnotforall.WhentheSAUforcedthecatsandbearsintotheRiverPack’sCaninecompound,it
openeduppossibilities.Therewerenowenoughshiftersthatperhapspeoplecouldfindsomeonethey

wantedtospendtherestoftheirliveswith,butitwasstillafarcryfromwherethingshadoncebeen.

Onlyinrecentmonthshadahumanbeenbittenandchangedintoashifterduringamating.Thathad

oncebeenrare,butpartoftheirculture.Nowitwastaboo.TheSAUhadn’tbeenawarethattherewere
waystomakeshifters,andnowtheyhadanidea.ThatideahadledtoCoraandSoren’skidnapping.

ByFrank.
Themanwho’dfatheredAnya’sbabies.
Ithadallcomefullcircle,itseemed.
Astheyreachedthesouthsideofthecity,herlegsgrewweakandsheknewtheyneededtorest.
“Icantrackfromamovingvehicle,”Colesaidsuddenly.“I’llgetusone,stealitsincenooneis

goingtogiveusone.ButIcanstilltrackwhiledriving.”

“Idon’tknowhowtodrive,”shesaid,takingasipofherwater.ShehandedColethebottleandtried

nottowatchthewayhisthroatworkedashedrank.

“Ido,”hesaidsimply.“Ihadtolearn.We’reaboutanhourawayfromdowntownDenverifwe

drive.IhaveafeelingthatFrankisonhiswaythere.”

Shefrowned.“Why?Aren’ttheremorepeoplethere?”
Coleshookhishead.“Partsofdowntownarecompletelyabandonedsincetherearen’tasmany

peoplelivinghereasthereoncewas.We’reaboutatwenty-minutehikefromColoradoSprings,which
lostalmostallofitspopulationwhenthevirushit.We’llhaveabetterchanceofgettingavehiclehere
andmakingourwayuptothecity.”Hisbrowsrose.“Placesnearlargemilitarybasesgothithard.Makes
youwonder,doesn’tit?”

Hermindwhirled,tryingtoprocesseverythinghewassaying.“I…Idon’tunderstand.”
“Idon’teither.AllIknowisthatmycatistellingmetoheadnorth.Anddowntownhastonsofold

buildingsthatareperfectforadoctorontherun.Idon’tknowifI’mright,butwe’llfindoutaswego
along.Asfornow,we’vebeenatthisforafewhoursandI’dratherfindaplacetostayfortheevening
andmakeournextstepssoon.”

“Butweneedtokeepgoing.”Herbabiesneededher.
“Igetthat.We’regoingtogoforacouplemorehours.Thatwillgiveustimetogetthecaranddrive

forabit.ButIwantustobeclear-headedandreadytofightifwehavetooncewegetclosertothecity.
I’mgettingbeatbykeepingmytrackingupforsolong.”

Thefactthathewouldadmittosuchaweaknesstoldhersomething—whatshedidn’tknow.
“Let’sgetgoing,then.”
Henodded.“Frankhadacar.We’reonfoot,sohehasanadvantage,butAnya,we’regoingtofind

them.”

“Iknow,”shesaidsoftly.Shedidn’tknowhowshe’dliveifshecouldn’tfindthem.
Theywentforanotherthirtyminutesuntiltheyreachedanolderneighborhood.Shehadlivedinone

similartothiswhenshe’dbeenoutsidethecompound.She’dplayedinthestreetsandrodeherbike.
She’dplayedtagwithherbrotherandhadlaughedwithherfriends.

“Thesecarswillbedead,Cole.”
“Yeah,butwecanfindawaytojumponeorsomething.I’mnotwithouttalents.”
Shefrownedbutfollowedhim,carefultokeephereyesontheirsurroundings.Iftheywerecaught,

theyweredead.Therewouldbenosecondchances.

Theysearchedthroughafewofthegarages,breakingthroughsmallwindowsinsomecases,walking

rightinothers.Peoplehadlefttheirlivesinahurryallthoseyearsago.Itwasawastelandouthere.What
hadoncebeenprivilegewasnowtheirsforscrapingby.

“Ican’tbelievethere’snoonehere,”shesaidastheyenteredthefourthgarageontheirsearchfora

vehicletheycouldworkwith.

“There’ssomeinotherneighborhoodsIbet.Thisone’sjustclosesttothecompounds,sohumans

probablydon’twanttoliveouthere.Denver’sgrowing,Iknowthatmuch.Ibettheothercitiesare,as
well.It’sbeenaquarterofacentury,andthoughthevirusleftalotofthemajorcitieswithoutasmany
people,thehumansarebouncingback.”

“Theruralareasdidn’tgethitashardwiththevirus,ifIrememberright,”shesaid,recalling

memoriesofatimewhenshe’dbeenfree.

“Yep.Thecitiesgothitthehardest.Someruralcommunitiesdidn’tgetasinglehitatall.Ihaveno

ideawhattheactuallandscapelookslikenow.IjustknowColoradoSpringswasoneofthehardesthit,
hencewhyitlookslikethis.Irememberthemsayingsomethinglikeninety-sixpercentofthecitydied
fromthevirus.Apartofthepercentageleftlivingwereshifters.Theotherhightaileditoutofhere.”

“Somanypeople,”shewhispered.
Cole’sjawclenched.“Andthosethatsurvivedvotedtohaveusputincages.”
Sheshookherhead.“Theyvotedforawaytobesafe.Oratleastthat’swhattheythought.”
Heblinkedather,andsheraisedherchin.“You’redefendingthehumansthatslaughteredus.That

brandedyourchildrenandputcollarsaroundournecks.”

Sheclosedhereyes,rememberingLucas’sandOwen’sscreamsasiftheyhadhappenedthatmorning.
“No.I’mnot.Notreally.I’msayingtheymadeamistake.Theythoughtinthemomentandkilledus,

imprisonedus.Iwon’tforgetthat,butIcan’tbeangryallthetime.IfIam,thenIcan’traisemychildren.”
Itwassomethingshe’dlearnedwhenshe’dheldthemtoherchestforthefirsttime,theirlittleheartbeats
fastandperfect.

HestudiedherfaceforamomentthenturnedbacktotheJeepinfrontofthem.“Ithinkthisonewill

work.There’sanoldunitouthereIcanfinagletogiveusajump.Plus,thereareacoupleofbatterieson
theshelfthatlookunused.I’llcreateacurrentandwecangetonourway.”

She’dangeredhimwithherwords,andsheknewsheshouldhavetakenthemback.Shehadn’tsaid

whatshewantedto.Nottherightway,andnowhe’dputdistancebetweenthem.Only,perhapsthey
neededthatdistance.

Shetookasteptowardhim,readytohelp,whenherbodygaveout.
Shegasped,herkneeshittingthecementfloorofthegarageasshetriedtobreathe.
“Anya!”Colekneltinfrontofher,hishandsonhershoulders.“What’swrong?”
Herbearpushedatheragain;onlythistimeshefinallyunderstoodwhyherbearhadbeenactingso

oddlythepastcoupleofdays.Herbreastsached,hernipplespebblingatthescentofthemaninfrontof
her.

Shelickedherlips,amoanescapingher.“Notrightnow,”shegroaned.
“Oh,shit.”
“Yeah.”Shesuckedinabreathandputherhandsonhisforearms.“Matingheat.”
Cole’seyeswidened,andshewouldhavelaughedatthereactionifsheweren’tinsomuchpain.She

neededsex,badly.ItwaspartoftheirshifterDNA.Notallshiftersdealtwithit,butherfamilydid.Andit
wasn’teasy.Itwastheirbaserinstinctscomingtotheforefront,theiranimalstryingtoprocreate.Itwasn’t
love,wasn’ttruedesire.

Onlywhenitwasthishard,this…hot,sheknewitwasbasedonsomethingakintodesire,toan

emotionshedidn’twanttoname.She’dbeenthroughthisbeforeandhadfoundanicemalebeartoscratch
theitch.Butthistime,sheknewitwouldn’tjustbeanitch.ThiswasCole,andtherewassomething
differentabouthim.

Theonlypersonwhocouldhelpwasthemaninfrontofher.
Themanwhoshedidn’twanttodesire,evenwithoutthematingheatridinghard.
Ohshit,indeed.

Chapter6

Coletriednottofreakout.Consideringhisdickwashardandhishandswerefistedbyhissides,he

wasn’tsurewhathewasgoingtobeabletodo.He’dbeenaroundwomenintheirmatingheatbefore,but
he’dneverparticipatedinwhattheyneededintheend.AndconsideringthemissionheandAnyawereon,
thiswastheworstpossibletimeforhertogointomakingheat.Itmaybeacommonthingamongshifters,
butthatdidn’tmeanitwassomethingthetwoofthemwerereadytodealwithatthemoment.

Hethoughtbacktoheraggressionwhenitcametohim,andthefactthatshehadn’tknownwhattodo

withherbodywhenhestoodtooclose.Orevenhowshe’dreactedtohimthepastcoupleofdays.He
wantedtocurse.She’dbeenhavingtroubleallalongbuthadn’tknownthiswascoming.Andifshedidn’t
takecareofherself,ifhedidn’thelpherinsomeway,she’dbeinpain.Italsodidn’thelpthathewanted
herunderhimlikenoother.He’dbeenlyingtohimselfwhenhethoughtitwasjustangerandannoyance
whenitcametoherpresence—farfromit.Hiscatwantedher,anddamnit,sodidtheman.Hewantedher
spreadoutbeforehim—naked,willing,wet,andhis.

Onlyhewasn’tsurethatwasthesmartestthingtodorightnow.Theywerebothrunningonashort

supplyofenergyinahighrushofadrenaline.Iftheydidthis,everythingwouldchange.Itwouldn’tbea
mating.Matingheatsweren’tlikethat.Butitwouldbesomething.What,hedidn’tknow.Buthehada
feelingAnyahadnoideaeither.

Sheclosedhereyesandgroaned.“Cole.Ithurts.Whydoesithurtsomuchthistime?”
“Thistime?”Hefrownedbutdidhisbestnottostepforward.Assoonashesteppedclosertoher,all

wouldbelost.Hewouldn’tbeabletoholdhimselfbackanymore.Asitwas,he’dbeenkeepinghimself
backforfartoolong.Hehadn’tevenrealizedhewasdoingituntilhefelttheburnofunrequitedneed
flamehotwhenshewasnear.Itwasn’therfaultthathiscatwantedher.Itwasn’therfaultthattheman
didn’tknowwhattodowitheitherofthem.

Anyablinkedupathim,desireandpleadinginhergaze.“I’vebeenthroughthistwicebefore.Butit’s

neverbeenasintenseasthis.It’salwaysbeensomethingIcouldhandleonmyown.Orwithjustoneman
forjustonetime.”Sheloweredherheadandletoutasoftmoan.“Butthistimeit’sworse.Whyisit
worse?”

Hewatchedherswayonherfeetandhecursed.Steppingtowardherwithhisarmsout,hebrought

herclosertohischestandletoutagroanofhisownattheheatofherbodypressedalonghis.Hecouldn’t
believehowfuckinghotshewas—andnotjusthowshelooked.Herskinwaslikearaginginferno,andhe
knewifshedidn’tgetsomeformofreleasesoon,herbearwouldbeintrouble.Healreadyhadamomma
bearonthelookoutfortwoofhercubsonhishands;hedidn’tneedabearinthedelirioushazethatcame
withamatingheatdenied,aswell.

Hecuppedherfaceandbroughthisforeheadtohers.Hetookadeepbreath,inhalinghersweetscent

thatdidnothingtohelphisachingcock.Itonlymadehimharder—somethinghedidn’tthinkwaspossible.

“I’lldothis,I’lltakecareofyourbear,andtakecareofyou.Butnomatterwhathappensrighthere?

It’ssomethingwe’llhavetotalkaboutlater.Becausewe’realreadyprettyfuckedupasitis.Yougetme?”

Sherubbedherbreastsalonghischest,hernippleshardpoints.“Igetyou.We’lltalklater.ButI

needyou.”Shepulledback,awinceonherface.“IneverthoughtI’dsaythat.”

Hecursed.Asmuchashewantedtohearthat,hehadagutfeelingthatshedidn’tmeanitthewayhe

hoped—thatsheneededhimbeyondthismoment,thisnight.Buthewasn’tabouttothinkaboutthat,not
whentheywereoutsidethecompoundwithouttheircollarsandanyonecouldcomeuponthematany
moment.Likehe’dsaidbefore,thiswastheworstpossibletimeforsomethinglikethistohappen.Hejust

prayedthathewasn’tmakingagiantmistake.Thattheyweren’tmakingagiantmistake.

“We’llstayhereforthenight,”hewhisperedandranhishandsdownherback.Sheshiveredinhis

hold,andhehadtoreininhiscatbeforehetookhertothegaragefloorandtastedeveryinchofher.Her
matingheathadrampeduphisownneed,sonowtheywerebothfuckedunlesshehelpedthemtakecare
ofit.

“Andtheboys?”Shehadhereyesclosed,herheadrestingonhisshoulderassherockedbackand

forth.Shehadtobeinsomuchpain,butshewastryingtoholdback.Asalways,hersonscamefirst.Not
thatheblamedherforthat,notevenalittle.

“We’llheaduptoDenverinthemorning.Neitherofusisinanyconditiontogoanywherenow.We

canstayhere.I’lltakecareofyou.”

Shenarrowedhereyesathim,thoughhecouldseethemadheatinhergaze.“Idon’tlikepeople

takingcareofme.”

“Well,tonightyou’lljusthavetoletme.Becausewebothknowyouwon’tbeabletodoanything

tomorrowifIdon’ttakecareofyoutonight.”

Sherolledhereyesthengroaned.“Thatistheworstlineever.”
“It’snotaline,it’sapromise.It’sthecardswe’vebeendealt.Soletmeloveyou,andstopthinking

youhavetodoeverythingonyourown.”

Herhandswenttohisback,herclawsdiggingintohisshoulders.“Thefirsttimeyoukissedmeit

wastoshutmeup.Andnow,thefirsttimewe’regoingtohavesexisbecauseI’minmymatingheat.I
don’thavetotakethat.”

“Thendon’t.Justtakeme.”
Heliftedherupandcuppedherass.Shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist,theheatofherpressing

againsthisbelly.Heletoutasmallgrowlandturnedtowardthegaragedoorthatledintothehouse.The
mustysmellofalongforgottenhomeinvadedhissensesashewalkedtheminside,buthepushedthat
away,knowinghewasabouttodosomethingthathemightregret,butknewtheybothneededdesperately.

Helickedhiswayupherneck,nibblingjustenoughtobringthembothclosertotheedge.
“Cole,”shebreathed.
Hebitdownjustabitharder,notenoughtobreakthroughtheskinandmarkherashis,butclose

enoughthathehadtopullbackandgetagriponhimself.Thiswasn’tatruemating.Hiscatmightwant
her,butheknewtheywerebothridinghighonadrenalineandneed.Hewasn’tevensurewhathiscat
wantedwithAnyainthefirstplace.Itwasn’tasiftheirkindhadsoulmatesthatcreatedbondswithmagic
andallthatshit.Theywerejustfleshandbloodcreatures.Oncehiscatandheagreedontheirneedand
loveforawoman,andshewantedthesame,thenhe’dhavehismate.Itwasn’tfate,wasn’tanexplosion
ofsensesthattoldhimthisonepersonwouldbehisforever.Itmightbetruethatnoteveryonefound
someonetheirshifterhalfwantedinthesameway—anditwasevenmorerarenowthattheywere
trappedwithincompoundwalls—butthatdidn’tmeanitwasabondlikesomanythought.

Hedidn’tknowwhyhewaseventhinkingaboutthingslikethatrightthen.Hehadawillingandsexy

womaninhisarms,wrappedaroundhiswaist.Hedidn’tneedanythingelse.They’ddealwiththe
consequencesoftheiractionslater.

Shit.
Consequences.
Hesteppedintothebedroomandsetheronthefloor.Shenuzzledhischest,andheletoutalow

growl.Someonehadleftthesheetsonthebed,andhedidn’tseethatmuchdirtanddustleftover.
Thankfully.

Thepeoplewholeftthishousehadn’tabandonedittwenty-fiveyearsagolikesome.No,considering

thedust—orlackthereof—itseemedasifsomeonehadlivedherewithinthelastyearorso.Not
everyonejumpedshipassoonasthevirushit.Somehadtriedtomakeit—thoughhehadn’tbeenaround

toseeit.Instead,he’dbeeninsidetheFelinecompoundwiththerestofhispeople.

Butbacktotheconsequences.Hemutteredacurseandcuppedherface.Hischestheavedashe

foughtforbreath.Damnit.Hiscockwassodamnhard;hefiguredhe’donlylastabouttwosecondsthe
firsttimehewasinherwetheat.

“Anya.Idon’thaveanycondoms.”Anyprotectionhemightfindinsidethisplacewouldbeexpired

bynow.

Shemovedback,hereyeswide.“Shit,”shewhispered.Asheenofsweatglossedherbrow,andhe

knewshehadtobeinpain.Shiftersweren’tallowedtotakebirthcontrolsincethegovernmentregulated
it.“I…Icantrytotakecareofitmyself.”Sheranherhanddownherbellyandslidherfingersbehindthe
waistbandofherjeans.

Theybothsuckedinabreathwhenshefoundherclit.Hemightnotbeabletoseewhatshewasdoing

behindherzipper,buthecouldscentit.

Heputhispalmoverherhand,thedenimbetweenthem.Hemethergazeashepushedslightlywith

hisfingers,anglingherhandsoithitherjustright.

“Isyougettingyourselfoffgoingtobeenough?”Hisvoicewasdeep.Rough.“Icanstilltouchyou,

lickyouupandeatyouout.Butifwefuckrighthere,Icouldgetyoupregnant.It’syourmatingheat,after
all.”Shiftersweremorefertileduringthistime;itwaswhytheyhadthedamnthinginthefirstplace.

Sheclosedhereyes,rockingherselfintoherhand.Itwasthesexiestdamnthinghe’deverseeninhis

life.Hercheekswereflushed,herbodytonedyetsoftinthebestplaces.Shewasdamntall,butshewasa
bear,sothatwasnatural.Helovedthathedidn’thavetobenddowntokissher.Itwouldmakethings
interestinginbed.

Herteethbitintoherlipasshemovedherhandfasterandfaster.Hepressedintoher,helpingheras

muchashecould.Hecurledhisfingersandhermouthparted.

“Close?”
Sheshookherhead.“No.Maybe?God,it’snotenough.”Shemethisgaze,alookofpleadingonce

againthere.“I…maybeifItakeacoldshowerorsomething.”

Heleanedforwardandtookherlowerlipbetweenhisteeth.Shefroze,herhandnolongertryingto

getherselfoff.Hesqueezedheronce,justatease.Shelickedherlips.

“Iwantedyoubeforethis,Anya.”Hereyeswidened.“Iwantedyoubentoverthatrockbesidemy

favoritetree.Iwantedtosinkmycockintoyourcuntandfuckyouharduntilwewerebothleftpanting
andsated.IwantedyoutoridemyfaceasIlickedupyoursweetpussy,savoringeverytaste.Iwanted
that,butIignoredit.Sowhathappensnow?That’snotonjustthematingheat.Iwantedyoubefore.AndI
wantyounow.”

“I…Iwantedyou,too.ButIdidn’twantto.”Itlookedasiftheadmissionwererippedfromherlips,

butheunderstood.Interspeciescouplingshadn’tbeenunheardofallthoseyearsago,butwheneveryone
wasseparated,theartofseductionbetweenthespecieswaslost.

“Thenletmemakelovetoyou,Anya.Ifyougetpregnant,we’lldealwithittogether.”Hecouldn’t

believewhathewassaying.Maybethematingheathadfriedafewofhisbraincells.

“Youcan’tbeserious.”
“Youneedthis,Ineedit.We’lltaketheconsequencesastheycome.Rightnowit’sjustyouandme.

It’swhoweare.Wearen’thuman,baby.Ouranimalsneedthis.Weneedthis.Solistentowhatyourbear
istellingyouandrideouttheheatwithme.Andinthemorning,we’llsaveyoursonsandgutthatbastard
fordaringtotouchthem.Whenwegethome,thenwe’lldealwithwhathappenedhere.Butfornow,just
livehereinthemomentwithme.Beherewithme.”

Shestudiedhisfaceforamomentthenslidherhandoutfrombetweenherthighs.Hetiltedhishead,

waitingtoseewhatshewoulddo.Whensheplacedherwetfingersagainsthislips,hegroaned.His
tongueflickedouttotasteherjuices.Sodamnsweet.Hegrippedherwristandbroughtherhandcloser,

lickingeverysinglefuckingdropashekepthisgazeonhers.Itwasthemosteroticthinghe’deverdone,
andneverinhiswildestdreamswouldhehavethoughthe’dbedoingthisherewithher.

Whenhewasthrough,hetookhishandandthreadedhisfingersintoherhair,bringinghercloser.He

crushedhismouthtohers,theirtonguestanglingashedeepenedthekiss.Astheirmouthsfusedtogether,
hecuppedonebreast,pinchinghernipplebeforeslidinghishanddownherbellyandbehindherjeans.
She’dsoakedherpanties,andhisfingerswerecoatedatjustonebrush.

Hepulledawayslightlysohecouldwatchherfaceashepushedherpantiestothesideandspeared

herwiththreefingers.Shethrewherheadbackintohisotherhand,ashoutescapingherlipsasshe
clenchedaroundhisfingers.

“You’refuckingtight,baby,butdamn,you’resowet.Thinkyoucancomeonmyfingers?Justalittle

totakeofftheedge.ThenI’lllickyouupandmakeyoucomeagain.”

Hercuntspasmed,squeezinghisfingersagain.“YoulikewhenItalkdirty?”Hebrushedhisthumb

alongherclit,andsheshivered.

“Iknewyou’dbecrude,”shebitout,hereyesdancing.“ButI’mnotsomeprettylittlevirgin,Cole.

Soafteryougetmeoff,I’mstrippingyourjeansoffandsuckingthatfatcockofyours.AndIknowit’sfat
becauseI’vefeltitagainstmythigh,mybelly.I’veseenyoubeforeyoushifted.Iknowyou’regoingto
stretchmeandfillmesofullthatI’mgoingtoscream.Andbecauseyou’reashifter,I’mgoingtomake
youcomedownmythroat,andthenfuckmehardimmediatelyafterbecauseyoucanrecoverjustthat
quickly.”

Hisdickpressedhardintohiszipperandhewassurehe’dhaveascaralongthelength.“Holyfuck.I

loveyourmouth.”

Shelickedherlips.“You’regoingtoloveitmorewrappedaroundyourcock.”
Hetossedbackhisheadandlaughedbeforepressingherclit.“Ilovethewayyouthink.”Hepumped

hisfingersinandoutofherpussywhilehisotherhandheldfirmlytothebackofherhead,keepingher
gazeonhis.“Comeforme,Anya.Taketheedgeoff.Doit.”

Shearchedintohim,herpupilswideningasshecameonhishand,hercuntsqueezinghisfingersso

hard,healmostcamethinkingabouthowitwouldfeelaroundhiscock.

Hepulledhishandoutofherpants,lickedeachfinger,savoringhertaste,thenkissedheronemore

time.“Feelgood,Anya?”

“More…”shewhispered.“Ineedmore.”Withthat,shewenttoherkneesandhadhispantsundone

andhisdickinherhandbeforehecouldformulatearesponse.

“Anya,youdon’thaveto…ohmyGod,yourmouthissofuckinghot.”Shewrappedherlipsaround

thetipandsucked,flickinghertonguealongthecrease.Hewrappedhishandinherhairandusedhis
otherhandtotraceherchin.“Baby,thisisaboutyou.Whydon’tyougetonthebedandletmetakecareof
you.”

Shehummedalonghiscock,takinghimdeeper.Whenhistipreachedthebackofherthroatandshe

swallowed,hiseyescrossed.Hiskneesshook,andshedeepthroatedhimbeforelettinghimgososhe
couldlicktheundersideofhisdickandcuphisballs.Hehonestlyneverthoughtthiswouldbehappening,
buthewasn’tabouttoletgoofthemoment.Heleanedoverherandgrippedthebottomofhershirt,
pullingitup.

“Letgoforamoment,baby.”Sheheldupherhands,andheslidhershirtoff.Assoonasshewas

free,herhandswerebackonhisdick,rubbinghimdowntothepointhehadtodomultiplicationtablesin
hisheadsohewouldn’tcomeonherfacerightthen.He’dratherbeinsideherwhenhecame.

“Onemoretime.”Shepulledaway,hereyebrowsraisedashequicklyundidherbra.Rightashe

leanedforwardtocupherbreasts,shehadhermouthonhiscockagain.Heswallowedhard,doinghis
besttomakethisabouther,butdamnitwashardwhenshehadhersweetmouthonhisdick,workinghim
likesheknewexactlyhowhelikedit.Thiswomanknewwhatshewanted,whathewanted,andtookas

muchasshegave.Hefuckinglovedthat.Assoonasshelethim,he’dshowherhecoulddothesame.

Funny,he’dneverbeenthis…connected…toanotherpersonduringsexbefore.Buthewouldn’tthink

aboutthat,notrightthen.Andmaybenoteverifthingsturnedoutpoorlyforthebothofthem.Hepushed
thosethoughtsoutofhisheadandrolledhernipplesbetweenhisfingers.Helovedthelookofherbreasts,
biggerthanahandfulbutperfectforhim.He’donlygottenaglimpseofthembeforewhenthey’dshifted,
butnow,whenshepulledbackfromsuckingonhisdick,hecouldseehernipplesweredarkandhard.
Theywerealittlelargerthansomewomen’snipples,buthefiguredthatmighthavetodowiththefactthat
she’dnursedtwoboys.Hedidn’tcare,becausedamnit,shelookedfuckingperfect.

Shedughernailsintohisthighsandswallowedhimdownherthroatagain,thistimegrowling.The

vibrationswentstraighttothebaseofhiscockandhecursed.Hisspinebuzzedandhepulledawayfrom
herbreasts.Hewrappedonehandinherhair.

“I’mgoingtocome.Shit.Pullback,baby.”
Shegrowledagain,suckinghimdowndeeper.Whenhecame,hiskneesshookandheclosedhiseyes,

thepressuresofuckinghardhecouldbarelybreathe.Helookeddownhalfwaythrough,pryingopenhis
eyes,andwantedtocomeagainatthesightofAnyaonherkneesinfrontofhim,toplessandsofucking
strong.Shemethisgazeandbobbedherhead,swallowingeachandeverydropfromhiscock.

“Thatwas…thatwasthebestfuckingblowjobofmylife.”
Anyapulledaway,asatisfiedgrinonherfaceasshewipedtheedgesofhermouthwherehe’d

almostspilledover.“Good.Thoughnexttime,Iwanttotrytoswallowallofyou.Icouldn’tgetallofyou
inmymouth.”

Hiscatdidalittlepridefulstrut,itschestpuffedout.
Hereyeswidenedandshegrippedhisthighsagain.
Heinhaled,thesweetscentofherarousalgrowingstronger.“Okay,honey,don’tworry.We’lltake

careofyou.Let’sgetyourpantsoffandI’llhelpyou.Youwantmymouthormydick?Youtellme.
Anythingyouwant.”

“Iwantyouinme,”shesaidasshestood.Hepickedherupbeforeshecouldprotest.Hekickedoff

hisshoesandjeansthensetheronthebed.

“Hipsup,baby.Let’sgetyououtofthesepants.ThenI’llfillyouupandmakeusbothfeelgood.I’ll

eatyououtafter.”

Shesnorted.“Promises,promises.”
Hequicklystrippedherbarethenshuckedoffhisclothes.Hepalmedhiscock,stillhardbutwetfrom

hermouth.“I’llmakegoodonmypromises,Anya.Youcancountonthat.”

Herskinwasflushed,hercurvesflaringoutinalltherightplaces.Shehadscarsonherbodyfrom

fights,andstretchmarksfromthetwins.Yetshewasthemostbeautifulwomanhe’deverseen.Those
marksonlyshowedhimthedepthofhertruebeauty.

Whenhetoldherthat,shetiltedherhead,hergazecurious.“Really?Youdon’tneedtouselines,

Cole.Iknowwhatthisis.It’samatingheat.”

Heshookhisheadasheclimbedontopofher.Hebrushedhislipsalonghersashepositioned

himselfatherentrance.“Really,Anya.I’mnotusinglines.I’mtellingyouwhatI’mthinking—whatI’ve
thoughtsinceIfirstsawyouwhenyoumovedintothecompound.This,righthere,mightbefast-tracked
becauseofthematingheat,butwewouldhavebeenhereeventually.You.Me.Andmydickinsideyou.
Becauseyouknowwebothwantthismorethanyou’resaying.Sobeinthenow,bewithme.Andlater
we’lltalkmoreaboutwhatthismeans.”

Hewasn’tthekindofcattosaythesethings.Hewasthelazyone,accordingtoher.Helikedtofight,

workforhisPack,thencomehomeandrelaxwithabeerorloungeinhistree.Ifhehadawomaninhis
bed,thenhe’dbegreat.Ifhedidn’t,thenhe’ddosomethingelsetopassthetime.Andyetrightthen,with
Anya,itwasdifferent.Itscaredhimmorethanhewantedtoadmit,andfromthelookonherface—despite

thematingheat—heknewitscaredher,too.

So,withoutdealingwithanyofthat,hekissedherhardandslammedhome.
Shescreamedhisname,herclawsdiggingintohisback.Thescentofbloodhithisnoseandheknew

she’dbrokentheskin.Hedidn’tcare.He’dwearhermarkswithpride.Asitwas,hecouldseestars
behindhiseyelids.Shefeltsogoodaroundhiscock.Wet,hot,andtight.Fuckingperfect.

“Cole,fortheloveofGod.Pleasemove.Fuckme.I’mnotweak.I’mabear,remember?Ineedit

rough.Ineedyou.Now.”

Hegrinnedthenbitherlip.Hard.“Asyouwish,Anya.”Hepulledhishipsbackandfuckedher.
Hard.
Shemethimthrustforthrust,herlegswrappedaroundhiswaist.Heslidonehandunderherbuttand

angledhersohecouldgodeeper.Theybothpanted,theirbodiesslickwithsweat.Ashisballstightened,
herotatedhishipssohehitherG-spotjustright.Assoonashepumpedintoheratthatangle,she
shattered,herbreastsarchinghigher.Hetookthatasaninvitationandsuckedeachnippleintohismouth,
bitingdownhardenoughthathe’dprobablyleavebruises.Sheseemedtoloveitbecauseherpussy
clampeddownonhiscockasshecameagain.Hefollowedrightafter,hisdickfillingheruptothepoint
hewasafraidhe’dbedraineddry.

Whentheybothcaughttheirbreath,heremaineddeepinsideher,hishipsrestingagainsthers.Heput

hisweightonhisforearms,uparoundherhead,andloweredhislipstohers.Hekissedhereversosoftly,
knowingthatthiscouldn’tbetheend.Hedidn’tknowwhatwouldhappennextwithherortheboys,buthe
didn’twantthistobeit.

He’dcaughtaglimpseofafuturehedidn’tknowhewanted.Andwithawomanwhohadoncebeen

abandonedintheworstwayspossible,heknewhe’dhaveafightonhishandstocreateit.Andkeepit.

Shemethisgaze,awarofemotionsinhereyes.
Gameon,hethought.Gameon.
Becausesomethingswereworthfightingfor.

****

FrankTalbotfrownedatthetwochildrensleepinginthecage.They’dbeeneasilycapturedfromthe

compoundthankstoexperimentalscienceandfriendsinhighplaces.Thedrugshe’dusedtokeepthem
quietduringtheextractionshouldhavewornoffbynow,butthenagain,onecouldneverbetoosurewith
animals.Hopefullyitdidn’tdoanylastingdamage.Heneededhealthyspecimenstocontinuehisresearch.

Odd,hethought.Theylookedsortoflikehehadasachild,yethedidn’tfeelaconnectiontothem.

Perhapsitwasnurtureversusnaturethatmadeachildfeelasiftheyweretrulyaperson’soffspring,
ratherthanarandomcollectionofmoleculesandDNA.Hedidn’tcare,though.Becomingafathertothe
twowasn’tonhisagenda.Infact,hehadafewothermatterstoattendtobeforehegottowork.He’dfeed
andwashthemuntilitwastimetobegin,ashecouldn’tallowthemtogetsicklybeforetheexperiments
began.

Hedidn’tknowwhotheboystrulywerenordidhecarewhattheythought,felt,orsaid.
Buttheywouldbehisprizeachievements.
Funnyhoweasyithadbeentotakethem.Andtheirmotherwouldneverbethewiseraboutwhohad

kidnappedherchildren.Afterall,he’dleftherwithoutasecondglacewhenshewaspregnant.Why
wouldsheeventhinkofhimwhenitcametothedisappearanceofhercubs?Thereweresomanyothers
shecouldblame.

Thisreallywastheperfectsolutiontohisproblem.

Perfect.

Chapter7

ColeranahandthroughhishairastheymadethedrivetoDenver.Theawkwardnesslevelinthecar

hadreachednewheights,andhewasn’tsurehowtobreakthroughthetension.Anyahadn’tspokentohim
sincethey’dwokenupthatmorningandshe’dinformedhimthatthematingheatwasgoneandtheycould
goabouttheirbusiness.Hedidn’tevenhaveachancetotryandgetcloseorkissher.She’dputup
barriersbetweenthemwithaswifteffectivenesshehadn’tbeenpreparedfor.

Well,shit.
Hewasn’tsurewhathewasgoingtodonowbecausedamnit,hiscatwantedher.
Wantedherformorethanjustafling.
Hiscathadpickedhismate,andthedamnwomanlookedlikeshestillhatedhim—oratleastwanted

nothingmoretodowithhim.Excepthe’dseenalookinhereyesthattoldhimhecouldbewrong.He
hopedhewas.Buttheywereontheirwaytotryandsaveherchildrenfromasociopath.Hisneedsfora
matecamesecondtothat.

Hisgriptightenedonthesteeringwheelandhewantedtocurse.Talkaboutbeingselfish.Hewasall

worriedabouthiscatandfeelingswhileshewasprobablyfreakingoutoverwhattheyhadtodotosave
herkids.Itwasn’tasifthiswereanormalwaytofindamate.Theywereinastolencaronthewaytoa
citywherethey’dbekilledifsomeonecaughtsightoftheirbrands.Anyahadneverbeentothecityinher
life,hadnevertrulybeenoutsidethecompound.Andhehadn’tventuredthisfarnorthinlongenoughthat
hewasafraidofwhatchangeshewouldsee.Whenhe’dsnuckoutofthecompoundinthepast,ithadbeen
onmissionsforhisPack.Hedidn’thavetimetogoonjoyridesandlearnaboutthenewsidesofthecity.
Asitwas,keepingholdofFrank’sscentwasgettingharderandharder.Hiscatneededanotherwhiffof
thebastardtokeeptracking.Thiswasn’tgoingtobeeasy.Notbyfar.Andsittingaroundmopingbecause
Anyahadmoreimportantthingsonhermindthanwhatlastnighthadmeantwasidiotic.

“Icanpracticallyhearyouthinking,”shemuttered.“Justdropitfornow.Okay?Yousaidwe’ddeal

withwhathappenedlater,somaybeweshouldactuallydealwithitlater,hmm?”

Coleshothisgazeawayandfrowned.“Fine.”NotthemosteloquentwordintheEnglishlanguage,

butdamnit,hewasn’tsurewhatelsetosay.

“Fine.”Sheinhaleddeeply,closinghereyes.
Heturnedhisattentionbacktotheroad.They’donlypassedafewcarssofar.Noonepaidthemany

mind,andhedidn’tthinktheywould.Itwasn’tasifaperson’sfirstthoughtwouldbethatthecarthey
passedhappenedtocarrytwoshiftersthathadbrokenoutoftheirenclosures.Tohumans,thatwouldbe
sofarbeyondthenormitwouldn’tseempossible.TheSAU’spropagandahadshowntheshifterstobe
nothingmorethananimals.ThosethatlistenedtotheSAUweregratefulthatshifterswerelockedaway
fromtheirchildren.Itwassaferforthemiftheshiftersdidn’thaverightsandadecentwaytolive.

“Idon’tknowhowyoucanstillscentFrankandmyboys.”Hervoicebrokeonthatlastpart,andhe

heardherletoutashakybreath.

Hegrimaced.“Iactuallycan’tscenthimthatwellanymore,”headmitted.
“What?”Hefelthergazeonhim,buthekepthiseyesontheroad.Thelastthingtheyneededwasto

getintoanaccidentbecausehecouldn’tkeephiseyesoffher.

“Itoldyouitwouldbehardafterawhile.Ihaveageneraldirection,andIknowwe’regoingtogo

checkthoseabandonedbuildingsnearthecapital.That’sallwecando,Anya.Iknowitsucks,butwithout
moretogoon,we’regoingtohavetofindtheUnseen.”

Heheardherhitherheadagainsttheheadrest.“Iwashonestlyhopingyouwouldn’tneedtofind

anotherway.IthoughtmaybeyoursupermagicTrackerpowerswouldgetusthereandgetusoutquickly
soIcouldsmashFrank’sheadinandfindmybabies.”

Helikedthesoundofhervengeance,buthehatedhavingtodisappointher.Hedidn’tunderstandthe

depthofneedwithinhissoulwhenitcametoher.Itwaslikeabullettothechest,thefracturedtendons
andsensationsthatcamewithwhathefeltforher.Itwasn’tasifhe’dfeltitrightawayeither.Ithadbeen
aslowburnatfirstthathadbuilttoanexplosionofdesiresandutterhelplessnesswhenitcametoher.

Hiscathadchosen.
Themanknewitwouldn’tbeaseasyasacalltomating.
“We’llfindthem,Anya,”hesaidsoftly,ignoringhisgrowingemotions.Hedidn’tknowhowtodeal

withthemanyway.He’dneverfeltordoneanythinglikethisbefore,anditdamnsurewasn’ttherighttime
foritnow.“I’mgoingtogetusclosertothecityandthenfindsomeonetohelpusifIcan’tgetalockon
Talbot.We’renotgoinghomewithoutOwenandLucas.Nomatterwhat.”Heturnedtoseeherstudying
him.

“Nomatterwhat,”shevowedrightback.“IknowwhyI’mdoingthis,Cole.Butwhyareyou?

Becauseyou’retheTracker?Isthisadutytoyou?”

Hisjawclenched.Hewantedtosavethosecubsbecausetheywerehers.Theywereshifters,Pack.

Theymightnotbecats,buttheywerehis,aswell.Hewantedthemashisyoung,partofhismating.Andit
scaredhimmorethanhewantedtoadmithowmuchhewantedtoseethemagainandwatchthemgrow
intothementheywouldbecome.

Insteadoflayinghimselfbare,hegrowled,“Yousaidwe’dtablethisdiscussionuntillater.Don’task

questionsyou’renotpreparedtoheartheanswerto.”

Hereyeswidenedandsheturnedherattentionbacktotheroad.Hedidthesame,hisgriponthe

steeringwheelpainful.

Theydroveforalmostanhouruntiltheyreachedthecenterofthecity.Hereitlookedasifpartofthe

metropolishadmovedon,asifnothinghadhappened.Yetotherpartswereabandoned,unused,unwanted.
Ifherememberedright,manyoftheseoldbuildingshadbeenslatedforrenovationsorreconstruction
beforethevirushit.Intheupdatedpartsofthecity,humanshustledandbustledontheirwaytoworkorto
enjoythesites.Itlookedasiftheonlytroublesontheirmindsweretheirday-to-daylives,ratherthan
whattheywereclearlyignoring,whatwaslockeduponlyafewhundredmilesaway.Itneverceasedto
amazehimwhatpeopledidtoforgetthecrueltyintheirlackofactions.

Thevehicletheywereinwasn’toneoftheolderonesontheroad,thankfully.Whoeverhadbeenin

thathousehadn’tleftitemptyforlong—meaningheandAnyablendedintotheworldabitbetterthanthey
wouldhaveotherwise.SincethecitywasalsosituatedhighintheRockyMountains,theairtemperature
wasabitcoolerduringtheseason.Thatbodedwellforwhattheywerewearingsincetheyhadtokeep
theirsleevesdowntocovertheirbrands.Sure,humanshadhalfsleevesandfullsleeveswhenitcameto
ink,buttheirbrandswereabitmorenoticeablesinceneitherhenorAnyahadanyadditionalinkontheir
arms.Hefrowned.Ifheweretogoonmoretripslikethis,he’dhaveGibsongivehimfullsleeves.He’d
blendinmorewithallofthatinkinsteadofjustthestarkbrandonhisarm.

Whentheypulledintoanoldmotelthatlookedlikeithadseenbetterdays,hefurrowedhisbrows.
“We’llstayhereforabit.IneedtoseeifIcancatchthescentofanothershifter.Hopefully,they’ve

heardsomething.Ifnot,wecanstartsearchingforplaceswhereFrankmightbeholdingthechildren.It’sa
longshot,butwe’renotgivingup.”

“Iknewitwasgoingtobehard,butdamnit,itseemslikeit’sanuphillbattlethat…”Shecutherself

off,herbearinhereyes.Shefistedherhandsonherthighs,andhereachedoverandplacedhishandover
oneofhers.Shedidn’trelaxherfist,butshedidn’tpunchhimeither.Thathadtobeprogress.

“It’snotalostcause.It’snotinsurmountable.We’rejustgatheringwhatwecan.Butwewillfind

them.”

Herhandshookunderhisandhereachedover,gentlypryingherfingersapart.Heranhisthumbover

herpalmanduptoherwrist.Herpulsebeathardagainsthisthumb,itsrapidpaceslowingashekepthis
touchgentle.

“Theymustbesoscared.Ican’tevenimaginewhatthey’refeeling,whatthey’rethinking.Idon’t

knowanything.”Sheshudderedoutabreath.“Thisiskillingme,Cole.Thesearemybabies.They’ve
neverbeenalonewithoutmebefore.I’veneverspentaneveningawayfromthem,nevernottuckedthem
in.Evenduringtheforcedmovetothenewcompound,Ineverletthemleavemysight.AndnowFrank
comesin,usingsomeformofcovertostealmybabies.Idon’tknowwhyhewantsthem,butknowing
whathe’sdoneinthepastwithCoraandSoren…”Sheswallowedhard,hercheeksgoingdark.“Ican’t,
Cole.Ican’tletthemstaywiththatmanmuchlonger.”

Heleanedovertheconsoleandcuppedherface,bringinghislipstohers.Hekissedhergently,

calmingthemboth.Beforethey’dmadelove,itwouldhaveonlyampedtheirattractionandperhapstheir
aggression.Now,though,itprovedthathiscatwantedthisbearforthelong-term.Andthosecubswerein
trouble,sokeepingtheirmomsafeandstoppingherfromturningferalwasoneofhistoppriorities.

“We’llfindthem.”Heknewitcouldbeanemptypromiseanditkilledhim.He’dlostthescent.He’d

neverlostascentbefore,butthenagain,thiswasthelongest,mostcomplicatedhunthe’deverbeenon.
Hemightbethebestatwhathedid,butsometimeseventhatwasn’tenough.

“Iknowwewill,”sheagreed.
Becausetherewasn’tanotheroption.Notwhentherewasstillairinhislungsandbloodinhisveins.

Hewouldn’tquituntilhe’dfoundthoseboys.

Heletoutabreaththenkissedheragain.Justaquickkiss,butonethatheldsomuchmorethanjusta

whisperoftouch.“Let’sgetinside.They’llhaveroomsinhere.Idon’tscentanyonearoundsoweshould
bealone.Wecanregroupandthenbeginourjourney.

Shenodded,andtheybothgotoutofthevehicle,theirbodiesonalert.Thingsweresodifferenthere

thaninthecompound.Hell,theyweredifferentthaninotherpartsofthecity,aswell.Theygotintoanold
roomandimmediatelyopenedthewindowstoclearoutthestaleair.Assoonastheysettledtheirhome
base,they’dgooutagainandbeonthelookout.HiscatknewTalbotwasaround,somewherecloseto
wheretheywere.Hewasn’tjustmakingupadirectionandgoingwithit.Hemighthavelostthescent,but
hiscatknewsomethingthemanhadn’tquiteputhisfingeronyet.He’dlearnedlongagototrusthisjaguar
whenitcametothingssuchasthis.

Somethingshiftednearthedoorway,andheturnedonhisheel,clawsnotoutincaseitwasahuman,

butclose.Heinhaled,hiseyesgoingwide.

“Anya.Behindme.”
Shedidn’tgobehindhim,butrathertohisside.Hedidn’tobject,asshecouldfightherwaythrough

anything,butitstillrankledhiscatthatshewouldn’tstaysafelybehindhim.

Whenthegiantbearshifterrevealedhimselfatthedooropening,Colewantedtocurse.Theman’s

bareforearmstoldhimthatthisshifterwasoneoftheUnseen—unmarkedandnon-collared.Themanwas
big.BiggerthanColeandAnyaforsure.Hecouldprobablybreakthembothwithhispinkies.

“Cat,”themangrowled,hisvoicelow,rusty.
“Bear,”Colegrowledback.
Anyaclearedherthroatandpointedtoherself.“I’mabear,butI’msureyougetthat.”
Colewouldnotlethismouthturnupinagrinatherwords.Damn,thewomanhadnofear.Only,he’d

seenthelookinhereyesatthethoughtoflosingherchildren,andknewnofeartobefarfromthetruth.
Thatsoberedhimquickly.

“Whatisityouwant?”Coleasked,hisvoicelow,buthe’dlostthegrowl.Hedidn’tneedto

antagonizethisbear.“Isthisyourterritory?”Hedidn’tknowhowterritoriesworkedwiththeUnseen.The
Alphasmightknowmore,butasamereTracker,hewasn’tprivytothatinformation.

Thebeartiltedhisheadandstudiedhim.Themanhadwhite-goldhairthatbrushedhisshouldersand

lookedlikehe’dwokenupandranahandthroughit,callingitgoodenough.Hisfeatureswerestrong,like
everythingabouthim.Hisdarkeyesweren’tjustdarkbrown,butblack.

“Polar…”Anyawhispered.“You’reapolarbear.”
Notallshifterslookedliketheiranimalcounterpartswhileinhumanform,buttherarepolarswerein

aleagueoftheirown.Orsohe’dheard.Colehadnevermetonebefore.They’dbeenhardtocomeby
beforetheroundup.Hewasn’tsuretherewasevenoneintheUrsinePack.

“Iamapolar.Thatisright,grizzly.”HeblinkedatAnyathendidthesametoCole.“You’reajaguar.”
Howthemanknewthis,hedidn’tknow.Theirscentswerehardashelltodiscern.Generally,only

shiftersofthesamespeciescoulddistinguishsub-speciesbyscent.

“I’mTucker.Andthoughthisisn’tmyterritory,youshouldn’tbehere.”
“Whynot?”Anyaasked.
“Youshouldknowthat.Youmayhavecoveredthebrandswithclothingandtakenoffyourcollars,

butyouarenotoneoftheUnseen.Youdonotknowhowtoliveamongthehumansandhideyourselves
likeyoushould.Iscentedyouamileaway.It’smydutyto.Whyareyouhere,andwhatwillittakeforyou
togobacktowhereyoucamefrom?”

Coledidnotlikethisbear.Hedidn’tlikehisattitude,andhesureashelldidn’tlikethewaytheguy

eye-fuckedAnya.Thebastarddidn’tevenhavethegracetodoitsubtly.No,hefuckingrakedhisgaze
downherbody,appreciationapparent.

ColemovedclosertoAnya,puttinghishandonherlowerback.Sheturnedtohim,herbrowsraised.

Sheknewwhatwasgoingon,butdidn’tdoanythingaboutit.

Tuckersnortedbutdidn’tstoplookingatAnya.
Colewantedtoscreammineandmarkherashis.Onlyitsureashellwasn’tthetimeforthat.
“I’mlookingformychildren,”Anyasaid.Shetooktwostepstowardthebear,leavingColebehind.
Coledidnotlikethat.Hewantedtoreachforherbutheldhimselfback,notwantingtomakeany

suddenmovementsinfrontofthisstranger.

“Youletthemwandertoofarfromyou,mommabear?”
BeforeColecouldbreakthebastard’sneck,AnyawasinTucker’sface.Colegrowledandmoved

behindher,hishandonherhip.

“TheSAUstolemybabiesfromtheirbedswhiletheyslept.They’veneverbeenoutsidethe

compoundexcepttomovefromonedentoanother.Wetrackedthemdowntothisgeneralarea.Ifyou’ve
seenthem,orheardanythingthatindicatestheycouldbenear,Ineedtoknow,”shepleaded,andCole
wantedtotearuptheworldforher.

Tuckerstudiedherface.“I’msorrytheSAUkidnappedyourkids,butyouneedtogo.It’snotsafefor

anyonehere.”

Colefrownedattheman.Hewashidingsomething,andColeknewit.Thisbearhadmoresecrets

thanjusthisidentitywithinthehumanpopulation.WhatwouldanUnseenwantwiththisterritory?Why
washesoadamantthatColeandAnyaleave?

“Please.Iknowyouknowsomething.Icanseeitinyoureyes.”AnyaputherhandonTucker’schest,

andColegrowled.Shemoveditbackslowly,butnotbeforealickofheatenteredTucker’seyes.

Colehadhadenough.HepulledAnyatohissideandwrappedanarmaroundherwaist.“Tellus

whatyouknow.Thisisn’taboutdickingaroundwitheachother;thisisabouttwoscaredbearcubs.Help
us.”

Tuckerremainedsilentforsolong,Colewasafraidthebigbastardwasjustgoingtowalkawayand

leavethemstranded.Fuck,he’dgoandfollowthebearifhehadto.Therewasnowayhe’dletthepolar
leavewithoutgivingtheminformation.

“Please,”Anyawhispered.

Tuckercursed.“Fine.ButtheinformationItellyoucan’tbeuseduntilafterdark.Youhearme?It’s

notsafeforyoutobeoutinthedaylight.Blendinginisonething,butit’shardasfucktoblendinonthis
sideofthetracks.”

Coleopenedhismouthtorespond,butTuckerhelduphishand.
“Youdon’tknowthearea.Thisismyhome.YoufuckupandgetcaughtbytheSAU?They’regoingto

comeaftermyfamily.There’syounghere.Youscrewupandtheydie.Yougetme?”

“Wherearethey?”Anyaasked,hervoicecalm.Toocalm.Fuck,whatwassheplanning?
Tuckerraisedabrowather.“Holdyourself,mommabear.Yourushoutofhereforwhatcouldbejust

ashotatfindingthem,ratherthanactuallyfindingthem,andyou’lldie.”

Cole’sarmshotout,hishandwrappingaroundthebear’sneckbeforehecouldblink.“Threatenher

againandyou’llbemorethanjustUnseen.Yougetme?”

Tuckerdidn’tlooktheleastbitworriedaboutCole’sclawsdiggingintohisskin.Infact,thefucker

lookedrelaxed.

“I’mnotgoingtobetheonetokillher.TheSAUwill.Stopthinkingwithyourdickandthinkwith

yourbrain.”

“Fuckyou.”
“Bothofyou,stopit,”Anyasnapped.“Wherethefuckaremysons?”
“Youhaveamouthonyou,”Tuckermurmured.“Ilikeit.”
Colesqueezed,atrailofbloodrunningdownthisthumb.“Keepgoing.Idareyou.”
“Youkillme,youdon’tgettheinformation.”
“Tucker,”Anyapleaded.
Coledidn’tliketheasshole’snameonherlips.Tuckerslowlyreachedintohispocket,andColekept

hisgazeonthemanforanysuddenmovements.

“I’mgoingtowritedownanaddressandasetofdirections.There’vebeensomesuspicious

activitiesgoingonaroundthisonebuilding.Ithinkitmightbetheoneyou’relookingfor.”

“Suspicious?”Coleasked.
“JustwhatIsaid.Oddpeoplegoinginandoutandsneakingaround.It’snotthatuncommonaround

here,butwe’vebeensensingshifterswehaven’tbefore.”

AnyaputherhandonCole’sback,hernailsdiggingintohisskin.HeslowlyletgoofTucker,wanting

totouchAnya.Ifhedidn’t,hewasn’tsurewhathiscatwoulddo.Heputhisarmaroundherwaistagain
andwatchedthepolarwritedownafewnotesthenhandthepieceofpaperovertoAnya.

“Thankyou,”shewhispered.
“You’renotgoingtocomewithus?”Coleasked.“Ifyou’resoworriedabouttheothershifters,then

whywon’tyoucome?Helpusfindthekidsandkickthisbastard’sass.”

Tuckershookhishead.“Ihaveplansofmyown.”Henoddedatbothofthem.“Goodluck.”With

thosecrypticcomments,theguywalkedaway,leavinganervousashellAnyainCole’sarms.

AssoonasTuckerwasgone,AnyaturnedinCole’sarmsandbangedherheadonhischest.“Iwantto

gonow.Iwanttoruninthereandgetthem.Idon’twanttowaituntildark.We’vegottenthroughtheSAU
patrolssofar,whycan’twetryagain?”

Coletuckedherhairbehindherearandrestedhisforeheadonhers.“Anya,honey,asmuchasIhate

toagreewiththatbig,blondbastard,wegotluckysofar.”Heletoutasighandranhishandsdownher
back.“Wedon’tknowthearea,andIwon’tputmytrustinanyonethatquickly.Plus,mycatistellingme
tostaybehindfordarkness.Itwouldbesmart.”

“Idon’twanttowait.Iwantmybabies.”
“Iknow.Iwantthemback,too.Andwe’regoingtogetthem.Wejusthavetowaituntilit’sabit

darker.Thenwe’llfindthem.”

Hehuggedhertighter,andshepushedathimasifrealizingshe’dbeenleaningonhiminthemoment.

Hedidn’tletthatbotherhim—much.

“Idon’tknowwhythatUnseenfollowedus,otherthanthefactthatwewereintrudersinhis

territory.”Shesnorted.“Itmightnotbehis,butheclaimeditjustthesame,didn’the?Still.I’mgratefulhe
came.”

Colesnorted.“Really?Thatasshole.Heleft.I’mhere.”Heshuthismouthquickly.Whythehellhad

hesaidthat?Hehadn’tmeanttoadmitanythingaboutthat.Well,shit.

Sherolledhereyesandthrewherhandsintheair.“Shutup.Idon’twanthim,Cole.Iamgratefulthat

hetooktimeoutofhisbusydayofactingallbroodyandmysterioustofindusandgiveusalead.ButI
don’twanthim,”sherepeated.“Iwantyou.”

Hiscatpurred,andColestalkedtowardher.“Really?Proveit.”
Shecuppedhisfaceandkissedhim.Hard.Herteethbitintohislip,andshepulledaway,panting.He

wasn’tfarbehindher.

“I’llproveit.Later.Whenwe’resafeandnotoutintheopen.”Sheletoutabreath.
“Thisisn’tover,”hesaidslowly,agreeingwithheronthetiming.
“Oh,don’tIknowit.”Sherolledherneck.“Now,let’sgetreadytogofindmybabies.BecauseI’ll

bedamnedifthatassholehumanwhothoughthecouldtakeadvantageofmeisallowedtobreatheanother
day.I’mgoingtomakehimbleedandbegmeforforgiveness,butI’llnevergiveittohim.”

Andjustlikethat,hefellinlovewithamommabear.
Talkabouttiming.

Chapter8

TheyfollowedTucker’sdirections,andAnyaprayedtheyweren’theadingintoatrap.Ithadtaken

overanhourforthemtoreachtheplaceTuckerhadsuggestedsincetheyhadn’twantedtoparknearthe
placeandmakenoise.They’dlefttheirvehicleatanotherlocationandwalkedtowhereTuckerhadsaid
theboysmightbe.They’dstudiedthebuildingandexitstrategiestogetherbeforetheyeventhoughtof
goinginside.

Whileshewantedtorunin,clawsoutforhersons,shecouldn’tuntilthey’dfiguredoutwhattodo

andhadformulatedaplan.JustbecausetheUnseenwereshifters,didn’tmakethemPack.Thatwas
somethingshewouldneverforget.Thesecretoftheirexistencehadbeendrilledintoherthedayher
brotherhadbecometheForeseer,butshecouldalsopraythattherewasasenseofgoodinthepolarbear.
Shehopedthathetrulywantedtohelpinhisownwaywhenitcametothelivesofherchildren.

Hermindworkingovertimetakinginhersurroundingsandtryingtoworkthroughhowthey’dgotten

thereinthefirstplace,shetriedtofocusonwhatwasinfrontofher.

Thecatwho’driskedhislifeforher.
SheduckedbehindColeastheystaredattheseeminglyabandonedwarehouse.Herbearpushedat

her—wantingnotonlythemaninfrontofher,butalsobloodfromwhoeverhaddaredtotouchwhatwas
hers.

Colehadn’twantedherthereinthefirstplace.Oh,hemaynothavetoldherasmuch,buttherewas

nowayadominantshifterlikehimwouldlikeseeingherthere.Shecouldfeelthepullbetweenthem—
onethatshewasgoingtoignoreuntiltheywerebackatthecompound,safewithherchildren.Becauseof
thatpull,sheknewtheimmensestrengthofCole’sdominance.Hemightnotwantherthere,butheknew
shecouldhandleherselfandhadn’tmadelightofhercomingwithhim.Hehadn’tfoughtitortoldhershe
didn’thaveenoughexperience.Instead,he’dsimplytoldhertheplanandaskedifshehadanybetter
ideas.Thenhe’dgoneonthismissiontonightandknewshewouldbebyhissideashewouldbebyhers.
Insteadofdwellingonallofthat,sheignoredit,focusingontheonethingthattrulymattered.

Herchildren.
Theplacelookedlikeitwasliterallystandingonitslastleg.Dark,dreary,andsooldithadtohave

beenreadytofalldownbeforethevirushit.Howitwasstillupright—eversoslightlyleaningtotheside
—shedidn’tknow.ThebuildingwasalsotheperfectplaceforFranktosetupshop.Shehadn’tseena
singleSAUpatrolorpolicecruisersincethey’dbegunsurveillance.Assoonasthecurefortheviruswas
discoveredandpeoplestartedgettingwell,accordingtoCole,humanshadshiftedtheirfocustoother
partsofthecityandtheirownkind.Theyignoredwhattheydidn’tunderstand,eitherlettingitfallto
neglectlikethisplaceorcagingitoutofsightlikeherpeople.

Thegovernmentandauthoritiesdidn’tcarewhathappenedinthisarea.
NoonewouldcarethatFrankwashere.
NoonebutherandCole.
“Canyouscentthem?”sheasked.Shecouldn’tanditkilledher.IfOwenandLucashadbeenthere

earlier,therainandwindhadwashedawaythescent.Herbearwasn’tevensuretheywerenearandit
worriedher.Whatifthiswasjustaplacewhererandomshiftersmet?JustbecauseColehadhadafeeling
earlier,didn’tmeanitwouldcometopass.Thiscouldallbefornothing.

“Takeadeepbreath,Anya.You’refreakingyourselfout.”
Shedid;annoyedshe’dletherselfgetcaughtupintheviciouscycleofherdoubt.
“Canyouscentthem?”sheaskedagain,thistimetakingdeepbreathstocalmherselfasmuchas

possible.Controllingherbearwascrucialrightthen.

“Ican,”hewhispered,hisvoicelow,sure.
Shegrippedhisarmandforcedhimtolookather.“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”
“BecauseIjustcaughtthescent.We’regoingdownthere,Anya.You’renotdoingthiswithoutme.

I’mnotdoingthiswithoutyou.SothisiswhatIcansense.Thereareshiftersdownthere,butIcan’ttellif
theyaremovingornot.Thewindisn’tpickingthatup.There’salsoagroupofhumansdownthere.
SeventeenIthink.”

Anyacursed.“ThatcouldbeFrankandwhatevermusclehehired.”Theyweregoingonthe

assumptionitwasFrankatthispoint,butitwasalltheycoulddo.“Corasaidhewasgoodatgetting
peopletoworkforhiscause—evenifhe’sontherunfromtheSAU.”Hepaused.“Hetrickedme,didn’t
he?”

Colereachedforherhandandsqueezed.Herbearbrushedagainsther,wantingmoreofhistouch.

Again,shewouldn’tthinktoohardaboutthat.Notyet.Maybenotever.

“He’sadeadman.”
Hispromisesoothedhermorethanshethoughtpossible.Shetookadeepbreath,calmingherselfas

muchasshecould.“What’stheplan?”

Colenoddedtowardasidedoor.“There’sanolderwindowontheothersideofthatdoorthatlooks

likeit’snotconnectedtotheroomwiththeoutsideentrance.Atleastthat’swhatIcantellfromhere.I
don’twanttousethedoorbecauseIcanscenthumansbyeachofthem.Ifwegothroughthewindow,we
cantakethembysurpriseatworst,sneakbythematbest.Wegoin,followthetrailtothekidsandget
out.”Hemethergazeandfrowned.“IknowwewantFrankdeadrightnow,but…”

Shenodded,knowinghewasright,evenifitkilledher.“Butifit’sachoicebetweenhisdeathand

thelivesofmychildren,OwenandLucascomefirst.Always.”

“Always.”
Hekissedherquicklythenmoveddownthealleytowardthewarehouse.Shefollowed,hersenseson

alert.Thehaironthebackofherneckstoodonendandherheartraced.Shemayhavefoughtother
shiftersinbattlesfordominanceandhierarchy,butshe’dneverbeentrainedforthis.Cole,itseemed,had.
She’dfollowhisdirectionsandtrynottoletherheartleadher.Itwouldn’tbesmarttodoanythingother
thanthat.Helookedoverhisshoulderashestoodunderthewindow.

“Ready?”hemouthed.
Shenodded,herbearreadytoshiftwhenneeded.Heopenedtheoldwindowthatdidn’thavealock

andjumpedthrough.Shefollowedwhenhegavethesignal,landingonherfeetwithaquietthud.She
wasn’tasgracefulashewasbyfarsincehehadtheadvantagesofacatandshetendedtolumberlikea
bear.Shedidn’tthinkanyonehadheardherthough.IftheshiftersColehadscentedwereworkingfor
Frankorwhoeverwasdownthere,itmightbeaproblem,butshedidn’tknow.Iftheshifterswere
caged…thenitwasawholedifferentproblem.

Theplacewashotdespitethecoolertemperaturesoutsideandsmelledofmoldanddeath.Theidea

chilledherskineveninthecloyingheat.ShemovedclosertoColeandallhellbrokeloose.Fourmen
camethroughtheopendoorway,masksontheirfacesandtranqgunsintheirhands.Colelashedout,
takingtwodown.Shegrowled,jumpingononewhileusingherclawstotakeoutanother.Thecoppery
scentofbloodfilledtheair,andherbearrelishedit.Shetookthemdown,notkillingthem,butthey
wouldn’tbewakingupanytimesoon,thatwasforsure.

Fourmoremencamein,drawingtheirtranqs.Sherolledoutofthewayasoneshotather,thedart

narrowlymissingherface.Sheroared,loudenoughtorattletheoldwindowsinthebuilding,butnotloud
enoughtodrawtheattentionofanyoneontheoutside.Sheknewbetterthanthat.Shefoughtofftwoofthe
men,butassoonasshelookedoveratCole,whohadthreeguysfightinghim,shefeltthepinprick.

Shelookeddownatthedartinherarmandlickedherlips,hertonguealreadynumb.Shefelltoher

knees,herbodygoingweak.Herkneesachedfromtheimpact,butshehadn’tbeenabletomovetosoften
theblow.Colescreamedhername,butshecouldn’tmakeouthisface.Hervisiongrewblearyandshe
knewshe’dfailed.

She’dfailedherself.
She’dfailedCole.
She’dfailedhersons.


Anyablinkedherselfawakeandjoltedatthefeelofshacklesaroundherwrists.Shepulledonthem,

themetaldiggingintoherskin.Herbodyfeltheavy,asifsheweretryingtocomeoutofadeepsleepand
couldn’tquitedoit.

“You’reawake.”
Sheknewthatvoice.She’doncelettheownerofthatvoiceintoherhomeandintoherheart.Or

perhapsshewasn’ttruthfulabouttheheartpart.She’dfallenforprettyliesandasmilethatdugdeep.
Well,fuckthat.

ShegrowledatFrankashewalkedintoherlineofsight.Hetiltedhisheadashestudiedher,hisface

drawn.Heworehisprecisetieandshirt,apristine,whitelabcoatoverhisclothes.Hesmelledofblood,
butwhose,shedidn’tknow.Thefactthatshedidn’tseespattersonhisclothingworriedher.Whathadhe
beendoing?

“Keepgrowling,Anya.You’reananimal,cagedanduseless.Well,perhapsnotuseless.I’lluseyou

tofurthermyexperiments.Andthebratsyoubirthedwillhelpme,aswell.”

Herbearroared,clawingather,butshekeptsilent.Shepulledathershacklesandfeltbloodseep

downherskinasthemetaltoreherflesh.Shesnappedathim,knowingifsheshiftedrightthen,she’dlose
herhands.Themetalaroundherwristswouldn’tconformwhensheshifted,butitmightbeworthit.

Onlyshedidn’tknowwhereherboyswere,andsheneededthemsafebeforeshekilledthebastardin

frontofher.

“Wherearemysons?”shebitout.Herteethelongatedslightlyandshesuckedinadeepbreath,

willingthemtogobacktonormal.Noshifting.Notyet.

Frankshookhishead,lookingalittlemorehaggardthanhehadallthoseyearsagobutstillfucking

smug.Shewantedtoripthatsmilerightoffhisface.

“Youdon’tgettoaskquestions.”Hegesturedtowardthecorner,andsheturned.
Itwasonlybysheerforceofwillthatshedidn’treacttothesight.Colelayonametaltable,blood

poolingathissides.Hehadhisheadturnedtowardher,hiseyesglassywithpain.God,helookedso
pale.Frankhadcuthimup,andAnyawasdamnsureitwasn’tjustforscience.Thebutcherwantedto
play.Rivuletsofbloodandwhoknewwhatelsetraileddownhisbody.Frankhadslicedintohischest
andsides,andperhapsevenhislegsfromthebloodonCole’sjeans.Noneofthecutslookedtoodeep,
butshecouldn’ttell.

Thatmustbethebloodshe’dscentedonthemanshe’doncelettouchher.Frankmusthavechanged

hisclotheswhileshe’dbeenoutofitthankstothetranq.

HerbodyshookatthethoughtofwhatOwenandLucasweregoingthrough.Bilefilledhermouthand

herbearpressedather.Sheturnedtowardthebutcherthathadoncedeceivedher,barelyholdingbackher
rage.

“Where.Are.My.Sons?”
Frank’seyeswidenedathertone,andshesawasliveroffearslidethroughthem.Good.
“Ihaven’tstartedontheirpartofmyworkyet,”Franksaidashestraightenedhistie.Shedidn’t

allowherselftoshowherrelief.Notuntiltheywereinherarmsandsafewouldshebreatheagainfully.
Hecouldbelyingforallsheknew.Franklovedtolie.

Sheinhaledagainjustassomeoneopenedadoorinthehallway.
There.
Sheknewthosescents—abrushofpaper,aspearofgrass,andalllittleboy.
Tearsprickedathereyes,butsherefusedtocry.Herboyswerehere,justdownthehallway.She

rolledherwristsasmuchaspossible,tryingtofindawayoutofherchains.Frankstudiedherfacefora
moment,probablywonderingwhyshewasn’tspeaking,butfuckhim.She’dfindawayoutofthese
restraints,findawaytogetColeoffthattable,andfindawaytogetherbabiesoutofhishellhole.

FrankshookhisheadafteramomentthenwalkedtowardCole.Shetuggedatherchainsagain,trying

tobreakfree.

“I’vestudiedafewfelineshiftersinthepast,butIenjoylookinginsidethemtoseeifthereis

anythingdifferentbetweenthespecies.”Frankpickedupascalpelandstudiedthelightglintingoffthe
blade.

“Funnything,whenwefirstheardaboutyourkind,somethoughtifweopenedyouup,we’dfindyour

animalhalfinside.”FrankpressedthebladealongCole’sskinandtiltedhisheadagain.“Ineverthought
that,asitdidn’tmakesensebiology-wise.”Hestartedcutting.Anyascreamed.“Only,nothingmakes
sensebiology-wisewithyoufilth.”Hecutagain.Thistime,ColeletoutagroanasFrankslicedalonghis
stomach.

“Stopit!”sheyelled.“You’renotstudyinghim.You’replaying.”
Frankdidn’tpayattentiontoher,hisconcentrationonhisoh-so-precisecuts.“I’vestudiedyour

blood,yourgenetics.I’vestudieditall.Idon’tunderstandhowtousethatresearchtomakeashifterof
myown.”

“Bastard.”BilefilledherthroatagainasmorebloodpooledonthefloorunderCole’sbody.Shifters

werebornormadebythebiteofamateorAlpha.Humanscouldn’tfigureitoutwithscience.Although,
sheknewthey’dtried.Thedeathsofsomanyofherpeoplewereproofofthat.

“It’sgoingtobeokay,Anya,”Colerasped,hisvoiceweak.Howlonghadshebeenout?Howmuch

bloodhadhelost?

“Iknow,”shelied.Colemethergaze,thepaininhiseyeskillingherslowly.
“Yousee,nomatterhowfarIdig,Ican’tfindfur.Ican’tfindthegeneticdispositionthatleadsto

shifting.Itmakesnosense.Youmakenosense.”HedugthebladeinandAnyascreamed,Cole’svoice
mixingwithhers.

Themansheloved,theshiftersheknewtobehermateblinkedoncethenclosedhiseyes.Hischest

didn’tmove,hisbreathsdidn’tcome.

Shestrainedtohearaheartbeatbutonlyheardthethunderingofherown.
No.No.No.No.Thiscouldn’tbehappening.Colewasnotdead.Hermatewasnotdead.Shepulled

atthechainsoncemore,rageflowingthroughherlikeariveroflava.Therestraintsbuckledatthewall,
thesoundofstrainedmetalreachingherears.Soclosetofreedom.SOclosetokillingthehumanbastard
whodaredtotouchwhatwashers.

Franksighed.“Damn.Ithoughtthisonewouldlastlonger.IthinkIgottoocarriedaway.”Hesetthe

scalpeldownthenwipedhishandsonatowelathisside.“Iguessit’stimetostartonmynextproject.”

Fearshotthroughherandshepulledagain,bloodpouringdownherarmsastheshacklescutintoher

wrists.

“Stop!Useme!Studyme!”
Franksmiledatherandherworldshattered.“No,Idon’tthinkso.I’mgoingtostudythereactionsof

amotherwatchingherchildrendie.”

Withthat,hewalkedoutoftheroom,hummingatuneunderhisbreath.
Tearssliddownhercheeksasshepulledandtugged,tryingtofindawayout.“Oh,Cole.I’mso

sorry.”Sheblinked,tryingtoseethroughhertears.“Youshouldn’thavediedforme.Youshouldbeupin

yourtree,sleepinglikeyouwanttobe.I’msosorryIpulledyouwithme.”Sheclosedhereyestightly.“I
loveyou,”shewhispered,knowinghecouldn’thearher.

Themanshelovedwasdead,andshe’dbeentooafraidofwhatcouldhavebeentolethimknow

beforehe’dsacrificedhimselfforherandherchildren.

Shescentedherboysbeforeshesawthem.Herbodyshookandshepulledatherrestraints,her

wristspracticallynumbatthispoint.

Frankwalkedinwithabearcubundereacharm.Thescentoffearwaftedoffeachboywithsuch

potentintensity,sheknewtheywerepracticallyparalyzedatthispoint.

Herbearclawedather,hertendonssnappingasshestartedtoshiftatthesightofhersonsinthe

handsofamonster.

Anyadidwhatanymommabearwoulddointhissituation.
Shelosthershit.
Withstrengthshedidn’tknowshepossessed,shepulledatthechainsonelasttime.Cementand

plasterfellonherasthewallgaveway.Herleftwristwasbrokenforsure,butherrightonewasonly
partiallymauled.

“Bite,boys!Bitehim!”sheroaredasshestoodonshakylegs.
Theboysgrowled,andFrank’seyeswidened.OwenandLucasdugtheirteethintoFrank’sarmsand

thehumanscreamed,droppinghercubs.

Herboysletgoofthebutcherandlandedontheirfeet,scramblingtoher.Shetooktwostepstoward

them,butbeforeshepickedthemup,shewrappedthefingersofherunbrokenhandaroundFrank’sthroat.

“Neveragain,”shesaidquietly,hervoiceasdeadlyasablade.“Neveragain.”Withthat,she

snappedhisneckandwalkedoutwithOwenandLucas,shuttingthedoorbehindthemwithFrank’sbody
stillintheroom.Sheneededamomenttofigureouthernextstepintheplanbeforetheguardsthatwere
stillleftstandingcamestormingin.Thefactthattheyhadn’tcomewiththeroaringandscreamingworried
hermorethanshethoughtpossible.

Shefelltoherkneesandhuggedherchildrenclose.“Shiftbacktohuman,babies.Iknowyou’re

tougherinyourbearforms,butweneedtogetoutofhereandIcan’tbeseencarryingtwolittlecubs.”
Shekissedtheirlittlefacesandpulledbackastheyshifted.

“Momma!”Lucaswrappedhisarmsaroundherneck,kissingherandcrying.
“Oh,babies,”shewhispered,huggingthemclose.
“Momma,what’swrongwithCole?”Owenasked,hisvoicesolowshealmostdidn’thearit.
Shehadn’tforgottenCole,butshehonestlydidn’tknowwhattodowithhis…body.
Anyaswallowedhardandtriedtocomposeherself.“Ithinktherearescrubsorsomethinginthat

closetoverthere,”shesaid,ignoringOwen’squestionforthemoment.Herboyswerenakedandstill
woretheircollarsandbrands.“Getdressedandbequick.Okay?”

Theynoddedather,worriedlooksontheirlittlefaces.
“Where’syourcollar,Momma?”Lucasasked.
Sheputherhandtoherneckandcursed.ThecollarshadbeeninCole’shoodiepocket.Sheprayed

Frankhadn’ttakenthemorshe’dbedeadassoonasshemadeitbacktothecompound.

Ifshemadeitbacktothecompound.
No,shewouldn’tthinklikethat.She’dgetherboysbacktothecompoundandfindawaytomoveon

withwhathappenedhere.Butfirst,shehadafewthingstodobeforethehumanguardscamesniffing
around.Itwasamiracleshe’dbeensafethislong.

“Comehereforamoment,”shesaidsoftly.Shequicklyremovedtheirlittlecollarsandputthemin

herhoodiepocket.Herwristsached,andsheknewshe’dneedahealersoon,butshe’dlivewiththepain
fornow.“Nowgofindalongshirttoputonboys.Ineed…IneedtoseetoCole.”

Theyscurriedoffquietlytothecloset,andshewentbackintheotherroomandovertoCole’sbody.

“I’msorry,”shewhisperedandkissedhisbrow.“Thankyouforgettingmetomyboys.”Shereachedinto
thepocketofhishoodielyingonthetableandpulledouttheircollars.Whensheleanedforwardtokiss
himonemoretime,herheartalmoststopped.

Didhischestmove?
Washebreathing?
Pleaselethimbebreathing.
Oh,God.Sheslappedathisface.“Cole,baby.Wakeup.Wakeup,love.Ineedyou.”
Cole’seyesfluttered,andherhandsshook.Acrashsoundedinthehallwayandshefroze.
“Wakeup,Cole.”Shegrowledlow.“It’stimetogetup,lazycat.Don’tmakemepullyourtail.”
“Not.Lazy.”Cole’svoicewasalowgrowl,andshealmostwept.
“Cole!”Lucascalledoutquietly,dancingatAnya’sfeet.HeandOwenhadonscrubtopsthatwere

toolarge,butatleasttheyweren’tnaked.Owentuggedatherarm,andshelookeddowntoseeherlittle
boyholdinganothertop.

“ForCole.”
Hell,herboysweresmarterthanshewassometimes.
ShepulledatCole’sshouldersandforcedhimtositup.“Iknowyou’rehurting,butthehumansare

comingandweneedtogo.Now.”

Coleblinkedather,butshedidn’tseethehumanpartofhim.Hiseyeswereallcat.
Thatcouldbeagoodthing.Hegrowledagain,hischestbloodybutrumbling.
“Putthison,”sheordered,handingoverthescrubtop.Whenwe’reoutofthebuilding,wecan’thave

anaked,bloodymanwalkingaround.”

Hegrowledlow.
“Okay,thenwecanputitonwhenwegetoutofhere.Butcomeon.Weneedtogo.”
Hereachedout,hisfingertipsclaws.Oh,yes,hewasallcatrightthen,notahintoftheman.
“Mine,”hegrowled.
Shekissedhischeek,knowingtheydidn’thavetimeforthis.TheboyspressedagainstCole’slegs,

theirlittlebodiesshaking.

“Weneedtogo.Now.”
“Hold.Boys.”Colebitout.“I.Kill.Humans.”
“Okay,baby.Icandothat.”Shepickeduphersonsandwincedasherwristsalmostgaveout.She

andColewereinbadshape,butdamnit,thiswasthebesttheycoulddofornow.

Colehissedashestood.“Keeptheboyssafe,”hegrowledout.Hemightonlybemostlycatatthis

point,butsheknewhewasthemostdangerousthinginthebuilding.“Ourcubsneedtobesafe.”

Well,shedidn’tquiteknowwhattothinkaboutthat.
Afterthatdisplayofclaiming,thedoorburstopenandfourmenstumbledinside.Coleroaredlikethe

cathewasandpounced.Anyapressedherboysclose,grabbedthestackofgauzeandbandagesonthe
counter,andfollowedasColelaidwastetoanyoneintheirpath.Hekilledeachandeverysingleoneof
theminswiftprecision,hisbodyshakingwithadrenaline,rage,andmostlikely,agony.

Soontheywereoutsidethebuildingandontheirwaytothecar.Colepulledtheshirtoverhis

woundsandtookOwenfromher.

“You’rehurt,”shewhispered.
“Soareyou,”hesaid,asOwenlaidhisheadonCole’sshoulder.Assoonastheywereinthecar,

Colestartedtheengineandtheywereontheirwayhome.Ittookeverythingwithinhernottopileinthe
backwiththeboysandholdthemclose,buttheyneededtolookasnormalaspossibleforanyhumansthat
mightlooktheirway.

Astheypulledaway,shethoughtshesawthewhite-goldofTucker’shairoutofthecornerofhereye,

butshecouldn’tbesure.

Shedidn’tunderstandthatpolarbearandhismotives.Buthell,shedidn’tcarerightthen.
Shehadherbabies.Colewasalive.Andtheywereontheirwayhome.
Otherthingscouldmatterlater.
Theyhadto.

Chapter9

Abranchcrackedunderthesoftpadofapaw,butColedidn’ttwitchhisearsatthesound.Hekept

perfectlystillonhisperchinthetreebesidehishome.Unlikethelasttimethesetwohadhuntedhim,they
weren’tstompingaroundtheforestandwereslightlyquieter.Itseemedthey’dbeenlearningabout
trackingsincetheirlastvoyagetohistree.

He’dgladlybetheonetoteachthemhowtotrackandhunt.
Hetriednottosmileandkepthiseyesfirmlyclosedasthetwolittlebearcubstuggedathistail.

Theirclawsweresheathedsoitdidn’thurthim.However,hemightjustpassoutfromthecuteness.

LucasgrowledwhileOwenbattedplayfully.Colecouldn’thelphimselfandgrinned.Hestoodup,

keepinghistailhighsotheboyswouldhavetojumpforhim,andstretched.Whenheyawned¸heletouta
littlepurrthenjumpedfromhisbranch.Theboysrolledontotheirlittletummiesandtriedtogrowlathim.

Heloweredhishead,flickinghistailintheair.Theboyspouncedonhisback,playfighting.He

rolledaroundwiththem,lettingtheirlittlepawsswipeathim.Theykickedhiskidneysabit,butitwas
worthit.Hisbodydidn’tacheasmuchasithad.He’dhadfourdaystohealfromhistorture.Theboys
seemedtohavebouncedbackfromtheirordeal,aswell.

Theircollarswereonandtheysmiledwhenintheirhumanform.
Hecouldn’taskformuchmore.
Thescentofhoneyandcrispappleshithimandhelickedhislips.Okay,maybehecouldaskfor

somethingmore.

“Aretheselittlecubstoomuchforyou,lazycat?”Anyateased.
Herolledonthisstomach,gentlynudgingtheboystotheirfeet.Heshiftedbackandpulledonsweats

astheboysshiftedbacktohumanform,aswell.OwenandLucastookouttheirsparepantsfromthesame
spotColehadplacedhis.Hegrinnedatthethoughtthattheyfeltcomfortableenoughtosharehisspaceso
freely.

“Ihavecakesforeveryone,”shesaidsoftly,herheartinhereyes.Hewashonestlysurprisedshe’d

beenabletosmileasmuchasshehadsincethekidnapping.Buthesupposednowthatshehadherboys
withher,shecouldrelax,ifonlyforamoment.

OwenandLucasreachedfortheirdessert,murmuringtheirthanksastheystuffedtheirfaces.Cole

prowledtowardAnya,wantingsomethingmuchsweeterthanacake.

“Thankyou,”hewhisperedasheslidthetreatfromherfingertips.Hebroughtherhanduptohislips

andlickedtheexcessfrosting.“Delicious.”

Sheblushedbutrolledhereyes.Inthefourdayssincethey’dreturnedtothedeninsecret,theyhadn’t

spokenaboutwhathadoccurredbetweenthem.They’dtoldtheirAlphasandmostofthePackabouttheir
ordeal,butthatwasit.They’dhealedandtriedtofindbalancewithintheirlives.Onlyhewasn’tsurehe
wantedtogobacktothewaythingswere.

Actually,hewasreallyfuckingsurehedidn’twantit.
“Boys,”shereprimanded.“WhatdidIsayaboutcomingoutherewithoutsomeonewatchingyou?”
Lucasloweredhishead,butOwenpressedhisbodyintoCole’sleg.Heranhishandovertheboy’s

head.

“WewerewithCole,”Owensaid.“Weweresafe.”
Anyasmiledsoftly.“Iguessyouwere.”Shebentandkissedeachboyonthecheekthenroseand

kissedColegentlyonthelips.Hefroze,notsurewhattodo.Shegavehimasecretsmilethenwinked.

“Okay,boys,comehangoutwithmeforabit,”Oliversaidashelumberedtowardthem.“We’llhead

tothedenbonfire,andyourmomandColecanjoinuslater.”

Coleblinkedafewtimes,unsurewhatwashappening.FromthewayOliverwinkedatAnya,the

siblingshadaplaninplace.Itwouldhavebeenniceifhe’dbeenletinonthesecret,though.

Theysaidgoodbyetothetwins,andsuddenly,hewasalonenearhisfavoritetreewiththeone

womanhewantedtocallhisown.

“Showmeyourplace?”sheasked,hervoicelow.
Hetookherhandandledhertohishome,hisheartracing.He’dbeenstayingawaytogivehertimeto

heal.Hehadn’twantedtojumpherthefirstchancehehadandscareheraway.Jesus,hewasactinglike
somecubgettinglaidforthefirsttime.Hewasn’tusuallythisclueless.

Assoonasheclosedthedoorbehindthem,Anyahadherhandsonhischestandhisbackpressedto

thedoor.

“Fourdaysislongenoughtoheal,don’tyouthink?”sheasked,hervoiceapurr.Damn,shesounded

almostfelinewhenshedidthat.

Heranhishandsalonghersideanduptoherface.“Fuck,yeah.It’swaytoolong.Buttellmewhat

you’rethinking,Anya.Ithoughtyouhatedme.”

Sheshookherhead,kissinghispalms.“No,Iloveyou,youlazycat.Iwantyou,andIwantustobea

family.Iknowyou’remymate.”

Hegrinnedthenleanedforwardandnippedatherlip.“Don’tcallmelazy.”
Sherockedherbodyalonghisandhepurred.“SinceI’mstilldressedandyouhaven’tsaidanything

aboutmatingtome,maybeyouarelazy.”Thequickshotofuncertaintyinhereyesmadehimfeellikea
heelforteasingher.

“Iloveyou,Anya.You’remymateandyouknowit.Mycatclaimedyoulongbeforeyoufirsttriedto

pushmeoutofmytree.”

“Itwasn’tapush.Morelikeatinynudge.”
Hesmiledthenranonehanddownherbacktocupherass.“Itwasapush,butit’sokay.Youcanpush

atmeanytimeyouwant.Especiallyagainstdoorsandwallswhileyougodownonme.”Hewiggledhis
eyebrows,andshesnorted.

“Cole…”
“Baby,Iloveyou.Youknowthat.Iknowwe’restilllearningeachother,butwehavetherestofour

livestodothat.Iwantthosecubsasmine.Iwantustomakebabiesofourownandseeiftheyturncator
bear.Eitherway,they’llbeours.Allofthem.”

Tearsfilledhereyesandsheleanedcloser,brushingherlipsalonghis.“Mate.”
“Mate,”hewhisperedback.
Whenshegroundagainsthim,heshiftedtheirpositionssoshewasagainstthedoorandhestood

betweenherlegs.

“ThankGodyouworeadresstoday,”hemutteredthenundidhispants.Heslidhishandbetween

them,foundherwet,ready,andbare,thenpushedintoherwithonethrust.Theybothmoanedassoonas
hewasfullyinside.

“Noforeplay?”sheasked,hervoicebreathless.
Heslowlyslidinandoutofher,hishandsonherthighs,keepingherspread.“We’vebeenhavingour

ownformofforeplayforweeks.”

Shesmiledandrolledherhips.Hiseyescrossedandhepumpedfaster.Anyaclungtohisshoulders,

andherestedhisforeheadonhers,needingherasclosetohimaspossible.Whenheslidhishand
betweenthemandbrushedhisthumboverherclit,shestiffenedbeforecomingonhiscock,hercunt
clenchingaroundhim.Thetightvicebroughthimovertheedgeandheroaredhername.Shetiltedher
headtotheside,andhesunkhisteethintohershoulder,claimingherashisforalltosee.Hisbodystill
thrumming,helickedthewoundsthenturnedhisheadforhertomarkhim.

Whenherteethbitdown,healmostcameagain,hisbodyshakingatthesheerforceofherclaim.

“Mine,”hewhispered.
“Yours,thoughyou’remineaswell,lazycat.”
Hegrinned,lickinguphernecktobehindherear.Hewasalreadyhardagain,slowlyworkinghis

wayinandoutofher.

“Ofcourse.”
Hehadhisbear,hismate,andnomatterwhathappenednext,heknewthathehadfoundthepathhe’d

neverthoughtheneeded.They’dcompletetheirmatingtattoosandshowthePacksthatitdidn’tmatterthat
hewascatandshewasbear.Theywereone.Hewouldclaimtheboysashisownandraisethemtobe
themenheknewtheycouldbe.

He’dfoundhisfuture,hismate,hisfamily.
Theworldandhisdenwerechangingwitheachpassingmoment,butheknewhewouldbeableto

faceit.Hewasn’taloneanymore,nolongerabandonedtothefatehethoughthefaced.

Hewasbranded,butnotforgotten.
HewasPack.
Hewashers.

Unseen

Chapter1

Despitethesharpnipintheair,alargecrowdwasgatheredinthecenterofthecompoundtoshare

theeveningmeal.

Ittrulywasanamazingsight.Wolf,cat,andbearallminglingtogether,despitethefactthattheywere

allforcedtoshareacrampedcompound.

Theyweren’tcelebratingthedeathofDr.Talbot.Notreally.Theywereallsensitivetothefactthat

hewasthebiologicalfatheroftwobearcubs.Buttherewasanunmistakablesenseofsatisfactioninthe
knowledgethatthebastardwasnolongeraroundtodohissickexperimentsonshifters.

NicoleBradley,however,wasn’ttheretoappreciatethesightofhistorybeingmade.No.Shewas

standingattheedgeofthethicktreesthatcircledtheclearingtomakesurethatshecouldslipaway
undetected.

Slowly,hergazeskimmedoverthefamiliar—andnotsofamiliar—facesthatwerestandingnearthe

largebonfirewhereSoren’smate,Cora,waspassingoutsticksloadedwithhotdogstoroast.Thetwo
haddevotedendlesshourstocreatingasenseofharmonyamongtheshifters.Notaneasytaskwhenthey
wereallshort-temperedpredatorswho’dbeencaged,branded,andcollared.

Justforaminute,shefeltawistfulregretthatshecouldn’tjoininthecommunalspirit.
Onceuponatime,shewouldhavebeenthefirsttooffertohelpCoraservedinner.Orleadthegame

ofvolleyballthatwasstartingupinthesandpit.

Butherhearthaddiedsevenyearsagowiththebrutalmurderofheryoungpup.Nowshefeltnothing

butadrivingneedtopunishthoseresponsible.

Withasadshakeofherhead,sheturnedawayandmeltedintothedarknessofthetrees.
Onlyafewweeksagoshecouldhavetakenadirectroutetothehiddentunnelshe’ddugbeneaththe

fencethatsurroundedthecompound.Withonlythewolvesinthearea,they’dhadasmallmeasureof
privacytorunthroughtheforest.Now,however,shehadtostayonconstantguard;makingsurenotto
crosspathswithabearorcatwhowasoutforaneveningstroll.

Twiceshe’dhadtocircleoutofherwaywhenshecaughtthescentofshifters,thedelayonly

intensifyingherpulsingneedtobeonthehunt.

Tonight,morethananyothernight,shehadtobeoutofthecompound.Shehadtoeasethechoking

senseofpainthatwasasrawandrealasthedayhersonhaddied.

Whichwaswhysheignoredthesoundoffootstepsbehindher.
Shehadtogetout.Now.
Unfortunately,herpursuerhadotherideas.Justafewfeetfromthetoweringfence,amaleform

abruptlydartedpasthertoblockthenarrowpath.

Forcedtoahalt,Nicoleglaredatthewolfshifterwithdarktousledcurlsandeyesthecolorof

cognac.Soren,theBetaoftheRiverPack.Shemighthaveknown.

Intruth,Nicoleconsideredhimhersurrogateolderbrother.Andoverthepastyears,they’dbeen

drawnevenclosertogetherbytheirmutualgrief.

Whichhadbeenawonderfulthing,untilhedecidedtopokehisnoseintoherbusiness.
Foldinghisarmsacrosshischest,Sorenallowedhisgazetoslowlywanderdownhertoo-slender

body.Wearingapairofblackspandexpantsandablackturtleneck,withhertawnyhairpulledintoa
ponytail,sheknewthatshelookedlikeateenager.Animagethatwasonlyemphasizedbyherfragile
featuresandthewidehazeleyesthatwereheavilyfringedbyblacklashes.

Sheruthlesslyusedherharmlessappearancetoheradvantage.Beingunderestimatedwasaweapon

aspotentasherclawsandfangs.

“Goingsomewhere,Nikki?”Sorendrawled.
Shescowled.Shenolongerusedthatname.Nikkihaddiedwithherson.NowshewasNicole.
“Soren.”Shestruggledtocontainherfrustration.Usually,shecouldreasonwithherfriend.Buthe

wasamale.Whichmeantthathecouldbeannoyinglystubbornatthemostinconvenienttimes.“Why
aren’tyouwiththeothers?”

“Whyaren’tyou?”hecountered.
Sheshrugged.“Iwasn’tinthemoodforaparty.”
“It’snotaparty,”hecorrectedher.“It’sanopportunityfortheshiftercommunitytolearntowork

together.”

Shegaveanothershrug.“I’mnotinthemoodto…”sheliftedherhandstogiveairquotes,“work

together.”

Hisfeaturessoftenedwithsympathy.“No,you’reangryandhurtanddrowninginthepast,”hesaid

softly.“Atoxiccombination.”

Nicoleinstantlyflinchedathispity.Sherefusedtothinkofherselfasavictim.Shewasawarrior.
“You’reourBeta,notanOmega,”shesnapped.
“It’sashamewedon’thaveone,”hegrowled.TheyallfelttheholeinthecenterofthePackthat

camefromthelackofanOmega.“Theymighthavehelpedtohealyou.”

Shegaveasadshakeofherhead.“There’snocureformourning.”
Sorengrimaced.“Look,Nikki-”
“Don’tcallmethat,”sheinterruptedinsharptones.
“Holdenorderedustokeepalowprofileforafewdays,”Sorencontinued.
“That’sexactlywhatIintendtodo,”Nicolesaidwithabsolutehonesty.Shemadeitherlife’sgoalto

flybeneaththehuman’sradar.

Herolledhiseyes.“ThatmeansstayinginthecompoundandnotdeliberatelyprovokingtheSAU.”
Shewrappedherarmsaroundherwaist.“Ican’t.”
Hisbrowssnappedtogether.“Nikki.I’mnotsayingtostopyourvendetta,justgiveitarestfora

fewdays.”

“I’mgoingtonight,Soren.”Shetiltedherchin.“Onewayoranother.”
“Why?What’ssospecialabouttonight…”Soren’sbreathcaughtandhiseyeswidenedashe

realizedthedate.Hersonhadbeenmurderedpreciselysevenyearsago.“Oh,shit.”

“I’mnotgoingtodoanythingstupid,”shesaid.
Helookedanythingbutconvincedbyherassurance.
“Justsuicidal,”hemuttered.
Sheshookherhead.Shemayberecklessattimes,butshewasn’ttryingtogetherselfkilled.No

wayinhell.Shestillhadamissiontocomplete.

Steppingforward,sheplacedahandonherfriend’sarm,nottooproudtobeg.
“Letmego,Soren.”
TherewasatensemomentwhentheBetastruggledagainsthisloyaltytohisAlpha.Afterall,hewas

amalewhounderstoodwhatitwasliketolosesomeoneheloved.

“Dammit.”Hedeliberatelysteppedtotheside.“IhopeyouknowthatHolden’sgoingtoputmy

ballsinavice?”

“Coraisaluckycat,”shesaidwithasmallsmile.
“Yeah,yeah.”Hestudiedherwithasomberexpression,reachingouttolightlytouchhercheek.

“Comehometous,Nikki.Weneedyou.”

Waitinguntilthemalehadgrudginglyturnedtodisappearintotheshadowsofthetrees,Nicole

reacheduptoadjustthehighneckofhersweaterthathidhercollar.Thepieceofmetalmarkedherasa
shifter,alongwiththebrandthatmarredherforearm.

Tobecaughtwithoutthecollarwasadeathsentence.
Sheshuddered,forcingherselftofocusherthoughtsonthefuture,notthepast.Andthatincluded

gettingoutofthecompoundwithoutbeingseen.

Movingforward,shekneltnexttothefence,closinghereyesassheconcentratedonherheightened

senseofsmell.Shecaughtthesharptangofpines,andthemuskyscentofthefallenleavesthatcarpeted
theground.Moredistantwastheacridodorofsmoke,andthemeatthatwassizzlingoverthefire.

Therewerenohumansnear.
Nicoledidn’thesitate.Itwouldn’tbelongbeforeoneofthehumanguardspassedbyduringtheir

regularsweepofthearea.Shewantedtobemilesawayfromthecompoundbeforetheyarrived.Once
shewasinDenver,sheshouldbeabletopassasahuman.

Shovingasidetherockthathidherexit,sheenteredthetunnelandshimmiedthroughthenarrow

passagewaythatranbeneaththefence.ShecameoutbehindalineofDumpstersthattheguardshad
shovedcloseenoughtothecompoundtomakesuretheshifterswouldbecontinuallyassaultedbythe
stenchofrottinggarbage.

Bastards.
Cautiouslycrawlingoutofthenarrowopening,Nicolequicklyranthroughthedarkness,hersoft

bootsbarelymakingasound.Itwasnearlyanhourlaterwhenshearrivedatthelongmetalshedwhere
theSAUkepttheirvehicles—aswellastheirweapons.Itwasanewbuildingthatthey’dbuilttoreplace
theoneNicolehadsetfiretotheyearbefore.Shehadplannedtoblowthisoneuptonight,tomarkthe
anniversaryofherson’sdeath.

Instead,shehadanewmission.
Easilyavoidingthecamerastheyhadplacedaroundtheopenyardsurroundingthebuilding,she

headedtowardtheextracarsthatwereleftintheback.Lessthanfiveminuteslater,shehadaJeep
hotwiredandwasheadingalongtheoutskirtsofBoulder.

Whenshe’dheardthatSorenandCorahadactuallydiscoveredtheheadquartersoftheSAU,she’d

barelybeenabletocontainherexcitement.

Foryears,she’dtriedtotrackdownthesecretlab.Thecovertgovernmentagencyhadadozen

differentbuildingsspreadthroughoutthecountry.Hell,theyhadatleastthreeinDenveralone.That’s
wheremostofthestaffhadoffices,andwherethemundaneworkwasaccomplished.

Butshe’dalwaysknowntherewasmoretheykepthidden.
Andnowshehadtheopportunitytofindoutforherself.
StickingtothesidestreetsincasetheJeepgotturnedinasastolenvehicle,sheatlastparkedat

ChautauquaPark.Itwasseveralmilesfromtheheadquarters,butitwouldallowhertoapproachthe
placewithoutbeingnoticed.

Withaquickglancetomakesurenoonewaswatching,shehoppedoutoftheJeepandheadedupthe

trail.Instantly,shewassurroundedbythesmellsandsoundsoftheforest.

Thetightballinthepitofherstomacheasedafractionatthesoothingpeaceofhersurroundings.

Inside,herwolfpressedagainstherskin,demandingtobereleased.Thiswide-openspacewithplenty
ofroomtorunwasexactlywhatashiftercraved.

Witheffort,sheresistedthetemptation.
Sheneededtopassashuman.
Atleastfornow.
Movingataswiftpace,Nicoletraveledinawidearcthatwouldleadhertothedeepestpartofthe

parkbeforeshewasanglingbacktowardBoulder.Shedidn’thavetheexactcoordinates,butshe’d
overheardSorentalkingtoHolden.Shehadageneralideaofwhereshewasgoing.

Shewasjustatthepointofturningbacktowardscivilizationwhentherewastherustleofpine

needles,andaformwassuddenlyblockingherpath.

Averylarge,verymaleform.
Godalmighty.Sheskiddedtoahalt.Howhadhemanagedtosneakuponher?Shehadn’thearda

sound.Andshecouldstillbarelycatchhiswarm,slightlytangyscent.

Hadheappearedoutofthinair?
Unnerved,Nicoletookastepback;herheadtiltingasherheartslammedagainstherribs.Yow.

Somehow,she’dexpectedsuchalargemantolooklikeaNeanderthal.

Instead,hewas…beautiful.
Extravagantly,breathtakinglybeautiful.
Hishairwaslongenoughtobrushhisbroadshouldersandshimmeredlikewhite-goldinthe

moonlight.Hisfeatureslookedasifthehandsofanartisthadsculptedthem.Hehadawidebrowover
eyesthatwereasdarkasamidnightsky.Hisnosewasnarrow,andhischeekswerechiseled,almostas
ifhehadAsianbloodinhisdistantancestry.Evenhislipswereperfect.Fullandsculptedwitha
sensuouscurve.

Feelingasifshe’dbeenstruckbylightning,sheallowedhergazetoskimdowntothebigbodythat

rippledwithmusclesbeneaththefadedjeansandgrayhoodiehewore.

Heatsizzledthroughher,makinghertoescurlinhersoftboots.Whatwasitaboutthisguy?She’d

neverfeltsuchanintensereactionbefore.

Okay.Hewasgorgeous.Andfiercelymale.Butstill…
Herawarenessofhimwascompletelyoverthetop.She’dclearlygonetoolongwithoutalover.
Nicoleabruptlyshookherselfoutofherinanethoughts.Dammit.Shewasherewithapurpose.And

thisman,nomatterhowdelectable,wasn’tpartofherplan.

“Excuseme,”shesaidpolitely,waitingforhimtostepaside.Secondspassedashesimplystood

there,staringather.“Ifyoudon’tmind.”Shegaveashooingmotionwithherhand.“You’reblockingthe
path.”

Thestrangerslowlyliftedhisbrowsasifwonderingwhethershehadascrewloose.
“Obviously,thatwasthepoint,”hesaid,hisvoicehuskywiththefaintesthintofanaccent.
Yum.
No.Shegaveashakeofherhead.Notyum.Hewasanoversizedhurdleinherplansforthenight.
Sheplantedherfistsonherhips.“Isthereaproblem?”
Heremainedsilentashedidhisownvisualtourofherbody,blatantlyallowinghisgazetolingeron

thesoftswellsofherbreastsbeforereturningtomeetherglare.

“Whatareyoudoingouthere?”
Nicoleforcedherselftotakeadeepbreath.Shewassupposedtobeanormalhumanoutforastroll.

Whichmeantshecouldn’tshiftintoawolfandbitehimontheass.

“Justhikingthroughthewoods.”
“Atthishour?”
Sheshrugged.“Isthatacrime?”
Henoddedtowardasignthatwasstickingoutofabushbesidethepath.

CLOSEDUNTILFURTHERNOTICE

“Thisareaisoff-limitstothepublic.”
Shenarrowedhereyes.Thesignhadaweatheredlookthattoldherit’dbeenthereformonths.

Maybeevenyears.

“Why?”
Hearchedabrowasifsurprisedthatshewasn’tscuttlingawaylikeagoodlittlegirl.
“Thetrailsweredamagedduringthelastrainstorm.”
Nicoleleanedtotheside,peekingaroundhislargebody.“Theylookfinetome.”
Theairseemedtovibratewiththeforceofhisgrowingannoyance.Good.She’dhatetobetheonly

oneirritated.

“Untilthey’rerepaired,they’retoounstabletouse,”hesaid,hisjawclenched.“Ifyouwanttohike,

youneedtoheadnorthorwest.”

Nodoubtthewisethingtodowouldbetowalkaway.Shewaswastingprecioustime.And,of

course,therewasalwaysthedangerthathewasapartoftheSAU.

Buttheinexplicablesenseofawarenessthatpulsedbetweenthemalsomadeherwolfprotestat

backingdown.Almostasifheranimaldidn’twanttoappearweakbeforethisman.

“Ifthisareaisclosed,whatareyoudoinghere?”she’ddemandedbeforeshecouldhaltthewords.
Hegavealiftofhisshoulder.“I’maParkRanger.I’mheretomakesurelittlegirlsdon’tgethurtby

goingwheretheydon’tbelong.”

“Really?”Nicolearchedabrow.
Shedidn’tknowmuchabouttheworldoutsidethecompound,butshewascertainthatanyonein

authoritywouldbewearingauniform.Oratleasthaveavehicle.

“Really.”
“Shouldn’tyouhaveabadgeorsomething?”
Hiseyeshadseemedtoglowinthedarkamomentbeforeheleanedforward.
“Letmeescortyoubacktoyourcar.”
Shetookanotherinstinctivestepbackward.Shemightbeapredator,buttherewassomethingabout

thismanthatwarnedhertobecareful.

“Noneed.”
“Areyousure?”Hishuskyvoicewaslacedwithanunmistakablewarning.“Iwouldn’twantyouto

getlost.”

Okay.Enoughwasenough.Themandidn’tappeartoworkfortheSAU.Otherwise,hewouldbe

dressedintheiruniformandflashinghisbadgetorunheroff.Buthemightverywellbeprotectinga
marijuanacropthathe’dillegallyplantedonpublicland.

Orbefindingaplacetoburyabody.
Eitherway,hemayverywellbecomeviolentifshedidn’tdoasheasked.Andasmuchassheloved

agoodfight,shecouldn’triskbeinginjured.Nottonight.

“IthinkIcanfindmyway,”shedrawled.
“Good.Youneedtoheadhome.”Hesentheradarkglare.Didhesenseshewasplottingtocircle

aroundhimandcontinueonherway?“Now.”

“Fine.”Sheheldupherhandsinfauxsurrender.“Haveasuperawesomenight.”
Henarrowedhiseyes,hisarmsfoldedacrosshismassivechest,assheturnedtostrollaway.
“ParkRanger,myass,”shemuttered,loudenoughforhimtooverhear.
“Don’tcomeback,”hecalledout.
Shedidn’tbothertoglancearound.Instead,sheliftedherhandandflippedhimoff.
Childish?Yeah,maybe.
Butthemandisturbedheronacellularlevel.
Fiercelyscrubbingallthoughtsofthestrangerfromhermind,sheheadeddownthetrail,waitinguntil

shewascertainhewasn’tfollowingbeforeshedartedintothethickforest.Then,strippingoffher
clothing,shetuckedthemunderapileofleavesbeforeshiftingintoherwolfform.

Agony,alongwithathrillingeuphoria,shiveredthroughher.Herbonespoppedandhertendons

rippedasthemagicpulsedthroughherveins,alteringherforminblastoffurandfangs.

Standingonfourlegs,shetookasecondtogaincontrolofherbalancebeforeshewaslopingthrough

thetrees.She’dhopedtowaituntilshewasclosertotheSAUtochange.Astraywomanhikingthrough
theparkdidn’tattractnearlyasmuchattentionasatawnyfemalewolf.

Butshewasn’tgoingtobestoppedagain.

Hersensesweremuchmoreacuteinherwolfform.Andevenbetter,shehadlong,sharpteethto

dealwithanyaggravatingmenwhotriedtostandinherway.

****

Tuckercontinuedtostareatthepathwaylongafterthefemalehaddisappeared.
HetoldhimselfthattheurgentneedtofollowherwasnothingmorethanconcernforhisPack.

They’dmanagedtoremainhiddenforyears.Notonlyfromthehumans,butalsotheshifterslivinginthe
compounds.

Itwasn’tthattheydidn’tfeelcompassionforthosewho’dbeenbrandedandcollaredbytheSAU.

Hell,theyweredoingeverythingintheirpowertobringanendtotheprejudicesagainsttheirpeople.But
thingswerereachingacriticalpoint.Thelastthingtheyneededwassomenoseyshifterblowingtheir
cover.

Yep.Itwasallverylogicalthathewasanxiousaboutthefemalewolfmakingasuddenappearance

whereshedidn’tbelong.Butthatdidn’tactuallyexplainwhyhisheartwasthunderingorwhyhiscock
washardasafuckingrock.

Suckinginaslowbreath,heallowedthewarmscentofwomanandwolftoseepthroughhim.

Delectable.Anddangerous.Very,verydangerous.

Hisbearstirred,restlesslyurginghimtotrackthefemaledownsohecouldcontinuetosmellher.
Andmaybehavealittletaste…
“Trouble?”Amalevoicefloatedfrombehindhim.
TuckergaveasharplaughasSinclair,thecurrentAlphaoftheUnseenPack,movedtostandathis

side.ThewolfshifterwasthreeinchesshorterthanTuckerwithlong,darkhair,aleanfacethatwas
alwaysthreedayspasttheneedforashave,andice-blueeyes.

Helookedlikeabikerwho’djustrolledoutofbed,butanyonestupidenoughtounderestimatehim

wassoontaughtapainfullesson.

“Troubleontwolegs,”Tuckertoldhisfriend.
Sinclairtiltedbackhishead,sniffingtheair.“Awolfshifter,”hegrowled.“Whatthehellwasshe

doingouthere?”

“Sheclaimedshewashiking.”
Sinclair’sdarkbrowssnappedtogether.“Inthemiddleofthenight?”
“Yep.”
TuckercouldsenseSinclairturningtostudyhim,buthisfocusremainedonthetrail.Almostasifhis

bearwerewillingthefemaletoreturn.

“Whatdoyouthink?”Sinclairdemanded.
“Shesureashellwasn’theretohike,”hesaid.
“Damn.”Sinclairabruptlybegantopacefromonesideofthepathtotheother,hisnervousenergy

pricklinginthechilledair.“We’retooclosetofindingtheproofweneedtoshowthatitwasthehumans
—nottheshifters—whowereresponsiblefortheVeronaVirus.Wecan’tletanyonefuckupourplans
now.”

Tuckerforcedhimselftoturnandfacehisfriend.Heneededadistractionbeforehisbearmanagedto

overcomehislogicandhegaveintohismaleimpulsetotrackthefemaledownanddragherbacktohis
cave.

“What’sthewordfromMira?”heasked.
“I’msupposedtomeetwithhertonight,”Sinclairgrudginglyadmitted.

Tuckerarchedabrow.MiraReesewasacomputernerdwhoworkedattheregionalCDCinFort

Collins.Thiswasthesecond—ormaybethird—timethisweeksheandSinclairweremeeting.

Thatseemedalittle…excessive,consideringitwasanhourdrivefortheyounghumanwoman.
“Hasshemanagedtogetanyfilesdecoded?”
Sinclairshrugged,hisexpressionimpossibletoread.“Shewouldn’thaveaskedforameetingifshe

didn’thaveanynewintel.”

Tuckersnorted.“Yeah,right.”
SinclairhaltedhispacinglongenoughtomeetTucker’samusedgaze.“What’sthatsupposedto

mean?”

Tuckerblinked.Wastheoldermalejoking?Sinclaircouldn’tactuallybelievethatthePackhadn’t

noticedMira’sgrowingfascinationwiththeirAlpha.

“Thatwomanwouldmakeupanyexcusetospendtimewithyou,”hesaid.
Sinclairgavealowsnarlofwarning.“Youdon’tknowanythingabouther.”
Tuckerstilled.Well,well.Hehadn’tseenthatcoming.
“Iknowwhenawomanwantsinaman’spants,”hedeliberatelytaunted.“Whyelsewouldsherisk

everythingforyou?”

Sinclairturnedaway,staringintotheshadowsofthenearbytrees.Herarelyspokeofhowhe’dmet

thehuman,ortherisksshewastakingforallofthem.

“Shebelievesinourcause.”
“Bullshit.”Tuckerkepthistonepitchedlow.Theytriedtokeeptheareaprotected,butitwasn’t

nearlyassecludedastheirusualcampsite.ItwasonlybecausetheSAUheadquarterswasnearbythat
they’dchosenthearea.“She’sinlustwithyou.Whichisexactlywhyyouchosehertohelpus.”

GenuineangerflaredinSinclair’seyes,hiswolfprowlingclosetothesurface.
“Iaskedhertohelpbecauseshe’safuckinggenius.”
Tuckersmiled.HehadtoacceptSinclair’sassurancethatthewomanwasagenius.Afterall,the

Alphararelyletanyonenearher.

He’dalwaysassumedSinclairkeptMiraisolatedbecausehedidn’twanttofrightenthehuman.

Althoughtheydidtheirbesttoavoidattractingunwantedattention,theUnseenPackwasmadeupofa
groupofpredators.

Cats,wolves,andbears.
Thereweretimeswhentheiranimalnaturescouldfrightenoffthenatives.
“Andshewantsyou,”hemocked.
“Enough,”Sinclairsnapped.“I’lldealwithMira.”
Tuckerliftedhishandsinsurrender.“Hey,I’mjustgladyoufoundher.Ifshe’sevenhalfasgoodas

youclaim,thensheshouldhavesomeactualproofofwhostartedtheVeronaVirus.”

Sinclairmadeavisibleefforttoeasethetensioninhisshoulders.
“That’stheplan.”
TuckerleashedhisimpulsetopresstheoldermaleabouthisrelationshipwithMira.Itwasclearlya

sensitivesubject.

Instead,heturnedhisattentiontothequestionthat’dbeennaggingathimsincehe’dheardthestoryof

howJonahWildermanagedtoforcetheSAUtobackdownfromtheirdeterminationtocaptureanAlpha
sotheycouldcreatetheirownshifter.

“DidyouaskherhowWildermanagedtogethishandsonthoseoldreports?”
Sinclairgaveadecisiveshakeofhishead.“No.AndIdon’tintendto.”
Tuckerwasgenuinelycaughtoffguard.“Whynot?”
“Becauseshe’sputtingherselfinenoughdanger.I’mnotgoingtohaveheraskingawkwardquestions

thatmightattracttheattentionofourenemies.”

“Whatthehellisthepointofhavingamoleontheinsideifwecan’thaveheraskawkward

questions?”

Sinclairbaredhisfangs,andTuckerinstantlyregrettedtheimpulsivequestion.Notbecausehe

fearedthathisAlphawouldattack.SinclairmightbetheleaderoftheUnseen,butnoonewasstupid
enoughtotakeonabearshifter.Notunlesstheyhadadeathwish.

Buthe’dclearlyrubbedagainstarawnerve.
SomethingthatSinclairdidn’tneed,especiallywhentherewassomuchridingonwhathappened

overthenextfewmonths.

“Screwyou,”theoldermansnapped,clearlydonewiththeentireconversation.
“Fine.Youdoyourthingwiththehuman,andI’lldoasweepoftheborder.”
“No,I’llgetSonnytoreplaceyouonguardduty,”Sinclairsurprisinglyoffered.“Iwantyouto

followtheshifter.”

ItwasTucker’sturntostiffen.HisbearwasonceagainstirredintoawarenessatSinclair’s

command.

Withaninnergrowl,hisanimalpressedtowardthesurface.Huntdownthelittleshe-wolfwiththe

sweetscentandtartmouth?Oh,yeah.Hisbearwasreadyandwilling.Infact,hewassowilling,itwas
startingtoscaretheshitoutofhim.

Whichmeantthatitwasthelastthingheshoulddo.
“Why?”
Sinclair’shardfeaturestightened,revealingthefrustrationthatsmolderedjustbelowhisbrittle

composure.

“IsentwordtoHolden,askinghimnottointerferewithourplans,buthe’sanarrogantbastard,”he

growled.“Hemightdecidetoignoremyrequest.”

TheUnseenhaddeliberatelyremainedhiddenfromtheworld,butthatdidn’tmeantheyhadn’tkept

carefulwatchonboththehumansandtheirfellowshifters.

EspeciallythevariousAlphas.Whichwashowthey’dknownthatHoldenwasafairbuttoughwolf

leaderwhodidn’tlackforconfidenceinhisabilitytorulehiswolves.

NowthatHoldenknewabouttheUnseen,he’dbeentryingtocontactSinclair,clearlyfeelingtheneed

foraface-to-facemeeting.Sinclair,however,wasn’tabouttoruntheriskofexposingtheirpositiontothe
SAU.Notafterthey’dspentthepasttenyearsplottingandsacrificingtogettothispoint.

“Whatdoyouwantmetodowiththefemale?”Tuckerforcedhimselftoask.
AslyglintenteredtheAlpha’sicyblueeyes.“Anythingyouwant.Justdon’tlethernearthecamp.”

Sinclairjerkedhisheadtowardthedistantlightsthatglowedoverthetopsofthetrees.“OrtheSAU
headquarters.”

Shit.Tucker’scockwasonceagainhardandaching.Hescowled,tryingtopretendthathewasn’t

itchingwiththeneedtochargedownthepathinpursuitofthefemale.

“Holdenmaynotbehappyifwedetainoneofhispeople,”hepointedout.
“Toodamnedbad,”Sinclairsaid,hiseyesglowinginthemoonlight.“Thisismyterritory.”

Chapter2

DirectorGeorgeMarkham,alargemanwithshort,iron-grayhair,satbehindhisheavywalnutdesk.

AsheadoftheDenverdivisionoftheSAU,hewasresponsibleforthemostrecentclusterfuck.

Notthatitwashisfaultthatthetwoshiftershadbeenallowedtoescapefromthisbuilding.Orthat

hisleadscientisthadgoneAWOLwiththeirmostsensitiveresearch.Orthatthedamnedshiftershad
threatenedhimwithinformationtheyshouldn’thave.

Still,he’dbeeninthemilitarybeforejoiningtheSAU.WhenhetookthejobofDirector,he

understoodthatitmeanthewouldtaketheblameforanyscrew-ups.Period.

Whichwaswhyhewasinhisofficeatthishour,insteadofhomewithagoodbottleofbourbonand

hisdogs.

Hetappedanimpatientfingeronthetopofhisdesk,watchingasRichardGrantenteredtheroom.

Theheadofsecuritycametoahaltjustinsidethedoor.

Dressedincamo,themanhadasquarefacethatwasemphasizedbyhisbuzzhaircut.Hehada

handguninaholsterstrappedaroundhiswaist,andnodoubtseveralmoreweaponshiddenonvarious
partsofhisbody.

“HaveyoulocatedTalbot?”Markhamdemanded,notbotheringtoofferthemanaseat.
HisofficewasliketheDirectorhimself.Large.Meticulous.Withoutanyunwelcomeclutter.
Itwasdesignedtobefunctional,notinvitingtoguests.
“No.”Grantgrimaced.“It’slikehefelloffthegrid.Nocellphonecalls,notexts,nobank

transactions,noactivityonhiscomputer.”

“Damn.”
WhenMarkhamhadfiredDr.FrankTalbot,hisheadofresearch,hehadn’tanticipatedthatthe

bastardwouldbeabletousethechaosduringtheprisoners’escapetosneakaway.Likethedamned
cowardhewas.

And,intruth,Markhamwouldn’tgiveashitwhathappenedtothetraitorifitweren’tforthefactthat

he’dtakeninformationthatcouldpotentiallydestroytheSAUifitfellintothewronghands.

“Ithinkweshouldworkundertheassumptionthattheshiftershavehimandthathe’sbeen

compromised,”Grantsaid,claspinghishandsbehindhisbackandstandingatattentionashewaitedfor
Markham’sorders.

Aperfectsoldier.
Markhamgaveasharpnod.He’dheldouthopethattheywouldbeabletotrackTalbotdownand

quietlydisposeofhim.Now,timewasrunningout.

Theyhadtotakeactionbeforedisasterhit.
“Haveallthelocksonthebuildingchangedandbackupallthecomputerstoasecurelocation.Once

you’resurewehavethefilescopied,Iwantthecomputersinthisbuildingwipedclean,”hesaidin
decisivetones.“Idon’twantadamnedgovernmentoversightcommitteecominginheretotryandclaim
animalabuseorsomeotherbullshit.”

Grantnodded.EveryonewhoworkedattheSAUknewthattheyweren’tuniversallyloved.Infact,

therewereseveralcongressmenwhohopedtoearnthevotesofthebleedingheartsbyshuttingtheSAU
down.

They’duseanyexcusetonailhisasstothewall.
“Yougotit,”Grantsaid.
“Oh,andtellthenerdherdtoscalebackonourtestinguntilwecanbesurewearen’tbeing

watched,”hecontinued.

Grantmadeasoundoffrustration.“We’regoingtoloseweeksofresearch.”
Markhamnarrowedhisgaze.“DoyouwanttobehauledbeforeCongressandinterrogated?”
“Hell,no.”Themanshudderedinhorror.“WhatIwantistoknowhowthehellthoseshiftersgot

theirhandsonthosefiles.”

Grantwasn’ttheonlyonewhowantedanswers.Markham,however,wasn’tgoingtosharethefact

thathe’dbeencontactedbysomeonewhomightbeabletoprovidetheinformationheneeded.

“Youjustworryabout-”Markham’swordswerecutshortbyashrillbeepingsoundthatabruptly

reverberatedthroughtheroom.“Whatthehell?”

Grantpulledouthiscellphonetoglanceatthescreenthatwasflashing.
“Ourperimeteralarmhasbeentriggered.”
“Shit.”Markhamshovedhimselftohisfeet.Whatnow?“Getateamandcheckitout.”
Grantpulledouthisgun,turningtowardtheopendoor.“I’llreportbackwhenwelocatethe

intruder.”

“Grant.”Markhamhaltedtheman’sexit.“Ifit’soneoftheanimals,makesureyoutakethemalive,”

hecommanded.“IhavequestionsIwantanswered.”

Grantofferedagrimnodthenheadedoutoftheofficeandjoggeddownthehall.
Leftalone,Markhamdroppedbackintohischair.Then,yankingopenhisbottomdrawer,hepulled

outabottleofbourbonandasmallglass.

Itwasgoingtobeanotherlongnight.

****

Nicolehunkeredinthethickbrush,watchingthehumansastheyscurriedtowardthebackgatewhere

she’ddeliberatelytrippedthealarm.

Silently,shecountedeachguardandnotedwhichexittheyusedtoleavethebuilding.Atthesame

time,shekeptacloseeyeonthespotsthatwereleftunattendedastheyrushedtotheunseenthreat.

Anarrowsidegatewasthemostobviousholeintheirsecurity,butshecouldn’tbesurethereweren’t

cameraskeepingwatchonit.Therewasalsoasmallshedbuiltoutsidethegroundsthatwasclose
enoughforawolftousetoleapoverthebarbedwirethatprotectedthetopofthehighfence.

Intentondeterminingthebestmeansofenteringtheheadquarters,sheonceagainfailedtocatchthe

scentofthemanwhoshe’dencounteredjustanhourago.Notuntilhewassquattingdirectlyinfrontof
her.

“Whatthefuck?”hesnarledinlowtones,hisbeautifulfacetightwithfury.
Nicolefroze.Forahorrifiedmoment,shethoughtshe’dmadeaterriblemistake.Obviouslythisman

wasapartoftheSAU.Astrange,painfulregretslicedthroughherheart.Asifsheweresomehow…
disappointedhewasherenemy.

Butwhenhemadenoefforttorevealherpresencetotheguardswhoweresearchingthroughthe

woodsjusttothesouth,herfearbegantofade.Instead,asurgeofannoyanceracedthroughher.

Diggingherclawsinthesoftground,shegaveawarninggrowl,herlipspeelingbacktorevealher

lethalfangs.

Themanshouldhaveruninterror.Instead,heleanedforwarduntiltheirnoseswerenearlytouching.
“Don’tflashthoseteethatme.Mybiteismuchworse.”
Nicolefroze.Washeinsane?Hadallthattestosteronerottedhisbrain?
Thatcouldbetheonlyreasonableexcuseforhislackoffear.
Dammit.Nicolemighthavefantasizedaboutgivinghimanipontheass,butshedidn’tactuallywant

tohurtthegorgeous,aggravatingman.

Still,sheneededtogetridofhimbeforeherevealedherpresencetotheguards.Dartingforward,she

snappedherteethdirectlyathisface.

“Shit,”hejerkedback,hiseyesnarrowed.“Youwannaplay,baby?”Withoutwarning,hereached

outtowraphisfingersaroundhermuzzle,forcingherteethtogether.“You’recomingwithme.”

Indisbelief,Nicolefeltanarmbeingwrappedaroundhertorso,andwithamassivedisplayof

strength,hewastossingheroverhisshoulder.

Hershocklastedlongenoughforhimtopushhimselfuprightandjogdeeperintothethickwoods.

Then,realizingherbestopportunitytosneakintotheSAUheadquarterswasquicklyslippingaway,she
dugherclawsintohisbackandgaveasharpjerk.

“Stopfightingme,”hesnapped,hisarmtighteningaroundheruntilshefearedhemightcrackarib.

“You’regoingtohurtyourself.”

Nicolegavealast,frustratedgrowl,grudginglyacceptingthatshewasn’tgoingtoabletoescape.At

leastnotbyforce.Whichmeanttherewasnopointinstayingawolf.

Withaburstofmagicthatwasmoreagonythanecstasyatshiftingagainsosoon,Nicolechanged

backtoherhumanform.Forafewminutes,hecontinuedtoholdheroverhisshoulder,headingupasteep
hill.Butwhenshebegantokickherfeetdangerouslyclosetohismostvulnerablespot,hegavealow
gruntandturnedhersoshewascradledagainsthisbroadchest.

Nicolefeltherbreathlodgeinherlungs.Thiswasbetterthanbeingcarriedlikeasackofpotatoes,

but…damn.

She’dneverbeensoawareofhernudity.Nodoubtbecauseshe’dneverbeforefelttheintense

excitementthatwascurrentlydancingoverherbareskinlikelightning.

Notthatheseemedtobepayingattentiontoherbodythatwasshiveringwithexcitement.Hell,he

didn’tevengiveafurtiveglanceatherbreaststhatwerepressedagainsthishoodie.

Instead,hemovedthroughthetreeswithstrengthandgracethatprovedhewasnoordinaryhuman.

Asiftheheatpumpingoffhishardbodyweren’tenoughtogivehimaway.

“Whoareyou?”
“TuckerStone,”hesaid,hisgazescanningthedarknessasifsearchingforpotentialenemies.
“You’reashifter.But-”Shebitoffherwords.Sorenhadtoldherthatashifterhadhelpedhim

escapewithCora.He’dsaidthatthewolfshifterwasn’twearingacollarandhehadn’tbeenbranded.
He’dalsosaidthatthewolfwascapableofdisguisinghisscent.“You’reanUnseen,”shebreathed,
angeredthathehadn’tbeenhonestfromthestart.

“Iam.”
“Wolf?”
“Bear.”
Tuckerthebear.Shit.Sheshouldhaveknown.Hewasasbigasahouse.
“Putmedown.”
Atlast,heallowedhisgazetolower,hisexpressiononeofdisbelief.
“DoIlookstupid?”
“Youdon’twantmetoanswerthat,”shesnapped.
Hegaveaslowshakeofhishead.“Idon’tknowwhethertospankyouortieyoutomybed.”
Shewidenedhereyes,squashingthevividimageofbeingtiedtothismale’sbedwithhimposed

aboveher.Dammit.Shewassupposedtobepissed.Notaroused.

“TryeitherandI’llripoutyourthroat.”
Hislipstwitched.Couldhereadherthoughts?
“Youdon’tlackforcourage,female,”hedrawled,anglingtowardanarrowpath.“Onlybrains.”
“MynameisNicole,notfemale,”sheinformedhimwithasmuchdignityaspossibleconsideringshe

wasbutt-nakedandhewascarryingherinhisarms.

Thenshesuckedinashockedbreathashesteppedthroughthetreelineanddirectlyontoanarrow

ledgethatprotrudedfromasheerrockface.Untilthismoment,shehadn’trealizedhowhighthey’d
climbed.Nowherstomachdroppedtohertoesasshegazeddownthelong,longdistancetothebottomof
theravine.

“Dammit,whereareyoutakingme?”shecroaked.
Hearchedamockingbrow,movingwithaspeedthatassuredherthathe’dtraveledthenarrowledge

severaltimes.

“Worried?”
“Angry,”shecorrected,squeezinghereyesshutashehoppedfromtheledgetowardaflatrockjust

belowthem.“Youjustruinedeverything.”

“Ruined?”heprotestedindisbelief.“Incaseyouhadn’tnoticed,Ijustsavedyourass.”
Turningtotheside,heinchedhiswaythroughanarrowcrevice,atlaststeppingintoasmallvalley

thatwasprotectedbyacircleoftoweringhills.Shehadabriefglimpseofseveralcabinsandalong,
woodenbuildingthatsheassumedmustbethecommunitycenterfortheUnseenbeforeTuckerwas
carryingherintooneofthecabinsthatwerenearlyhiddeninacopseofpinetrees.

Openingthedoor,hesteppedinside.Then,slowlyloweringhertoherfeet,heflickedonthelights.
Surpriseracedthroughher.Howweretheygettingelectricity?Agenerator?Solar?Bootleggingit

fromtheSAU?

Withashakeofherhead,shetookinthecomfortablespace.Therewasanopenlivingroomfilled

withlarge,overstuffedfurnitureandanattachedkitchenwiththebarenecessities.Acrossthewooden
floorwasadiningtablewithtwochairssetnexttoalargewindow,andacabinetfilledwithdishes.At
theback,thereweretwodoorsleadingintoseparaterooms.SheassumedthatonewaswhereTucker
slept,andtheotherwaspotentiallyabathroom.

Itwasbasicbutnicerthanmostofthehomestheshifterswereforcedtoliveinatthecompounds.
“Youmightaswellmakeyourselfathome,”hetoldherinhislow,huskyvoice.
Shestiffened,turningtomeethisstubbornexpression.“Don’tbeanidiot.”
Thegorgeousblackeyesnarrowed.“Babe,you’rewearingonmylastnerve.”
Sheblinked,unabletobelievehisarrogance.“Areyoukiddingme?Iwasjustfineuntilyoustuck

youruglynoseinmybusiness.”

Hishandliftedtotouchhisnose.“Ugly?”
“Andnowyoubitchatme?”shecontinued,infullfury.“Ishould-”
Herwordswerecutoffasaloudchirpslicedthroughtheair.
“Don’tmove,”Tuckercommanded,pullingaphonefromhispocketandpressingittohisearashe

steppedoutofthecabin.

Nicoleglancedtowardthekitchenwindow,tryingtojudgeifshecouldsneakoutwithouthimseeing.

Unfortunately,she’dbarelymanagedtotakemorethanacoupleofstepstothecenteroftheroombefore
Tuckerwassteppingbackintothecabinandlockingthedoorbehindhim.

Stillholdingthephoneinhishand,hemovedtostanddirectlyinfrontofher.
Nicole’smouthwentdry.
Inthemoonlight,hewasstunning.Now,hewas…
Spectacular.
Thewhite-goldhairthatlookedassoftassatin.Thesculptedfeatures.Themidnightdarkeyes.
Adangerousthrillincheddownherspine.
Thankfullyunawareofhersizzlingarousal,thebearfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandglared

downatherpaleface.

“Starttalking.”

Shemethimglareforglare.“AmIyourprisoner?”
“Yes.”
Well,hell.
“WhenmyAlphadiscoverswhatyou’vedone…”Herwordstrailedawayasheheldoutthephone.
“Youwanttocallandtellhim?”Hissmilewasoneofpurechallenge.“Goahead.”
Foracrazedminute,sheactuallyconsideredcallingHoldenandtellinghimexactlywhereshewas

andhowtheUnseenhadtreatedher,thenshecametohersenses.HerAlphawouldprobablytellTucker
tolockherupandthrowawaythekey.

Sheshruggedashoulder.“Whyareyoudoingthis?”
Hetossedthephoneonanearbychair,hiseyessmolderingwithanemotionshecouldn’tread.
Anger?Frustration?
“I’maskingthequestions,”hesnarled.
Shejerkedathistone,herhandsclenchingathersides.“Youknowwhat?”Shepointedafingerin

hisface.“Fuckyou.”

“Okay.”Withoutwarning,hereachedouttograbhershouldersandyankedheragainsthishard

body.“Wecandothat.”

Hermouthpartedinshock,butbeforeshecouldprotest,hewasleaningdowntosealherlipsina

kissthatjoltedhertothetipsofhertoes.

****

Onsomelevel,Tuckerknewhewasactingbadly.Hehadn’tintendedtovirtuallykidnapthewoman.

Orhaulherintohisarmssohecouldatlasttastethesharpsweetnessofherlips.

Buthecouldn’tstophimself.Whenhe’dcomethroughthetreestoseehercrouchedwithinsightof

thesearchingguards,somethinghadexplodedinsideofhim.

She’dscaredthehelloutofhim,andhe’dsimplyreacted.
Okay,maybehe’ddonemorethanreact.He’dgonealittleape-shitcrazy.
Butnowthatheactuallyhadherwarm,fragilebodypressedagainsthim,andherlipswerepartingin

silentinvitation,hewasnolongerthinkingabouttheterrifyingriskshe’dtaken.Orthereasonhe’d
broughthertohisprivatelair.

Allhecoulddowasdrowninthetidalwaveofintoxicatingpleasurethatwascrashingthroughhim.
Fromthesecondhe’dcaughtsightofthisfemale,he’dbeenconsumedwitharelentlesshunger.Asif

someneedhehadn’tknownhepossessedwassuddenlysparkedtolife.Andnowthathe’dactuallytasted
her…

Nothingwasevergoingtobethesameagain.
Witharestlessmovement,heunzippedhishoodieandtosseditaside.Hewantedtofeelheragainst

hisskin.Hell,hewantedtorubagainstheruntilshewassaturatedinhismalemusk.

Perhapsevenmorealarming,hisbearwantedtomaulher.Inthebestpossibleway.
Wrappinghisarmsaroundherslenderwaist,hepressedheragainsthisbody,ashuddershaking

throughhimastheircombinedheatthreatenedtocombustintoaraginginferno.

Perhapsasstaggeredashewasbythesheerforceoftheirattraction,Nicoletiltedbackherhead,her

paleblueeyesdazedwithdesire.

“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Wecantalk,orIcangetnaked,”hegrowled.“Yourchoice.”
Herhandsliftedtopressagainsthischest.“Areyouthreateningmewithsex?”

“Webothknowit’snotathreat.”Loweringhishead,hepressedanopen-mouthedkisstothebaseof

herthroat.Herpulsethunderedbeneathhislips,andheallowedhisfangstolengthentopressagainsther
tenderflesh.Instantly,theairwasscentedwiththetantalizingmuskofherwolf.“Icansmellyour
arousal,”hemurmured,hisvoicethickwithpassion.

Sheshivered,hertonguereachingouttotouchherlipsthatwereswollenfromhiskisses.
“Thisiscrazy.”
Hishandsrubbedupanddownherback,savoringthesatinysoftnessofherskin.Atthesametime,

henibbledapathofkissesalongthetopofhershoulder.Hisbearrumbledinapproval,decidingthis
femalewastheonehe’dbeenwaitingtodiscover.

Christ.
“Howcanyoutastesosweetwhenyou’resuchapainintheass?”Hespokehisconfusionoutloud.
Alowwhinewaswrenchedfromherthroatasshearchedherneck,silentlypleadingformore.
Tuckerdidn’thesitate.Ifshewantedmore,thenbyGod,hewasgoingtogivehermore.
Cuppingherassinhisbighands,hehoistedheragainstthepotentlengthofhisarousal,hismouth

movingovertheuppercurveofherbreastbeforesuckinghernipplebetweenhislips.

Herclawsdugintothefleshofhischest,hereyessqueezingshutinblatantpleasure.
Tuckergavealowrumbleofsatisfaction,hisbodyclenchingwiththemountingneedtotossthis

womanoverhisshoulderandheadintohisbedroom.OrmaybeI’lltakeherherefirst,hisaddledbrain
decided,easilyvisualizingheracrossthekitchentablewhilehestoodbetweenherlegs.

Beforehecouldputhisthoughtsintoaction,however,Nicolewasabruptlyjerkingaway,panic

darkeninghereyes.

“Wait,”sherasped,aflushstaininghercheeks.“I’lltellyou.”
Tuckermovedforward,wrappingherinhisarmsagain.“Ichangedmymind,”heinformedher,his

handmovingtotugawaythescrunchiethingthatwasholdingherhairinaponytail.Instantly,herlocks
felltohershouldersinamassofrich,tawnycurls.Beautiful.Loweringhishead,heburiedhisfacein
thegloriousmass.“Idon’twanttotalk.”

Hecouldfeelherheartgivealeapofexcitement.“Tucker.”
“Nicole.”
Foratimelessmoment,theyremainedlockedintheintimateembrace,bothabsorbingthenew,

unnervinglypowerfulbondsformingbetweenthem.Then,hecouldsenseanotherwaveofpanicshaking
throughNicole.

“I’mlookingforthemanwhokilledmyson,”sheabruptlyannounced.
“Shit.”Tuckerfroze.Herwordswerelikeabucketoficywater,instantlydestroyinghisdesire.
Releasinghisholdonher,Tuckersilentlymovedthroughthecabin,enteringhisbedroomtocollecta

sweatshirtbeforereturningtogentlypullitoverNicole’shead.Evenwhenshe’dthreadedherarmsinto
thesleeves,itfellbelowherknees.Butitwoulddo.

Then,steeringhertowardthesofa,hepressedherontothecushionsandheadedintothekitchento

grabachilledbottleofwineandtwoglasses.

Bythetimehe’dfilledtheglassesandsettledonthesofanexttoNicole,he’dmanagedtoregain

controlofhisshakennerves.

“Tellmewhathappened,”heurged,pressingoneoftheglassesintoNicole’shand.
Absentlyshetookasip,herfingersunsteadyandherexpressionbrittle.
“Sevenyearsago,myson,Bowe,wasplayingnearthefenceofourcompound.”Hervoicewasa

deliberatemonotone.Asifthewordsweresobigandpainfulshehadtostripthemofallemotion.
“We’dhadanearlysnowstorm,andIwashelpingtoclearapathtoourgreenhouses.”

Adarksenseofdreadclenchedhisstomach.“Howoldwashe?”
“Almostfive.”Shehunchedhershoulders,lookingridiculouslyyoungintheoversizedsweatshirt

withherhairtumbledaroundhertinyface.Notnearlyoldenoughtohaveburiedachild.“Iwas
distractedanddidn’tpayattentionwhenBowetookoffhiscollar.Hewasalwaysscratchingatitand
complainingthatitbotheredhim,buthe’dneverbeenabletoundothelatch.”

Hisgazeloweredtothecollarthatcircledherneck.He’ddonehisbesttoignorethevisiblesignthat

shewastreatedasananimalbytheSAU.Justthesightofittightenedsomethinginhischestthatmadehis
bearwanttogoonarampage.

“Youcouldn’thaveknown,”hesaidsoftly.
Sheflinched,atearrollingdownhercheek.“Ishouldhavepaidmoreattention.”
Hedidn’tbothertosaysheshouldn’tbeatherselfup.Shewasclearlystillworkingthroughher

guilt.

Instead,hegrimaced.“Youdon’thavetosayanymore,Nicole.”
“No.”Shetookalargegulpofherwine.“Iwanttofinishsoyou’llstopinterfering,”shesaidin

fiercetones.

Hestudiedhertenseprofile,wiseenoughnottosharethefactthatherconfessionhadmadehimeven

moredeterminedtostopherfromdoinganythingcrazy.

“Goahead,”hemurmured.
“WhenIturnedaround,hewasalreadytossingthecollarontheground.Asecondlater,therewasthe

soundofagunfiringand…”Herwordsfaltered,herentirebodytremblingwithpain.

Hisbreathhissedbetweenhisteeth.God.Whatthiswomanhadendured.
Itwasunbearable.
“Nicole,pleasedon’t.”
“Andhewasfallingtotheground,”shegrimlycontinued.
Grabbingherglass,hesetitasidealongwithhisownbeforegentlytuggingherintohisarms.
“I’msorry,Nicole.”
Herheadfellagainsthischestasifshecouldn’tholditupanylonger.
“Therewassomuchblood.”Shetrembled,herhandsclenchingandunclenchinginaneffortto

containthehorror.“Itjustkeptspreadingacrossthesnow,nomatterwhatIdidtotryandstopit.”

Hepressedhercloser,hopingtousetheheatofhisbodytoeaseherknottedmuscles.
“TheshooterwasapartoftheSAU?”hedemanded.
“Yes.”Shenodded,andTuckercaughtthescentofherwolf’sfury.Itwasn’tthesharptangofa

recentinjury,butaseasoned,festeringwoundthatnodoubtshadowedherentirelife.“Therewerethree
guardsongateduty.Eachofthemblamedtheother,sonooneactuallyexplainedwhythey’dmurdereda
helplesschild.”

Hisjawclenched.HeknewtheSAUwereruthlessbastardswhowoulddoanythingtomaintaintheir

controlovertheshifters,buttomurderababy…someonehadtopay.

“Thegovernmentdidn’tdoanything?”
“TheyclaimedthatBowehadtakenoffhiscollar,sotechnically,theguardshadeveryrighttoshoot

him.”

“Bastards,”hesnarled.
Liftingherhead,shearchedbacktomeethissmolderinggaze.“That’swhyyouhavetoletmego.”
Heignoredherplea,andinsteadaskedthequestionthatstillnaggedathim.
“Whatdoyouwantattheheadquarters?”
Shebitbackacurse.“Imanagedtotrackdowntwooftheguards.”
Hisbloodrancold.Shit.Hadshebeensneakingoutofhercompoundeverynighttoplayvigilante

forthepastsevenyears?

“ShouldIaskwhathappenedtothem?”heasked.
Hereyeswentwolf,revealingthelethalpredatorbeneathherairoffragilefemininity.

“No.”
Tuckerbattledbackthemaleinstinctthatwastellinghimtocuffthisfemaletohisbedforherown

protection.

“Andthethird?”hepressed.
Herlipsflattened.“Bothoftheotherguardsclaimedhewastheonewhopulledthetrigger,buthe

disappearedaftertheshooting.”

Shedidn’thavetospellitout;heknewthatshe’dtorturedtheguardsforanswersbeforekillingthem.
“Youbelievethem?”
“Yes.”
Tuckerwasn’tsosure.Torturewasalwaysanunreliablewaytogetinformation.Still,nowwasn’t

thetimetodebatetheissue.

“Andyouassumethathe’shidingattheheadquarters?”
“Ifheisn’tthere,thenatleasttherewillbethefilesthattheykeepontheiremployees.Icangethis

name,andmaybeanaddress.”Shejuttedherchinatastubbornangle.“That’sallIwant.”

Hefrowned.Itwasn’tabadplan,butitalldependedonherbeingabletoshufflethroughhundreds—

maybeeventhousands—offilestofindoneemployee.

“Howwillyourecognizethatit’shim?”
“I’llneverforgethisface,”shegrowled.“Now.AreyougoingtoletmefinishwhatIcamehereto

do?”

Heheldhergaze,wellawarethathewasabouttocausehisshe-wolfevenmorepain.
“No.”

Chapter3

Sinclairpacedthecrampedhotelroom,tryingtoignorethedisgustinggreencarpetthathadn’tseena

vacuumformonths,andthedoublebedthatwascoveredbyamustardyellowblanket.

HealwayschosearandomspottomeetwithMira,changingthelocationeachtimetomakesureno

onecouldpredictwheretheywouldbe.Unfortunately,thatmeanthehadn’thadachancetomakesurethe
placewasn’tadump.

Itshouldn’tmatter.Thiswasn’tadate.Andhesurethehellwasn’ttryingtoimpressthewoman.
Afterall,TuckerhadbeenrightwhenheaccusedSinclairofusingtheyoungwoman’svulnerable

emotionstomanipulateherintohelpingthem.Sinclairhadspentyearstryingtofindawaytocollect
proofthatthehumanshadusedshifterbloodtocreatethevaccinethathelpedtocontaintheVeronaVirus.
Then,sixmonthsago,hiscontactintheCDChadgivenhimthenameMiraReese.

Deliberately,he’dsoughtherout,pretendingtobeahumansohecouldnotonlyjudgeforhimself

whetherornotshehadtheskillstheyneeded,butifshecouldbeconvincedtohelpthem.Forweeks,
he’dflirtedandseducedMirauntilshe’dbeenripefortheplucking.

Butasheglancedaroundthecrampedroom,hediscoveredanunexpectedpangofregretthathe

hadn’tchosensomeplacenicer.Hedidn’tlikethethoughtofMirabeingexposedtothesleazyvibethat
clungtothehotellikeafilmofslime.

Andevenworse,washisnaggingconcernthatshewastenminuteslate.
Mirawasneverlate.
Ever.
Scowlingathisstrangemood,Sinclairforcedhimselftoremainstandinginthecenteroftheroom

whenthedoorwasatlastpushedopenandMirasteppedinside.Whathewantedtodowascharge
forwardand…

Andwhat?
Grabherbytheshouldersandshakeherfornotcallingtotellhimthatshewasgoingtobelate?Or

wrapherinhisarmssohecouldreassurehimselfthatshewasn’thurt?

Neitherwasacceptable.
Instead,hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandwatchedassheplacedherlargepurseonthebedso

shecouldshrugoutofhercoat.

“SorryI’mlate,”shemuttered,pushingbackthedark,corkscrewcurlsthatwerealreadyescapingthe

tightbraidthatfelldownherback.Shehadapale,heart-shapedfaceandhazeleyesthatwere
unremarkableatfirstglance,butSinclairhadslowlydevelopedafascinationfortherapid-fireemotions
thatflickeredoverherfeatures.Hewasclosedoffandaloof.Mirawasopenanddangerously
vulnerable.“IcircledaroundafewtimestomakesureIwasn’tbeingfollowed.”

Theconcernhe’dbeentryingtodismissexplodedintofull-fledgedalarm.
“Whywouldyouthinkyouwerebeingfollowed?”Withthreelongsteps,hewasatthewindow,

peeringaroundtheedgeofthecurtainatthedarkparkinglot.Thehotelwasmilesawayfromthenearest
town,whichmeantitwaseasytotrackanyapproachingcars.“Didyouseesomeone?”

“No.”Shetriedtosmileevenasherarmswrappedaroundherwaistinanunconsciouslyprotective

motion.“I’mjustfeelingjumpy.”

Thistime,Sinclaircouldn’tresisthisinstinctiveneedtomovetotheyoungwomanandgentlysmooth

hishandsoverhershouldersanddownherrigidarms.

“Mira.”Hisbrowssnappedtogetherashefelthertinyshivers.Christ.Shewasterrified.“Takea

breath.”

“Sorry.”
Hepressedafingertoherlips,haltingherridiculousapology.
“Relaxandtellmewhathasyousoupset,”hecommanded.
Shehesitated,almostasifshewerethinkingaboutdenyingherobviousunease.Thennodoubtseeing

thegrimdeterminationetchedonhisface,sheheavedasmallsigh.

“Itisn’tonething,butabunchoflittlestuff,”shegrudginglyadmitted.
“Likewhat?”
Sheshrugged.“Monday,IthoughtI’dlostmyphone,butwhenIsearchedforit,Ifounditintheseat

ofmycar.Iassumeditmusthavefallenoutofmypurse,butIalwayskeepitinasidepocketthatzips.”

Sinclairhadtoconsciouslypreventhimselffromtighteninghisgriponhershoulders.Herarely

touchedhumanfemales,soheconstantlyfearedthathemightbruiseMira’spaleskin.

“Whatelse?”heprompted.
Shewrinkledhernose.“Wednesdayatwork,Inoticedthatsomeonehadtriedtoaccessmyprivate

information.”

Sinclairbitbackacurse.ItwasonethingforMiratomisplaceherphone.Itwasanothertohave

someonesnoopingonhercomputer.

Suddenly,hewishedtohellhe’dneveraskedMiratohelp.
It’dbeenonethingtocharmasweet,innocentfemaleintousinghertalentwithcomputers,combined

withheraccesstotheCDC’sprivatefilestosearchfortheoriginalresearchonthevaccination.The
informationthatwouldprovetheshifterswerethesaviorsofthehumanraceinsteadofthemonsters
responsibleforthevirus.Whatwasmoreimportantthanfreeinghispeoplefromthebrutalityofthe
SAU?

ButnowthatheactuallyknewMira,evenlikedher,hewasacutelyawareofthedangerhe’dplaced

herin.

“Howdoyouknow?”hedemanded.
“Weallhavesensitiveprojectsthatwe’resupposedtokeepprotectedwithpasswords,”shesaid.

“I’veaddedextralayersofsecuritytomycomputer.IcantellifanyonehasusedmycomputerwhenI’m
awayfrommydesk.IalsokeeptrackeachtimemynameandpasswordisusedtologontotheCDC.If
someonepretendstobeme,itleavesadigitaltrail.”

“Couldyoutellwhattheyweretryingtosearchfor?”
Shegaveafirmshakeofherhead,hercurlsbouncing.Sinclairhadasharp,unreasonableurgetotug

herbraidloosesohecouldseethegloriousringletstumbledaroundherface.

Ormaybeacrossthepillows…
Shit.Hestiffened,slammingthedoorontherenegadeimage.
“No.Theycouldn’tbreakthroughmyencryption.”Shepaused,forcingherselftotakeadeep,

steadyingbreath.“Itcouldhavebeenoneofmysupervisorscheckingonmywork.Orarandomhacker
whohopedtopiggybackmycomputertostealprivateinfofromourpayrollfiles.”

Sinclair’swolfsnarled.Atthebeginning,hisanimalhadbeenwaryofthisfemale,unabletotrusta

human.Butnowthatitsuspectedshewasindanger,itwaseagertohuntdownthethreatanddestroyit.

“Idon’tbelieveincoincidences,”hetoldher.“NowthattheSAUknowstheshiftershavefoundthe

linkbetweentheVeronaVirusandthehumanclinic,they’regoingtodoeverythingintheirpowerto
destroyanyactualproof.”

Sheinstinctivelytookastepcloser,unconsciouslyseekingthecomfortofhishardbody.
“ButhowcouldtheypossiblyknowI’msearchingforthesameinformation?”
“Idon’tknow,”headmitted,hishandssmoothingupanddownherarms.
Shegrimaced.“LikeIsaid,Icouldbeoverreacting.”
Sinclairhardenedhisjaw.HisroleasAlphameanthepossessedafierceneedtoprotecthisPack.

And,somehow,MirahadbecomeapartofthatPack.

“I’mnotwillingtotaketherisk.”
Sheblinked.“What?”
“It’stoodangerous.”
“ButI’msoclose.”Withoutwarning,shepulledawayandturnedtoopenherlargeleatherbag.

Reachingin,shepulledoutasheetofpaper.“LookwhatIbrought.”

Sinclairunfoldedthepaper,hislipstwistingatthelettersandnumbersthatweredottedinrandom

spots.

“I’mlooking,butyou’regoingtohavetodecipherthis.”
Shemovedtostandclosetohisside,herlightfloralscentteasinghissenses.
“It’sfragmented,”shesaid.“IpulleditoffanoldCDCharddrive.”
Sinclairsentherastartledglance.Theoutbreakhadhappenedsoquicklyandwithsuchvirulence

thattherehadn’tbeentimeforanythingbutsurvival.Andevenafterthevaccinewascreated,there’dstill
beenyearsofturmoil.Thelastthinganyonecaredaboutwaskeepingrecords.SowhentheSAUhad
startedtheircrusadetodestroyallevidenceofthehuman’sculpabilityinmanufacturingthevirus,orthe
shifter’sassistanceinsavingtheirasses,noonedidanythingtostopthem.

“Howdidyougetyourhandsonit?”hebreathedinshock.“Ithoughtthecomputershadallbeen

destroyedinthefire?”

Theshadowsweremomentarilybanishedfromherhazeleyesastheyshimmeredwithexcitement.

OnceMirahadcommittedherselftohelpingtheshiftersdiscoverthetruth,she’djumpedintohertask
withapassionthathadbothamusedandintriguedSinclair.

“ItoldyouthelasttimewespokethatI’dhadanideaofhowtoresurrectthedead,”shereminded

him.

Unabletoresisttemptation,hereacheduptotugononeofhersatinycurls.
“Ithoughtyoumeantzombies.”
Shelookedstartledbeforegivingasoftlaugh.Hishumorwassorareitalwayscaughtpeopleoff

guard.

“Notzombies,”shecorrected.“Novo-Auction.”
Sinclairhadheardoftheonlinewebsitewhereyoucouldbuyandsellitemsfrompre-virusdays.
“Idon’tunderstand.”
“Idevelopedaprogramthatwouldrunasearchfortherecyclingservicethatwascontractedbythe

CDC.”

Sinclairshookhishead.“Whatkindofrecycling?”
“TheoldCDCelectronicsbeforethefire.Ifiguredtherehadtobeafewcomputersthatweresentto

therecyclingcenterthathadresearchaboutthevirusstillontheharddrives.”Sheflashedashysmile.
“Ittookalongtime.Infact,I’dgivenuphope.ButIfinallygotahit.”

“Fuck.”Hestudiedherwitharenewedsenseofwonder.Sometimesheforgotjusthowsmartshe

was.“Thatwasbrilliant.”

Sheblushed.“Iwaslucky.”
“No.Therewasnoluckinvolved,”hemurmured.“Onlyskill.”
Herblushdeepened.He’dnevermetawomanwhowassouncomfortablewithcompliments.“There

weretwooldcomputerslistedforsale,andIboughtbothofthem,”shehastilycontinued.“Inone,the
harddrivehadbeenreplaced,butthesecondonewasoriginal.”Shepointedtowardthesheetofpaperin
hishand.“That’showImanagedtoretrievethatsmallbitoftheoriginalfilesthathadn’tbeenfully
overwritten.”

Sinclairdidn’tevenglanceatthepaper.He’djustrealizedthesheerdepthsoftheriskshe’dtaken.

Shemightaswellhaveputatargetonherback.

“Shit,”hesnarled,glaringatherpaleface.“Youdidn’thavethecomputerssenttoyourhouse,did

you?”

“Ofcoursenot.”Shemadeasoundofimpatience.“I’mnotstupid.Iusedafalseidentitytobuy

themandhadthemdeliveredtoatemporarymailbox.”

“Hmm.”Sinclairswallowedhiscuttingwords.
She’donlybeentryingtohelphim.Eventhoughshehadtoknowthatshewasputtingherlifein

danger.

“DoyouwanttodiscusswhatIdiscoveredornot?”shedemanded.
Heforcedhimselftonod.Shewouldlearnsoonenoughthatshe’dtakenherlastrisk.
“Tellme.”
Shepointedtothetoplinethatwasprintedonthepaper.
“Thisisanemailthat’sdatedoneyearbeforethevirushit.It’saddressedtoaDr.Lowman.Ican’t

tellwhomit’sfrom,butitmentionsthewords‘unstable’and‘pandemic.’"

Sinclairstudiedthegarblednote,tryingnottojumptoconclusions.TheCDC,afterall,hadworked

withdozens—maybeevenhundreds—ofpandemicsovertheyears.Still,ifthisDr.Lowmanhadknown
anythingatallabouttheVeronaVirusbeforeitstartedtospread,theyneededtoseeiftheycouldtrackhim
orherdown.

“DidyoudoasearchonDr.Lowman?”
“Ofcourse.”
“And?”
“HewasadoctorattheCDC,”Mirasaid.“Hediedofanunexpectedheartattackjustsixmonths

beforethevirusstartedtospread.”

Sinclairsuckedinasharpbreath.Hedidn’twanttoleaptoconclusions,butthenagain,hedidn’t

believeincoincidences.

HadsomeonetriedtowarnthedoctoraboutthedangersoftheresearchgoingonattheVerona

clinic?Andhadthedoctortriedtostopit?Orhadheknowntoomuch?

“Anyfamily?”
“Hehadawifeandtwosons.”Shepaused,tiltingbackherheadtomeethisgaze.“Oneofthesons

workedforaprivateresearchlab.”

Aprickleofpremonitionincheddownhisspine.“InVerona?”
Shegaveaslownod.“Yes.”
Okay.Thiswasnolongeraleap,butagenuineclue.Theroomwassuddenlyfilledwiththescentof

wolfashisanimalstrainedtobereleased.

“Canwefindhim?”
“Hedisappearedduringthechaosafterthevirus,”shesaid,gentlytakingthepaperfromhishandand

carefullyfoldingitbeforereturningittoherbag.“Icouldn’tfindanytraceofwhetherhe’saliveor
dead.”

Frustrationexplodedthroughhim.Itwasalwaysoneminusculestepforwardandtwohugeleaps

back.

“Damn,”hegrowled.
“I’vepulledoffafewmorefragments,butit’saslowprocess,”shesaid,clearlytryingtosoothehis

irritation.“I’malsotryingtofindoutwhosenttheoriginalemail.”

Hegaveashakeofhishead.IfDoctorLowman’ssonwerestillalive,Sinclairwouldfindawayto

trackhimdown.

“Wherearetheharddrives?”
Shearchedabrowathisabruptquestion.“Atmyhome.”
“Iwantyoutogatherthemandanyequipmentyouneedtofinishdownloadingtheinformationand

moveintomylair.”

Shestilled,clearlycaughtoffguardbyhiscommand.“Excuseme?”
“FortCollinsisnolongersafeforyou,”hesaid,tooanxiousforhersafetytoconsiderhiswords.

“Wecanprotectyou.”

“Oh.”Sheturnedaway,butnotbeforeheglimpsedthedisappointmentinhereyes.Shit.She’d

thoughthewasinvitingamoreintimaterelationshipbetweenthem.Nowshewashurtandeagertopush
himaway.Exactlywhathedidn’tneed.“Ican’tjustleave.”

“Ofcourse,youcan.”
“No.”Shekeptherrigidbackturnedtowardhim.“Ican’t.”
Sinclairknewhe’dscrewedup.Whathedidn’tknowwashowtofixit.
“Whynot?”
Shegaveashort,humorlesslaugh.“IrealizeyouthinkmylifeisasboringasIam,butit’simportant

tome.”

Hereachedouttograbhershoulders,gentlytuggingherandturningheraroundtomeethisfrown.
“Mira.”
“IhaveajobandahousethatIlove,”shecontinued,standingstifflyinhisgrasp.“Ihaveacat.”
Dammit.ThewomanhadageniusIQ.Shehadtoknowthatshewasindanger.
“Youalreadysuspectthatsomeonesearchedyourcomputer.”Heleaneddown,allowinghiswolfto

glowinhiseyes.“Whathappenswhentheyrealizewhatyouhaveinyourprecioushome?”

Shepressedherlipstogether,butshecouldn’thidehersuddenshiver.
“ItoldyouthatIwasn’tsureifithadanythingtodowithmyworkwithyou,”sheridiculously

muttered.“Andit’sgoingtobealotmoresuspiciousifIsimplydisappear.”

“You’llbealive.”
“Andthenwhat?”shedemandedwithanunexpectedburstofindependence.“Ican’thideforever.I

promiseI’llbecareful.”

Hesteppedback,foldinghisarmsacrosshischest.She’djustchallengedhim.Hiswolfaccepted.
“I’llgiveyoutwoweeks.”
Hereyeswidened.“What?”
Forthefirsttime,heallowedhertoexperiencethefullforceofhisAlphanature.
“Giveyournoticeatwork,”hesaid,hisvoiceslowandcrisp.Hedidn’twantany

misunderstandings.“Tellthemthatyouhaveasickrelativeyouhavetotakecareof.Thenpackwhatever
youcan’tlivewithout,includingyourdamnedcat,andI’llpickyouup.”

“But-”
“Finaloffer,Mira.”

Chapter4

Nicolewasfurious.No.Shewasbeyondfurious.Whateverthatwas.
Howdarethedamnedbearencouragehertospillherguts,pretendasifhesympathizedwithher,and

thenrefusetolethergo?

Itwas…torture.
Plainandsimple.
Lostinherfury,shelaunchedherselftheshortdistancebetweenthemtopoundherfistsagainsthis

chest.

“Damnyou,”sherasped,indifferenttothefactthatshewashurtingherselfmorethanshecould

possiblybehurtinghim.

Withagrimaceofregret,hereachedtograspherwrists,easilyhaltingherattack.
“Holdon,”hemurmuredsoftly.
Itonlypissedheroffmorethathetooksuchcaretoensurethathisfingersdidn’tdigintoherflesh.
“No.”Shebaredherfangs.“Youhavenorighttokeepmehere.”
Heheldontoher,hisexpressiondifficulttoread.“Wouldyoupleaselistentome?”
“WhyshouldI?”
“BecauseIcanhelpyou.”
Shefroze,studyinghimwithawarygaze.“How?”
“ThereareafewofuswhohavemanagedtoinfiltratetheSAU.”
Herheartleapedwithexcitement.SheknewthattherewasanUnseenwolfwhowasworkingasa

guardatthefacility.He’dhelpedSorenandCoraescape.AnditonlymadesensethatthePackhad
managedtosneakmorethanonespyintotheenemycamp.

Butshe’dneverdreamedthatoneofthemmightactuallyhelpherpenetratetheheavysecurity.
“Youcangetmeintothebuilding?”shebreathedinexcitement.
Hisgazewentflat.Asifstartledshewouldevensuggestsuchathing.
“No.”
Shemutteredacurse,glaringintohishandsomeface.“Areyoujusttryingtobeadick?”
Withoutwarning,hetuggedherclenchedfisttohismouthandpressedagentlekisstoherknuckles.
“There’snoneedtogotothebuilding,”heassuredher.“We’vehackedintotheircomputernetwork.

Wecantapintotheemploymentfilestomorrow.”

Herangerfaltered,swiftlyreplacedbyafragilesenseofhope.
Wasitpossiblethatshecouldactuallyfindtheidentityoftheguardwithoutrunningtheriskofbeing

capturedbytheSAU?Itsoundedtoogoodtobetrue.

“Whynotnow?”shedemanded,thepoundingneedtohuntherpreyrefusingtoleaveherinpeace.
“Becauseit’slate,”Tuckerpointedout.“AndRiosistemperamental,evenforajaguar.”He

pretendedtogiveashudderofhorror.“Youdon’twanttowakehimandaskforafavor.”

Sheleanedforward,forcingherselftosaythewords.“Tucker,please.”
Hestilled,clearlysensingherdesperation.
“It’sbeensevenyears,Nicole,”hesaid,histhumbsrubbingthepulsethatthunderedbeneaththe

delicateskinofherinnerwrists.“Afewhoursaren’tgoingtomakeadifference,arethey?”

Shebitherlowerlip.Shedidn’twanttorevealanymore.Notaftershe’dalreadystrippedherself

bare.ButifthatwaswhatittooktogetTuckermoving,thenshe’ddowhatshehadtodo.

“Today’stheday,”sheabruptlyannounced.

Hearchedabrow.“What?”
“TodayistheanniversaryofBowe’smurder.”Sheshivered.Ithurttosaythewords.
Tuckermadeastrangledsound,lookingasifshe’djustsucker-punchedhim.
“Christ.”
Nicolesurgedtoherfeet.She’dnevertradedonsympathyforthedeathofBowetomanipulate

others;thatwouldhavebeenaninsulttoherson.Buttonight,sheneededTuckertohelphergetintothe
employeefiles.Shedidn’tcarehoworwhy.

“Let’sgo,”sheurged.
Tuckerliftedhimselfoffthesofa,butinsteadofheadingtowardthedoor,hereachedouttograspher

hands.

“Wait.”
Shescowled.“Waitforwhat?”
Hestudiedherupturnedfaceforalongmoment.“Where’sthefather?”
Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“Thefatherofyourchild,”hepressed.“Whereishe?”
“Oh.”Nicolegavealiftofhershoulder.She’dmetRandallwhentheywerebothjustpups,and

they’dbeenbestfriendsforyears.Slowly,they’ddevelopedanintimaterelationship,butit’dneverbeen
morethanamutualdesireforaffection.WhenNicolehadrealizedshewaspregnant,shewasoverjoyed,
butshe’dneverexpectedRandalltotakeontheroleofparent.“Wewerechildhoodsweethearts,butour
animalsnevermated.AfterIrealizedthatIwaspregnant,hewastransferredtoacompoundonthewest
coast,”sheexplainedinimpatienttones.

Tuckerstudiedherwithastrangeintensity.“Heisn’tapartofyourlife?”
“No.”Shetried—andfailed—torememberthelasttimeshe’devenhadanycontactwithherfriend.

“Hefoundhistruemateandstartedanewfamily.Nobitterness.”Shefrowned.“Why?”

Hesqueezedherfingers,heatsmolderinginhiseyes.
“Youknowwhy.”
Shefelthermouthgodry.Shedidknowwhy.Herwolfhadbeentryingtotellherfromtheminute

she’dcaughtsightofthemalethattheyhadaconnectionthatwentwaybeyondlust.Evenwhenshe’d
beenfocusedontryingtobreakintotheSAUfacility,herwolfhadbeenanxioustoreturntowhereshe’d
crossedpathswiththestranger.

Butthemotherinherrefusedtoaccepttheprimitiveurges.
Shestillhadamissiontocomplete.Untilthen,shecouldn’tfocusonanythingbuttrackingdownthe

guardwho’dshotherson.

“Tucker-”
“Later,”heinterrupted,asifhe’dsensedthatshewasn’tpreparedtothinkaboutthefuture.Notuntil

thepastwaslaidtorest.Pressinganotherkisstoherknuckles,heledhertowardthedoor.“Comeon.”

Sherolledhereyes,adangeroustendernesssqueezingherheart.
“Impossiblebear,”shemuttered.
Steppingoutofthecabin,theycircledtheedgeofthecamp;Tuckermaintainingafirmgriponher

hand.NotthatNicoleminded.Shemightbeconsumedwithherthirstforrevenge,buthiswarmtouch
wassoothingherwolfinawayshe’dneverdreamedpossible.

Itwasodd.
She’dalwaysassumedthatifshewerefortunateenoughtofindhermate,itwouldbeallaboutthe

passion.Afterall,whenshe’dseenmatedpairs,theycouldbarelykeeptheirhandsoffeachother.But
whileherwholebodytingledwithanintoxicatingdesirethatwasboththrillingandterrifying,itwasthe
feelingof…connectionthatastonishedher.

Injustafewhours,she’dgonefromawolfwhoalwaysstoodalone—evenwhensurroundedbyher

Pack—toafemalewhohadanintelligent,ruthless,dazzlinglybeautifulbearwhowaseagertoofferhis
strength.

Itwasgoingtotaketimetoadjust.
Togethertheymovedthroughtheshadows,skirtingaroundasurprisinglylargearrayofsolarpanels,

aswellasseveralsmallwindmillsthatclearlypoweredtheelectricalgrid.Therewerealsobunkersthat
weredugdeepintothebaseofthehill.Sheassumedtheywerefilledwithextrasupplies,andmaybe
evenhiddentunnelsincaseofasiege.

Smart.
TheyatlastreachedacabinthatwastwicethesizeofTucker’s,withmoresolarpanelsontheroof,

aswellasalargegeneratorattheback.Atthemoment,thebuildingwasablazewithlights.

Tuckerfrowned,seeminglypuzzledbythefactthathisfriendwasstillawakeatthelatehour.But

withouthesitation,hetuggedherontotheporchandrappedonthefrontdoor.

****

Tuckerhadn’twantedtoapproachRiosthislate.
NotonlybecausehehadplanstospendthenightwithNicole,butalsobecausehe’dfullyexpectedto

findhisfriendbusywithoneofhisvariousfemales.Orwatchingasoccermatch.Themalejaguar’stwo
favoriteactivities.Atleastwhenhewasn’tdestroyingsomepatheticopponentonhisfavoriteonline
computergame.

Butevenasthedoorwaspulledopentorevealatall,slendermalewithshort,darkhair,blackeyes,

andrichgolden-brownskin,Tuckercouldsmellhisfriend’sadrenaline.

“Tucker.”Rioslookedsurprised,thendisappointed.“Shit.IwashopingyouwereSinclair.”
“Goodtoseeyou,too,Rios,”Tuckerdrawled,steppingintothecabinastheFelineshifterturnedto

hurrybacktowardthebankofcomputersthatwerelinedagainstapaneledwall.

Thereweremorecomputersandvariousmonitors,andstacksofserversthatwerehummingacross

theroom.TherewasalsoalargescreenTVthatwascurrentlytunedintoasoccermatch.

NicolestayedclosetoTucker’ssideashewatchedhisfrienddartfromonecomputertoanother.
“What’sgoingon?”
“Adisaster,”Riosmuttered,notbotheringtoturnaround.“That’swhat’sgoingon.”
TuckerwrappedaprotectivearmaroundNicole’sshouldersashestudiedhisfriendwithasmall

frown.

“That’salittlevague,amigo.”
“TheSAUarepurgingtheircomputers,”Riossaid.
Tuckerstiffened,sendingNicoleatroubledglancebeforereturninghisattentiontohisfriend.
“Shit.Haveourfilesbeencompromised?”
“Ihopenot.”Riosleanedforward,tappingononeofthekeyboardsbeforemovingtothenext

computer.“IseveredourconnectionassoonasIrealizedwhatwashappening,butIcan’tbesure
whethertherewasanydamageuntilIrebootanddoathoroughsystemcheck.”

TuckercouldsenseNicole’sagitationassherealizedthatshemightnotgettheanswersshewanted.

Atleastnotassoonasshewantedthem.

“Howlongwillthattake?”hedemanded.
“Hours.”
Tuckergrimaced.“Damn.”
“Yeah.”Abruptlywhirlingaround,Riosstabbedhimwithanimpatientfrown.“Haveyouseen

Sinclair?”

“He’smeetingwithhisCDCcontact,”Tuckershared.TheAlphahadcalledjustminutesbeforehe

tookoffforthesecretrendezvous.“Whatdoyouneed?”

HisdarkeyesglowedgoldasRios’sanimalreactedtohisagitation.
“Weneedtofindoutwhythebastardssuddenlydecidedonthepurge.”
Tuckergaveaslownod.Hewasahealer,notacomputerexpert,butheknewtherewasnowaythe

agencywouldhaveriskedacompletepurgeunlessitwereanemergency.

Unless…
Hewrinkledhisbrow.“They’vehadalotofunwelcomeattentionfocusedonthemoverthepastfew

weeks.Theymightjustbegettingridoftheirnastysecretsbeforesomeonecomessnooping.”

“True.”Rioscontinuedtolookworried.“Ormaybetheyrealizedsomeonehackedintotheir

system.”

Tuckerglancedtowardthedoorthathe’dleftopen.ThisparticularUnseenPackwasn’tlarge.Less

thanahundredtotal.Butitwouldstilltaketimetoefficientlyevacuatethemtoanewlocationifthis
locationwerenolongersecure.

“Couldtheyuseourcomputerstotraceus?”
Riosgaveasharpshakeofhishead.“No,I’vecoveredmytracksthroughadozendifferent

locations.ButIwantSinclairtogoinandfigureoutwhatthehellisgoingonbeforeItrytoreestablisha
connection.”

Tuckernodded.Sinclairwastheonlyonewithasecuritybadgethatwouldgethimintothebuilding

atthishour.

“I’llsendhimamessage,”Tuckerpromised,abruptlydistractedwhenNicoletuggedawayfromhis

protectivegrasp.

“WhataboutthefilesIneed?”sherasped,herfaceflushed.
Asifnoticingthefemaleforthefirsttime,Riossentherasuspiciousglare.
“Who’sthis?”
“Getbacktoyourdisaster,”Tuckercommanded,wrappingafirmarmaroundNicole’swaisttohurry

hertowardthedoor.“We’llcomebackinthemorning.”

“Tucker.”Shetriedtodiginherheels,butdespitehershifterstrength,shewasnomatchforafull-

grownpolarbear.Withonesmoothmotion,hehadhersweptoffherfeetandcradledagainsthischest.

“YouheardRios,”hesaid,leapingofftheporchandswiftlyjoggingthroughthetrees.
Hepreferredtohavethisargumentintheprivacyofhiscabin.Shifterswerenosy,interfering

busybodies.Hedidn’tneedtheirinput.

“ThenwecansneakintotheSAUheadquarters,”shestubbornlyinsisted.“YourfriendSinclaircan

usehisbadgetogetusin.”

“Sinclairisn’there.”Heneverslowedhispace.Asabear,hedidn’thavethesamefluidgraceas

someofhisfellowshifters,buthecouldmovewithaspeedthatsurprisedmostpeople.“Andevenifhe
were,hewouldn’tagreetotakeyouin.”

“Whynot?”
Heglanceddown,meetingherfierceglare.“Sinclairhasalreadyjeopardizedhiscover,hisability

tonotonlyspyontheSAU,buttoalsoreleasethosehelplessshifterswhoareforcedintothefightingpits
andhelpyourPackmembersescape.There’snowayhe’llallowyoutofurtherendangerhiscover.”
Tuckerclenchedhisjaw.“Infact,ifhefindsoutthatI’maskingRiostohelpyou,he’llprobablyhaveme
skinnedandmadeintoarug.”

“Thenreleaseme,andI’lldoitonmyown.”
“Never.”Itwasapromise,notathreat.
Tearspooledinhereyesastheyreachedhiscabin.“Please.”

“Tomorrowwe’llfindthemanwhomurderedyourson.”Heusedhisfoottonudgeopenthedoor,

andoncetheywereinside,hekickeditshutbehindthem.Then,loweringhishead,hebrushedagentle
kissagainsthermouth.“Canyoutrustme?”

Herlipsparted,almostasifsheweregoingtopretendthatherwolfwasn’talreadyfullycommitted.

Thensheheavedaruefulsigh.

“Yes,Itrustyou,but-”
Heclaimedanotherkiss.Thisonelonger…moredemanding.
“Thereisno‘but,’”hegrowled.“We’lldealwiththeguardtomorrow.”
Easilysensinghewasn’tgoingtobudge,shevisiblystruggledtocontainherburstoffrustration.
“Sowhatdoyouexpectmetodotonight?”shesnapped.“Sitaroundtwiddlingmythumbs?”
Aslow,wickedsmilecurvedhislipsasheheadedacrossthefloorandintohisbedroom.
“Ithinkwecanfindsomethingtodotopassthetime.”
Heleftthelightsoffashecrosseddirectlytothebed.Then,holdinghergaze,heloweredheronto

thecenterofthemattress.

Foratimelessmoment,theygazedatoneanother,thenewnessoftheirbondsofragilethattheybarely

daredtobreathe.Butwhenhecaughttheunmistakablescentofherarousal,hisbearwasdoneplayingthe
gentleman.

Hewantedtosensuallymaulhismate.
Andhewantedtodoitnow.
Stillholdinghergaze,heleaneddowntotugoffhisbootsbeforeunfasteninghisjeansandallowing

themtodroptothefloor.Hereyesbrieflywidenedatthesightofhisfullyerectcockthatwasstandingat
proudattention.Hewasalargeman,andeverythingwasproportional.Hecouldbe…intimidatingto
somefemales.

Ah.Butnothiscourageous,recklessNicole.Hergazeliftedtorevealtheglowofherwolf,along

withahungerthatpulsedthroughtheair.

Plantinghiskneeontheedgeofthemattress,heleanedforward,hishandsplacedoneithersideof

hershouldersashedippedhishead.

Hislipstouchedherforeheadandhepaused.Inside,hisbearrumbledinapproval,savoringthe

intoxicating,womanlyscentthathe’dbeencravingsincethisfemalehadwalkedupthetrail.Atthesame
time,heneededtomarkherwithhismusk.Tomakesurethattheworldknewshebelongedtohim.

Rubbinghischeekoverhertawnyhair,heallowedhishandstodriftdownhersoftcurves.He

shiveredatthefeelofhersilkencurlsbrushingagainsthisskin.Nicolemadeasoundofpleasure,the
wolfinherclearlyenjoyingthesensationofbeingpetted.

Carefultokeephistouchlightandteasing,henuzzledapathofkissesdownthesideofherneck.He

hesitatedashismouthreachedthetopofhercollar,astrangetightnesswrappingaroundhischest.

Christ.Hehatedthedamnedthing.Butfornow,therewasn’tadamnedthinghecoulddoaboutit.
Anxiousnottospoilthemood,heforcedhimselftosquashhisimpulsetoripoffthetangiblesignof

herimprisonment,andconcentratedonofferingheranightofsheerblissinstead.

Forthenextthreehours,therewouldbenothoughtsofthepastorthetenuousfuture.
Theywouldliveinthemoment.
Focusedonthesoftstrokeofhislips,Nicolemadenoprotestwhenhegraspedthebottomofthe

sweatshirtsheworeandpulleditoverherhead.Hetosseditasidewithaflickofhishand.

“Iliketoseeyouwearingmyclothes,”hemurmured,hisgazesearingoverherslenderbodyrevealed

bythesilvershaftofmoonlightthatslidthroughthewindow.Shewasexquisite.Herslendercurves.
Thesoftmoundsofherbreaststhatweretippedwithrosynipples.Thesmallpatchoftawnycurlsthat
markedtheentrancetoherbody.“ButIpreferyouwithoutanyatall.”

Heheardherbreathcatch,ashisfingersskimmedthenarrowcurveofherwaist,herhandsliftingto

presshernailsintohischest.Abeautifulblushstainedhercheeks.

“Ileftmyclothesinthewoods.”
“Don’tworry.”Heallowedhishandstocupthesoftswellofherbreasts,hismouthwateringasthe

nipplestightenedtohardtipsoftemptation.“You’renotgoingtoneedthem.”

Witharollofhereyes,shesmackedherhandagainsthischest.“Ihavetogetthembeforethesun

comesup.I’mnotgoingtowalkaroundinjustyoursweatshirt.”

Hechuckled,usingthetipofhistonguetotracetheprominentlineofhercollarbone.
“Oneoftheguardsondutywillhavealreadyfoundthemanddisposedofthem,”hemurmured.
Shestiffened.“Whywouldtheydestroythem?”
Hekissedapathovertheuppercurveofherbreast,barelycapableofconcentratingonherquestion.

Notsurprising.Thetasteofheronhistonguemadehisgutclenchwithsavagelust.

He’denjoyedloversbefore.Hemightbealoner,buthewasalsoamalewhoneededtheenticing

diversionofspendingtimewithafemale.Noneofthem,however,hadevermadehimsodesperateto
havetheminhisarmsthathewaswillingtokidnapthemandholdthemvirtualhostagesinhislair.

“ThemembersofthisPackwerespecificallychosenbecausethey’recapableofmaskingtheirscent,”

hehusked,hisfingersreachingthesilkenskinofherinnerthigh.Hegroaned,hisarousalheavywith
painfulneed.“ItwastheonlywaywecouldlivecloseenoughtotheSAUheadquartersandavoid
detectionbythedogstheyusetosweepthearea.Yourclothingwouldhavethemuskofyourwolfall
overit.”

Hereyesdarkenedwiththehungerofherwolf,herfingersexploringthetensemusclesofhischest.

Excitementslammedintohimwithapotentforce.

“Youcouldhavewarnedmeearlier,”shemurmured.“NowI’mstuckwearingclothesfromabear

twicemysize.”

Beyondreasonablethought,Tuckercontinuedtostrokehisfingersupanddownthetenderskinofher

thigh.Hewaslostinthebeautyofherslender,perfectbodyandtheglorioussenseoffatethatsettled
deeplyinsidehisanimal.

“Ihaveapairofsweatsthatwillfityou,”hemanagedtorasp.
“Iftheybelongedtoyourlover,thenforgetit,”shewarned,hertonedistractedasTuckerslowly

loweredhimselftothemattressbesideher.“Idon’twearhand-me-downs.”

Heframedherfacewithhishands,hislipsskimmingoverherflushedface.
“Feelingalittlepossessive,mysweetNicole?”
“Yes.”
Hisheartmissedabeatatherreadyresponse,beforemeltinginutterdevotion.
Oh…hell.Hewaslost.Wellandtrulylost.
“Good,”hegrowled,slowlyloweringhishead.“Becausefromthisnighton,Ibelongtoyou,and

youbelongtome.”

Herbodyarchedtowardhiminunmistakableinvitation.“You’rekindofbossyforabear.”
Hechuckled.“Getusedtoit.”
“I…”Herwordsbrokeoffwithashudderingsighashismouthtraveleddownthecurveofherthroat

andfeatheredlightkisseseverlower.“Tucker.”

Histonguecircledthestrainingbudofhernipple.“Tellmewhatyouwant.”
Shecriedout,herfingersshovingintohishairassheshiftedrestlesslybeneathhim.
“You,”shebreathed.“Iwantyou.”
“Youadmitthatyoubelongtome?”
“Yes.”
Rawreliefsurgedthroughhisbody.Hemightverywellhaverammedhisheadintothenearestwall

ifshe’ddeniedhim.

Withadrivengroan,hesuckledhernipple,releasingthelastofhisrestraint.Shetastedofsoapand

sweettemptation,andTuckerwantedtonibbleherfromheadtotoe.Hewasabear.Whichmeanthehad
thepatienceandskillasalovertodevotehourstoawoman’spleasure.

Wrappinghisarmsaroundher,heslidhishandsdownNicole’sback,easinghertowardhisaching

body.Shereadilyarchedforward,groaningsoftlyatthefeelofhiserectionpressedagainstherlower
stomach.Atthesametime,shespearedherfingersthroughhishairandurgedhismouthtowardthetight
budsofherbreasts.

Neveronetomissanopportunity,Tuckertuggedhernipplebetweenhislips,usinghisteethand

tongueuntilshewassquirmingagainsthimwithpleasure.Hishandsslidoverthecurveofherassand
downthebackofherthigh.Withasmalltug,hehadherlegdrapedoverhiship,allowinghiscockto
pressagainstherdampheat.

Rawlustslammedintohimasthefrictionoftheirskinbrushingtogethercreatedacombustibleheat.

Restlessly,heturnedhisattentiontoherotherbreast.

Desiresizzledthroughhim,hiscockpainfullyhard,evenasheremindedhimselfthatshemightbea

wolf,butshewasstillmuchsmallerthanhim,andmorefragile.Hehadtotakecarenottobetoorough.

“SweetNicole,”hegroaned,“Ineedyou.”
“Thentakeme.”
Hechuckledatherstarkcommand,hishandsoftlybrushingthebackofherleg,edgingslowly

upward.

“Andyoucallmebossy?”
“I’msupposedtobe,”shebreathed,hissinginpleasureashisfingersslidbetweenherlegs.
Tuckerclenchedhisteeth,staggeredbyhisneedtobeinsidethiswoman.Shewassosoft,so

delicate,soutterlyhis…

His.
Hisguttwisted.Thepowerfulemotionsthatweretanglingthemselvesaroundhisheartshouldhave

beenterrifying.Instead,he’dneverfeltmoresmuglyhappy.

Strokingafingerthroughhertenderflesh,hefoundherclitoris,teasingitsoftlywhilehecapturedher

lipsinadeep,demandingkiss.

Nicolearchedagainsthim,herclawsscrapingdownhisback.Herwolfwaseagertoplay.
Hisbeargaveachuffoflaughter,fullyonboard.
Withasmoothmotion,herolledNicoleontoherback,settlingbetweenherpartedlegsand

continuinghisrelentlesscaresses.Heheardherchokedmoanashereleasedherlipstotrailapathof
feveredkissesdownherthroat,forcinghimselftoignorethecollar.

Tonightwasallaboutmutualbliss.
Hismusclestrembledwiththeefforttonotsimplyplungeintoherandeasehiscraving.Hewanted

toprolongthispreciousmoment.Tocaptureitinhismindsohewouldneverforget.

Hisheartwaspounding,hisbreathcominginsharpraspsashisanimalprowledbeneathhisskin.
Pullingback,hestudiedherfacesurroundedbythetumbleoftawnycurls.Thepale,creamyskin.

Thefanofdarklashesthatlayagainstherflushedcheeks.Thesoftlipsthatwerepartedininvitation.

Sobeautiful.Aflareofrawmalepossessiongrippedhisheartashepositionedhimselfather

entrance,andwithaslow,steadythrust,sankintoherheat.Forabriefmoment,Nicoletensed,and
Tuckerforcedhimselftohaltasherbodyadjustedtohislargesize.Continuingtopetandteaseher,he
waitedforhermusclestoeasearoundhiscockbeforeheatlastpushedinuntilhisballswerepressed
againstherass.

Hisbreathhissedthroughhisteethattheelectricsensationsthatjoltedthroughhisbody.Shewas

magnificent.Analluring,courageouswomanwho’dsufferedforfartoolong.

“Nicole,”hehusked,hishipspullinggentlybackbeforesinkingbackintoherwelcomingbody.“My

sweetNicole.”

“Yes,”sherasped,herclawsrakingdownhisback.
Thetinyshockofpainwaslikeasparktohisveryshortfuse.Withagroanofsurrender,helost

himselfinthepaganrhythmthatwasasancientandpowerfulasthemagicthatranthroughtheirveins.

Chapter5

Nicoleslowlywoketodiscoverherselfwrappedinapairofmassivearmswithherfacepressed

againstachestthatwasroughwithhair.

Instantly,sheblinkedinconfusion.
Notjustatthefactthatshewasn’tinherbedatherlair,butattherealizationthatshe’dactuallyslept

forhourswithoutbeingtorturedbythenightmaresthatalwayslurkedinhersubconscious.

Pushinghertangledhairoutofherface,shetookaminutetoallowthememoriestoseepthroughthe

foginhermind.Sherememberedtravelingthroughthewoodsandbeinghaltedbyalargeman…no,nota
man.AnUnseen.Andthen,whenshe’dtriedtoslipintotheSAUheadquarters,thatsameaggravating
malehadonceagaininterfered,haulingherbacktohislair.Andintohisbed.

Afterthat…
Well,it’dbeenhoursofsupreme,white-knuckledblissasTuckertaughtherjusthowskilledabear

couldbewhenhesethismindtopleasinghismate.

Mate.
Atinyshivershookher,herentirebodytremblingwithsatedsatisfaction.
ButevenasshefeltTucker’slargehandskimmingupthecurveofherback,shegaveasmallgaspat

thesunlightthatdappledthroughthetreesjustoutsidethewindow.

“Whattimeisit?”shebreathed.
Tuckercontinuedtostrokeherbackasheglancedtowardthenightstandontheothersideofher.
“Almostnine.”
“Shit.”Shetriedtositup,onlytobeheldinplacewhenhisarmstightenedaroundher.“Ican’t

believeIsleptsolong.”

Hislipsbrushedthecurveofherear.“Itwasn’tlong,”heteased.“Incaseyou’veforgotten,you

spentmostofthenightseducingme.”

Excitementflutteredinherstomach,hertoescurlingasheatflowedthroughherveins.
Ithadbeensoterriblylongsinceshehadallowedherselftoenjoythepleasureofamale’stouch.

Notsincethedeathofherson.

NowshefounditimpossibletoresistthemeltingpleasureasTuckerkissedapathoffiredownthe

sideofherneck.

“Yeah,right,”shemuttered.“Isyourbearalwayssoinsatiable?”sheaccused.
“No.”Liftinghishead,hegazeddownatherwithfierceemotionthatmadeherbreathcatchinher

throat.“Onlywithyou.”

“Tucker,I…IhavetoreturntothecompoundbeforeI’mmissed.”Thewordstumbledfromherlips

asajoltofpanicracedthroughher.

Tuckertensed,then,withadeliberatemotion,heloweredhisheadtoallowhiswarmbreathtotease

thedelicateskinofherneck.Joltsofpleasureshivereddownherspine.

“Dotheydoacounteachday?”
Unnervedbyherreaction,shearchedawayfromthepotentheatofhiscaressinglips.
“No,it’salwaysrandomsowecan’tanticipatewhenitwillbedone.”Shewrinkledhernose.It

alwaysinfuriatedthePackwhentheguardsenteredthecompoundandforcedthemtolineuptobe
checkedagainstthephotoIDstheSAUkeptoneachshifter.Itwasnotonlyatediouswasteoftime,but
alsoapainfulreminderthattheywereprisoners.“Buttheyusuallydoitatleastonceamonth.”

“Whenwasthelastcount?”
Sheshivered.Thecompoundwassocrowded,thatthelastlineuphadbeenoneofchaosandpain.

Theguardshadherdedthemtogetherlikeanimalswithcattleprodsthathadenoughvoltagetosenda
grownmantohisknees.

“Justafterthebearswereforcedintothecompound.”
Hisgriptightened,andwithrelentlessdetermination,heturnedherinhisarmstomeettheblazing

darknessofhiseyes.

“Thenyousurelyhaveafewdaysbeforetheyreturn,”herasped,hishandsgrippingherhipsand

pressingheragainsttheswollenjutofhisarousal.

Dangeroustemptationwhisperedthroughhermind,urginghertotosscautiontothewind.
“Youdon’thavetodealwithHolden,”sheforcedherselftosay.Shedidn’tdoubtforasecondthat

theolderwolfwouldbefoamingatthemouthwithfurywhenshefinallyreturned.“EveryhourthatI’m
goneisanotherhourwhereI’mpissinghimoff.”

“Youdon’thavetodealwithhimeither.”
Shearchedherbrows,startledbythelethaledgetohishuskyvoice.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Heplacedahandagainsthercheek,hisexpressionhard.Deepinhisdarkeyes,hisbearwatchedher

withpatiencethatwasdifferentfromawolf.Hewasn’tallfangandfury.Hewasslowandmethodical
andasrelentlessasanavalanche.

“HoldenisnolongeryourAlpha,”hesaid.
“Tucker…”
“YourhomeiswiththeUnseen.”Heleaneddownuntiltheywerenosetonose.“Youbelongtome.”
Herheartfalteredatthesheercertaintyinhisvoice.“Tucker,Ihavetogobackorthey’llpunish

everyoneinthecompound.”Shehadtohalttoclearthelumpfromherthroat.“Eventhechildren.”

Hisblackgazeblazedoverherface.“We’llfiguresomethingout.”
Sheliftedherhandstopressthemagainsthischest.Itwassotemptingtogiveintohisurgings.To

simplybelievethattheycouldsomehowbetogether.

Butshe’dspentalifetimelearningthatfatewasrarelykind.
Nicoleshookherheadindenial.“It’snotpossible.”
“Anythingispossible.”Hebenthisheadandcoveredhermouthwithatempestuouskissthatstole

herbreath.Hetastedofbearandmaledesire.Aheadycombinationthatmadeherentirebodyclench
withanachinghunger.“Believeinme.”

Shewasfarfromconvincedthathecouldperformamiracle,buthekissedheragain,andsheforgot

tocare.Instead,sheliftedherarmstocirclehisneck,herlipspartinginsilentinvitation.

Distantly,shewasawarethatTucker’sPackmateswereupandaboutastheystartedtheday,butshe

ignoredthesoundsthatfilteredthroughthewindow.

ShewantedTucker.
Evenafteranightofpassion,shestillachedtobeinhisarms.
“Ihavewaitedforyou,mysweet,”heraspedagainstherlips.“Withoutevenknowingwhatwas

missingfrommylife.”

Treacherouswarmthfloodedherheart.DearLord,howmanynightshadshecriedherselftosleep

becauseoftheachinghollownessthathauntedher?It’dbeenmorethanthelossofBowe,althoughthat
wasdeepandseeminglybottomless.Itwasalsotheknowledgethatthebedbesideherwasempty.

Totheworld,shehadofferedthefierceimageofamotherconsumedbyherneedforrevenge.But

inside…

Insideshehadhiddenthewoundsthatneverhealed.
NotuntilTucker,atinyvoicewhispered.
Hewasanunexpectedgiftthatsheintendedtotreasure.Evenaftershewasforcedtowalkaway.
Shethrustasidethepainthatslicedthroughherheart.

Shewasn’tgoingtothinkaboutthelonelinessofherfutureortheunbearablelossinherpast.For

now,shewouldacceptthepleasureTuckeroffered.

Nicole’sheartracedashistongueslippedintohermouth.Archingagainstthehardnessofhischest,

sheshovedherfingersintothethicksatinofhishair.

Shelovedthefeelofthewhite-goldstrands.
Rollingontopofher,hegroaned.Herwolfshouldhavebeenoutragedbythesenseofbeingpinned.

Tuckerwasnotonlytwicehersize,buthewasalethalpredatorwhocouldripoutherthroatbeforeshe
couldblink.Instead,sherelishedthefeelingofbeingpressedintothemattressandtheroughscrapeofhis
hairagainstherskin.

Lastnighthadbeenagentleseduction.Todaytherewasarawcravingthatrefusedtobedenied.
“Nicole…”Hespreadheatedkissesoverherface,hishandsoutliningthecurveofherhips.“Tell

meifI’mtoorough.”

“Youwon’thurtme,”sheassuredhiminavoicethickwithneed.“I’mtougherthanIlook.”
Agrowlrumbledinhischest,hismouthtrailingdownherthroatandovertheuppercurveofher

breasts.Nicole’stoescurled,herwolfthoroughlyapprovingoftheferocioushunger.

Inresponse,hishandsmovedtocupherbreastssohecouldravagethemwithhislipsandtongueand

justahintoffang.

Nicolecriedoutinpleasure,herlegspartingsohecouldsettlebetweenthem.Theblunttipofhis

arousalpressedagainstherinnerthigh.Shetrembled,cravingthefeelingofhimdeepinsideofher.

“Now,Tucker,”sheordered.
Hegaveachuffinglaugh.“Patience,”headmonished,hismouthtrailingoverthesoftswellofher

stomach.Hishandsslippedbeneathherhipssohecouldlifthertoaneasierangleforhisseekingmouth.

“Yes,”shebreathed,tremblingbeneaththeonslaughtofsensations.
Hewaswicked,skilled,anddecadentlybeautiful.
Andallhers.
Howwasshesupposedtoresist?
AsoftmoanwasrippedfromherthroatasTuckernibbledonthefleshofherinnerthigh,hishands

holdingherstillasshesquirmedinpleasure.

Hislipsstrokedeverhigher,atlastfindingtheveryheartofherdesire.Sheclosedhereyesin

appreciation,herfingersthreadingthroughhishairashestrokedhistongueacrossherclit.

Herpulsepoundedandhersoftpantsfilledtheair.Herorgasmloomedashecontinuedhissensual

attack.Overandoverheteasedthetinynub,obviouslyenjoyinghermuffledgroans.

Atlastshetuggedathishair,hoveringperilouslyclosetotheedgeofpurebliss.
“Now,Tucker,”shebegged,hervoicebarelyrecognizable.
Hisheadliftedtomeetherdazedgaze,hisbearclosetothesurface.
“Icouldbecomeaddictedtoyourtaste,mysweet.”
“Ineedyou,”shewhispered.
“Yes.”
Surgingupward,heenteredherwithonesmooththrust.
Nicolesuckedinasharpbreath,herhandsslidingdowntherigidmusclesofhisbackasheseta

swift,relentlesspacethathadthembothsoaringtowardashatteringclimax.

****

TuckersteppedintoRios’scabin,impatientlyrakingbackhisstill-damphair.

Hehadn’twantedtoleavethewarmshowerhe’dbeensharingwithNicole,butshe’dmadeitclear

thatherpatiencewasatanend.EithershegotthelistofemployeesfromRios,orshewasheadedbackto
theSAUfacility.

It’dtakennearlyahalfhouroffast-talkingtoconvincehertofinishhershowerwhilehewentin

searchoftheinformation.Andeventhenheunderstoodtheclockwasticking.

Ifhedidn’treturnsoon,she’dtakeoffonherown.
Butitwasn’tjustherimpatiencethatwasdrivinghisurgencytocompletehisself-imposedtask.
Nicolehadofferedhimherfragiletrustbyallowinghimtogowithouther.Atrustthathewas

determinedtobeworthyof,evenifitmeantinfuriatinghisPackmate.

StretchedontheleathersofainfrontoftheTVthatwasshowingareplayofthesoccergame,Rios

surgedtohisfeet.Hisdarkhairwastousled,andhisjawshadowedwithunshavenwhiskers,provinghe
hadn’tbeentobedyet.

“Hey,bear.”Wearingnothingbutaloosepairofsweatpants,Riosstretchedhisarmsoverhishead,

hismusclesripplingbeneathhisbronzedskin.“Iexpectedyoubackbeforenow.”

“Iwasbusy.”
DarkeyesflaredwithfelineamusementasRiosdeliberatelyglancedtowardthebitemarksstill

visibleonTucker’sthroat.

“Yeah,Icantell,”hetaunted,nodoubthopingtoembarrasshisfriend.Unfortunatelyforhim,Tucker

haddeliberatelychosenthecream,cable-knitsweaterbecausethenecklinewaslooseenoughshowthe
visiblesignsofNicole’spossession.“Doyouwanttotellmeaboutyourlittlewolf?”

Tuckersteppedforward,ahintofwarninginhistone.“She’snotupfordiscussion.Notever.”
Riosgavealowwhistle.“Likethat,isit?”
Tuckerheldhisgaze.“It’sexactlylikethat.”
Thejaguarmovedforwardtoslaphimontheback.“Congrats.”Hegaveasuddenburstoflaughter.

“Atleast,Ithink.”

Tuckerignoredtheslydig.Riosmightbeamalewhoenjoyedspreadinghisaffectionfarandwide,

buteventually,hewouldmeethismatchandfindhimselflongingtosettledown.

Ithappenedtoallofthemsoonerorlater.
“Tellmewhat’shappeninghere,”Tuckercommanded.
Instantly,Rioswasallbusiness.“Imanagedtosalvagethefileswehaddownloaded,butI’mwaiting

forthegreenlightfromSinclairbeforeItrytotapintotheirsystem.”

Tuckerarchedabrow.“He’satheadquarters?”
“Yeah,gotbackafewhoursagofromhismeetingwithhisCDCcontact,andassoonasItoldhim

whatwasgoingon,heheadeddowntoHQ.”

Itdidn’tsurpriseTuckerthattheAlphahadtakenoffthesecondhelearnedtheremightbetrouble.

EvenifSinclairwereexhaustedfromhistriptomeetMira,hewouldhavedemandedthathebetheoneto
taketherisk.

But,hedidn’tlikethefactthatSinclairhadn’treturned.Howlongdidittaketofindoutwhatwas

goingonwiththecomputers?

“He’sstillwiththem?”heasked.
Riosnodded.“HetextedtosaythepurgingwasinresponsetoDr.Talbot’sdisappearance.”The

jaguargaveahumorlesslaugh.“Theyhavetoprepareforthepotentialinvestigationifwordoftheir
unsanctionedresearchreachestheearsofD.C.”

Tuckergrimaced.Thedoctorwasmorethan“disappeared.”Thelasthe’dheard,thescientisthad

beensuitablypunishedforhisdecisiontousehisownchildreninhissickexperiments.

Ofcourse,theSAUcouldn’tknowwhatthedoctorhadorhadnotsharedwiththeshifters.Andnot

everyoneinCongresswaspleasedwiththeshadowygovernmentagency.Theyhadtoworrythat

someoneinauthoritymightcomenosingaround.

“Thatmakessense.”Tuckerfoldedhisarmsoverhischest,notentirelyreassured.“Ifheknowswhy

therewasapurge,thenwhyisn’theback?”

Riosshrugged.“Hesaidastrangerarrivednotlongafterhedid,demandingtoseeDirector

Markham.”

Tuckerfeltapangofsurprise.Thelocationoftheheadquarterswasatightlyguardedsecret.Infact,

Tuckerstilldidn’tknowhowSinclairhadmanagedtolocateit.Soanyunexpectedvisitorwouldstira
lotofattention.

“Someonefromthegovernment?”
Riosgavealiftofhishands.“Hedidn’tknow,buthehadafeelingitwasimportant.”
“Hmm.”Tuckerbrieflyconsideredtryingtocallhisfriend,onlytodismisstheurge.IfSinclairwas

intouchwithRios,thenhehadtobeokay.Andhewouldn’tthankTuckerforinterruptinghis
investigation.Instead,Tuckerturnedhisattentiontothereasonhe’dsoughtoutthejaguar.“Ineeda
favor.”

“Doesthishavesomethingtodowithyourprettywolf?”Rioseasilyguessed.
“Yes.”
Awickedsmilecurvedhislips.“Thenask.”
“SAUguardsmurderedheryoungsonsevenyearsago,”hesaidbluntly.Itwasn’tliketherewasany

easywaytosharetheinformation.

AllhumorleechedfromRios’sfaceandhiseyesflashedgold.LikemostUnseen,thejaguarhadlost

severalfamilymemberstotheSAU.

“Fuck.”
Tuckernodded.“Mythoughtsexactly.”
“HowcanIhelp?”
TuckerfeltaflareofwarmthatRios’simmediateofferofassistance.Thiswaswhyhe’djoineda

Packdespitehislonernature.Theywereatruefamily,whosupportedoneanotherwhiletheyworkedto
createaworldwhereshifterscouldlivewithoutfear.

“Nicolemanagedtotrackdownanddisposeoftwooftheguards,”hesaid,hislipstwistingatthe

enormoustaskitmusthavebeenforafemalewhowasnotonlygrieving,butlockedinacompoundto
accomplish.“Butshehasn’tbeenabletolocatetheactualshooter.She’shopingshecanusethe
employeedatabasetoidentifyhim.”

“Wecangiveitatry,butthebastardsaresmartenoughtokeepmanyoftheiremployeesoffthemain

payroll.Iassumetheygetpaidincash,”Riossaid,headingtowardoneofthecomputersthatwerelined
uponalongtable.Onceseated,heglancedoverhisshoulderasTuckermovedtostanddirectlybehind
him.“Whereisshe?”

Tuckersenthisfriendatightsmile.“Iconvincedhertherewouldbeaneasierway.”
Riosarchedabrow.“What’sthat?”
Tucker’ssmilewidened.“You’rethecomputerexpert.Youtellme.”
“Christ.Youdon’taskmuch.”
“That’swhatfriendsarefor,right?”
Riosturnedbacktothecomputerswithashakeofhishead.
“Friendsareapainintheass,”hemuttered,tappingonthekeyboardtopullupthefilesthey’dstolen

fromtheSAU.“Thereshouldbesomeinternalreportsabouttheincident.”

“Murder,”Tuckercorrected.
Rioscontinuedtoskimthroughthefiles.“What?”
“Itwasn’tanincident,itwasmurder.”
“Gotit,”Riosagreed.

Therewasalongsilence,brokenonlybythesofthumoftheelectronicsandRios’soccasionalclick

ofthemouse.

Tuckerwasimpatientlyglancingtowardthewindow,futilelywishinghehadaviewofhiscabin.

HowlongwouldNicolewait?Anhour?Fifteenminutes?

“Here.”Leaningforward,Riosstudiedthemonitorwithhisbrowfurrowed.“Itlooksliketheytried

tokeepallrecordoftheguardsinvolvedfromanynewsmedia.Evenduringtheinvestigationtheywere
referredtobyinitials.”

Tuckerreleasedalowgrowl.“Therehastobesomethingtoidentifythem.”
“Ifit’shere,I’llfindit,”Riossworeindistractedtones.Therewereafewmoreclicks,thenthe

jaguarabruptlystiffened.“Shit.”

“Whatisit?”TuckergraspedthebackofRios’schairasheleanedoverhisfriend’sshoulder.
“Thosebastards.”RiosturnedthemonitorsoTuckerhadaclearview.
TherewasthesoundofwoodsplinteringasTuckercrushedthechairbeneathhishands.Inthat

second,heknewthatthesightofthedeadchildlyinginthesnowstainedwithhisbloodwouldbeforever
searedintohismind.

Theraw,achingregrethefeltcouldbenothingcomparedtowhatNicolelivedwithdayafterday,but

itwasenoughtomakehisguttwistandbilerisetohisthroat.

“Tellmeyouhaveaname,”hesaid,hisvoicethickwithfury.
Riosleanedtothesideastheprinterbegantospitoutsheetsofpaper.
“Inotonlyhaveaname,Ihaveanaddress.”Thejaguarneatlyplacedthepapersinafolder.“And

getthis…”HeshovedthefolderinTucker’shand.“It’slocal.”

Openingthefolder,TuckerstudiedtheinformationthatRioshadmanagedtopulloutofthearchives.

Notonlytheguardsinvolved,butthosewhohadassistedinthecover-up.

Adeviousideaslowlybegantoforminthebackofhismind.
Itwouldn’tbeeasytoconvinceNicole.Infact,hefearedthathemightcauseherevenmorepain.

Buthehadtotry.

Turning,Tuckerheadedtowardthedoorofthecabin,glancingoverhisshouldertogivehisfrienda

smallbowofhishead.

“Ioweyou.”
“No,youdon’t.”Riosrosetohisfeet,hisexpressionsomber.“Takecareofyourwolf.”
“Countonit.”

Chapter6

Nicolewaspacingthefloor,wearinganoversizedrobethatthreatenedtotripherwitheverystep.
HowhadsheallowedTuckertotalkherintowaitinghere?Okay,he’dhadhernakedintheshower.

Andhe’dbeendoingallsortsofdeliciousthingswithhistongue,butstill…

Thesoundofapproachingfootstepsintrudedintoherfrustratedthoughts.Hikingupthefoldsof

Tucker’srobes,sherushedoutofthebedroom.

“Tucker?”
Thefrontdoorwaspushedopenandhergorgeousbearsteppedintotheroom.Instantly,theairwas

filledwithhiswarm,spicyscentalongwiththepricklingpowerofhisanimal.

Atingleofexcitementracedthroughher.Howthehellhadsheevermissedthefactthathewasa

shifter?Hispresencewasatangibleforce.

“Icomewithgifts,”hemurmured,tossingheracanvasbag.
Instinctivelyshecaughtit,openingthezippertopulloutapairofjeansandapeachturtleneck

sweater,alongwithsomesilkyunderwear.Herlipstwistedatthesightofthetagsthatwerestill
attached.

He’dclearlyrememberedherfiercerefusaltowearanythingthatmighthavebelongedtooneofhis

lovers.

Abearwhocouldbetrained,shewrylyacknowledged.
Dangerous.
“Thanks,”shemuttered,shruggingoutoftherobetopullontheclothing.Theywereloose,butthey

werebetterthandrowninginTucker’sclothes.Shereachedbackintothebagtopulloutthetennisshoes
andslidthemontoherfeet.Onceshehadthemtied,shestraightenedtomeetTucker’swatchfulgaze.
“Didyoufindthenameoftheguard?”

Hegaveaslownod.“Idid.IanViker.”
IanViker.Shecommittedthenametomemory.Shewantedtoseeitetchedonagravestone.
“Didyougetanaddress?”
Anotherslownod.“Justafewmilesaway.”
Disbeliefjoltedthroughher.Afteralltheseyears.Afterallthedeadendsanddisappointments.
Couldshedaretohopethatherpreywaswithinhergrasp?
“Thenwhatarewewaitingfor?”shedemandedinthicktones.
Hisexpressionwasunreadable.“Weneedtotalk.”
“No.”Sheplantedherfistsonherhips.Sheknewwhatthosewordsmeant.She’denduredthema

thousandtimesoverthepastsevenyears.“Idon’twanttohearanysermonsonturningtheothercheekor
bullshitabouttheemptinessofrevenge.”

Hesteppedforward,hiseyesdarkwithunderstanding.“I’mnotgoingtosayanyofthosethings.”
“Thenwhat?”
Hepausedbeforesayingthewordsheclearlysensedshewasn’tgoingtolike.
“Haveyouconsideredthepossibilitythatyourgreatestrevengemightcomefromleavingtheguard

alive?”

Nicoleflinched.Asifshe’dbeenslappedintheface.
Leavethemonsterwho’dshotdownherchildalive?
“No.”
Hesteppedforward.“Hearmeout.Please.”

Shehuffedoutanimpatientsigh.Itwasthe‘please’thatdidit.
“Fine.”
Hegrimaced,easilyhearingthepaininhervoice.“Thebastarddeservestodie.Hell,Iwanttorip

outhisheartandstuffitdownhisthroat,”herasped,hiseyesabruptlyglowingwiththepowerofhis
bear.“Buthe’sjustasmallpartoftheevil.Wehavetocutofftheheadofthesnakeifwewantittodie.”

Nicolewrappedherarmsaroundherwaist.Shedidn’twanttoacceptthathemighthaveapoint.

Whocaredifhecouldhelptheshifters?Shewantedtodestroythemanwho’druinedherlife.

She’dwaitedsolong.
Toolong.
Buthecontinuedtostareather,clearlyneedinghertohearhimout.
“Sowhatareyousuggesting?”shegrudginglyasked.
“TheSAUmanagedtocoverupthecrimefiveyearsago,butthepoliticalclimateisn’tthesame,”he

saidinagentlevoice.“Ifwecouldcapturetheguardandforcehimtoconfesstoaroomfullofreporters
thathemurderedaninnocentchild,theymightstarttoseejusthowcorrupttheSAUhasbecome.”

Sheimmediatelyshookhishead.“Theywouldneverbelievehim.”
“Theywouldifwehadproof.”Heliftedhishand,revealingafilefolder.
Nicolereachedout,onlytoyankbackherhand.She’dhadenoughnightmares,thankyouverymuch.

Shedidn’tneedtoaddtohersleeplessnights.

Shegrimaced.“TheSAUwouldcrushthestorybeforeitcouldevergetout.”
“Wehavecontactswithmediaoutletsthataren’tintimidatedbytheSAU,”herevealed.“Infact,they

relishtheopportunitytoexposethebastards.”

Nicoleshrugged.Shefoundithardtobelievethatanyonehadtheabilitytofightagainstthe

subversiveagency.They’dbeentheboogiemenwho’dintimidatedandimprisonedandbrutalizedher
peopleforsolong,theydidn’tevenrememberwhatitwasliketobefree.

Buteveniftherewereafewbravejournalistswillingtospreadthestory,itdidn’tmeanthatitwould

changeanything.

“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’reasking,”shehissed.
“You’reright.Idon’t,”headmitted,reachingouttobrushthebackofhisfingersdownhercheek.“I

can’tevenimaginethepainyou’vehadtosufferdayafterday.ButIdounderstandyourneedforblood.I
feltthesamewayaftermyfather’sdeath,eventhoughIwasjustayoungchild.”

Nicole’ssimmeringfrustrationfaltered.SheknewTucker’sheartandsoul.
Hewasloyal,kind,fiercelyprotective,andunexpectedlyplayful.
Buttherewerelargepartsofhislifethatremainedamystery.
“Hewaskilled?”sheasked.
“Yes.”Abone-deeppaintightenedhisbeautifulfeatures.“Whentheystartedroundingupshifters,

myfathersentmymotherandmeintohidingbuthestayedbehindtotryandstandwiththosewhorefused
tobecaged.”Hiseyeswereunfocusedasifhewerelostinhismemories.“Hewasshotintheback.”

Nicolereachedouttolayherfingersonhisforearm.Herownparentshaddiedduringtheroundupof

shifters.She’dbeenraisedbyanaunt,althoughit’dbeenSoren’smotherwho’dtrulytakenontheroleof
parent.

“I’msorry,”shehusked.
Hedippedhisheadinacknowledgmentofhersympathy.“Icanbarelyrecallhisface,butIhavea

vividmemoryoflearninghewasdead.Iwasoverwhelmedwiththeprimitiveurgetohuntdownand
destroythoseresponsible.”Hepausedbeforegivingasharpshakeofhishead.Perhapsdismissingthe
painfulmemories.“Instead,Icanonlyusemypowersasahealertotryandsaveasmanyofmypeopleas
possible.IhopeinsomesmallwayI’mhonoringhissacrifice.”

Nicoledroppedherhandandtookastepback.Logically,sherealizedhewasmakingsense,buther

heartstillachedforrevenge.

“Ineedtoseehimdead,”shesaidinaharshvoice.
“Thenhe’sdead,”Tuckerannouncedwithashockingswiftness.Placingthefileonanearbytable,he

heldouthishand.“Let’sgo.”

Shefrowned.Tuckerhadmanyfinequalities,buthewasstubbornasamule.
“That’sit?”sheaskedwithblatantsuspicion.“Youaren’tgoingtoargue?”
Heheldhergazeasifwillinghertoacceptthesincerityofhiswords.
“Onlyyoucandecidehowthisisgoingtoplayout,”hetoldher.“I’mjustgoingalongtoprovidethe

muscle.”

AnotherlayeroftheicethathadcoatedherheartsinceBowe’sdeathmelted.Thismalepossesseda

uniqueabilitytostripawaythedefensesthatshe’dbuiltwithsuchpainstakingcare.

Still,sheignoredthehandhecontinuedtoholdout.
Shewasn’tlosinganotherpersonsheloved.
“No.”
Heblinkedinconfusion.“No?”
Shefoldedherarmsoverherchest,preparingforafight.“You’renotgoing.”
Tuckermovedforward.Hedidn’thavethesmoothprowlofafeline.Oreventhegraceofawolf.

Instead,heplowedstraighttowardher,hisbearglowinginhiseyes.

“I’mfairlycertainthatIdidn’thearyouright.”
Shewasn’tasubmissive,butittookeveryounceofherwillpowernottocringebeneaththeforceof

hisoverwhelmingpresence.

“You’reapartoftheUnseen,”shemanagedtomutterbetweenstifflips.
Hisnoseflared.“That’snotanewsflash.”
“Youcan’tbecaughtwithashifter,”shecontinued.Didshereallyhavetospellitout?Itseemedshe

did,ashesimplyglaredatherwithsmolderinganger.“You’llputyourentirePackatrisk.”

“It’smydecision.”
Sherolledhereyes.Shedidn’thavemuchexperiencewithbears,butshedidn’tthinktheywereall

soaggravating.

Werethey?
“You’renotthinkingclearly,”sheinformedhim.
Ahumorlesssmilestretchedhislips.“I’mfreshlymated.I’mnotsupposedtobethinkingclearly.”
“Tucker-”
Hepressedafingertoherlips,haltingherprotest.“Webothgo.Orneitherofus.”Heleaneddown,

hisexpressionhardwithanunmistakablewarning.“Decide.”

Shit.Hewasserious.
Ifshedidn’tagreetolethimgowithher,thenhewasn’tgoingtogivehertheinformationsheso

desperatelycraved.Hell.Shedidn’tdoubthewouldlockherinthiscabinifshedidn’tgivein.

Shemadeasoundofannoyance.“Bossybear.”

****

Tuckerpulledthenondescriptmid-sizecartoahaltonthecornerofthequietstreet.Broomfieldwas

asuburbclosetoBoulder,withstreetsthatwerelinedwithbrickhomes,neatlytrimmedyards,andfamily
carsparkedinthedriveways.

Notthesortofplacehewouldexpecttofindaruthlesskiller.Butthenagain,thatcouldbethepoint.

IftheSAUwantedtokeeptheguardfrombeingfound,thenwhatbetterplacetohidehim?

However,theinfothat’dbeenputinthefilemayhavebeenadeliberatetrickforanyonesearchingfor

informationontheruthlessmurderer.HeandNicolecouldeasilybewalkingintoatrap.

Seatedbesidehim,Nicolesenthimafrown.“Whyareyoustopping?”
Henoddedtothesmallhousethatwasnearlyhiddenbehindawoodenfence.
“Viker’shomeisattheendofthestreet,”hemurmured,mutteringacurseassheshovedhercardoor

open.Reachingout,hegraspedherarm.“Nicole.”

Shescowled,herteethgritted.Nothingunusual.She’dbeenscowlingandgrittingherteethsincehe

refusedtoallowhertorunoffwithouthim.

“Doyousensesomething?”shedemanded.
“Notyet,”headmitted,hisgazemovingovertheneighborhoodthatwasdrenchedinthelatemorning

sunlight.“ButI’mnotgoingtochargeinuntilweknowexactlywhatwe’regettinginto.”

Shegaveagrudgingnod.Shemightbefrustratedwithhim,butshewasn’tstupid.
“Youwantmetodoasearch?”sheasked.
“Yes,butfirstwewatch,”hedecided.
Hecouldfeelherstudyinghisprofile.“Watchforwhat?”
Hisgazecontinuedtoskimfromonehousetoanother.“Securitycameras.Localcops.Suspicious

traffic.Everyneighborhoodhasitsownpulse.”

Hesettledbackintheseatthatwasn’tcreatedforamanhissize.Ofcourse,he’dspentenoughtime

onstakeoutstoknowthateventhemostcomfortableseatbecamecrampedandlumpyovertime.

TheonlyplusthistimewasthesweetscentofNicolethatteasedathissenses,remindinghimofthe

longhoursofpleasurethey’dsharedinhisbed.

Theysettledintowatchthehumansgoabouttheirbusiness.Mosthouseswereemptysincethe

occupantshadalreadyleftforwork,buttherewereafewmotherswithyoungerkidsathome.Therewere
alsodeliverytrucks,apostalcarrier,andaconstructioncrewthatwasreplacingtheroofonagarage.

“Whathappenedafteryourfatherdied?”Nicoleabruptlybrokethesilence.
“MymotherraisedmeneartheNorthPole.”
Shegaveastartledlaugh.“LikeSantaClaus?”
“Yep.”Heturnedhisheadtowitnessherraresmile,hisbearsavoringtheknowledgethathe’d

earnedsuchanelusivegift.“Itwasbrutallycold,soIspentmostofmytimeasabearuntilSinclair
traveledthroughtheareaandrecruitedmetojoinhisPack.”

“Whydidyoujoinhim?”
Heconsideredforalongmoment.Itwasaquestionhe’daskedhimself.Afterall,he’dbeen

perfectlysatisfiedspendinghisliferoamingtheArcticasabear.Thesheersimplicityofitwas
addictive,andthereweretimeswhenhewentweekswithoutrecallingthathehadahumanside.Butonce
Sinclairhadintrudedintohissolitaryexistence,he’dfoundtheurgetobeapartofaPackstirredtolife.

“Ibelievedinhiscause,”hesaid.
“Andwhat’sthat?”
Heshrugged.“DestroyingtheSAUfromtheinsideout.”
Shenodded,thankfullynotdemandingathoroughexplanationoftheUnseen’splanstotopplethe

SAU.Hetrustedherwithhisverylife,butSinclairwouldskinhimifhesharedsensitiveinformation
beforetheywereformallymated.

SomethingheintendedtocompleteassoonasshewasdonewithIanViker.
Unliketheshiftersthatwerecollaredandbranded,theUnseendidn’tusetattoostodisplaytheir

commitmenttooneanother.Instead,whentheymated,heandNicolewouldexchangeamuletsthatthey
wouldplacearoundeachother’snecksasasymbolofthebondsthathadalreadypulledthemtogether.

“Whataboutyourmother?”sheasked.

AwaveoffondexasperationracedthroughTucker.He’dtriedahundredtimestogethisstubborn

mothertojoinhiminhiscabin.Oratleastmovesomewherethathecouldeasilygettoherifsheneeded
him.

Andeverytime,she’dgentlyclaimthatshelovedroamingfreetoomuchtoeverybecomefully

civilized.

Tuckerthoughtithadmoretodowithhergriefatthelossofhermate.Whenshewasinherbear

form,shedidn’thavetodealwithhumanemotions.

“Shestilllivesinaremotevillage,”hetoldNicole.“Itraveltoseeherseveraltimesayear.”
“Shemustbelonely.”
“No.”Hegaveafirmshakeofhishead.“Shelikestheisolation.We’llgoseeherinafewweeks.”
Hereyeswidenedasifcaughtoffguardbyhiswords,whichwasridiculous.Shehadtoknowthat

hismotherwouldbeanxioustomeetthefemalewho’dstolentheheartofheronlycub?

“Tucker,”shebreathed.
“Don’tworry.”Heflashedateasinggrin.“She’sgoingtoloveyou.”
Herlipspartedasifsheintendedtoremindhimofalltheobstaclesthatstoodbetweenthetwoof

themmating,onlytoheavearesignedsighatthestubbornjutofhisjaw.

“We’regoingtohavetodiscussyourhabitofthinkingyoucantossoutordersandsimplyhavethem

obeyed,”shemuttered.

“Nodoubtwe’regoingtohavealotofthosediscussions,”heassuredher.
“Nodoubt.”
Anothersilencefilledthecarastheyreturnedtheirattentiontotheirsurroundings.Anhourhad

passedbeforeTuckeracceptedthattherewasnothingsuspicioustobeseenfromtheirplaceonthestreet.

“Okay,”hemurmured.“I’mgoingtodoasweepoftheblock.”
Nicolegaveaswiftnod.“Yougoaroundthefront,I’llmeetyouintheback.”
Tuckerstiffened,hisprimitivemalemindinstantlyrebellingatthethoughtofallowinghisfemaleto

beindanger.

“Nicole.”
TherewasalowgrowlofwarningasNicoleleanedforward,herwolfvisibleinhereyes.
“Don’t.”
Hegrimaced.Asmuchashewantedtoforbidher,hecouldn’t.Thiswasherfight.Sheshouldbe

theonetohuntherprey.

“Becareful.”
Beforeshecouldsayanything,hemovedforwardtocaptureherlipsinafiercekissthatrevealedall

theworryandwondermentandlovethatfilledhisheart.Then,pullingaway,heshovedopenhisdoor
andclimbedoutofthecar.

Hecasuallystrolleddownthestreet,usinghisheightenedsenseofsmell.Hiseyesightwasn’tas

goodasothershifters’,butitwasgoodenoughtomakesuretherewerenohumanslingeringnearthe
houseattheendoftheroad.

Roundingtheblock,hewaiteduntilhewassurenoonewaswatchingtovaultoverthebackfence.

NicolewasalreadywaitingforhimneartheFrenchdoors.

“Anything?”hedemanded,knowingshewouldhavedoneathoroughsearchdespiteherurgencyto

confronttheguard.

“Humans.Afewdogsandcats.”Shewrinkledhernose,lookingmorelikeateenagerthanafemale

intentonbloodyvengeance.“Andaferret.Whataboutyou?”

“Nothingthatstoodoutassuspicious,”hesaid,resistingtheurgetoinventsomereasonforthemto

leave.

“Good,”shesaidonalowgrowl.“I’mdonewaiting.”

Reachingout,shegraspedthehandleoftheFrenchdoorandgaveitayank.Theflimsylocksnapped,

allowinghertoslideitopen.Thentheymovedwithshifter-silencethroughthekitchenthathaddishes
piledinthesinkandalinoleumfloorthatwasstickywith…hell,Tuckerdidn’twanttoknow.They
pausedandsilentlylistenedforanysoundsthatwouldindicatethattheirentrancehadbeennoticed.
Finally,theysteppedthroughanarchedopeningintothefrontlivingroom.

Tuckershuddered.Thedrapeswereclosedagainsttheafternoonlight,buthecouldstillmakeoutthe

wornfurniturethatlookedasifit’dbeenfoundinthelocaldump,andtherugthatwaslitteredwithempty
beercans,pizzaboxes,andbagsofchips.

Andonthesofawasasmall,wirymanwiththinningbrownhairandanarrowface.Hewasdressed

increasedkhakisandawhiteteethatwasindireneedofawashingmachine.

Atfirstglance,helookedlikehewasasleep,butasNicolesteppedforward,heabruptlyliftedhis

headtoglanceattheminastonishment.

“Whatthehell?”hemuttered,hisgazemovingtoTucker,whotoweredinthebackgroundbefore

returningtoNicole.“Ifyou’reheretorobme,thenyou’refuckingidiots.Idon’thavejackshit…”His
wordstrailedawayashiseyeswidenedwithasuddenrecognition.“You,”hebreathed.

Chapter7

Nicoleallowedacoldsmiletocurveherlips.Shewaspleasedthattheguardrecognizedher.She

wantedhimtoknowexactlywhyhewasabouttodie.

“Yes,me.”Shewatchedasheshakilyshovedhimselfoffthecouch,hisfaceapastyshadeofash.

“Hello,Ian.”

Themaninchedtotheside.Washehopinghecouldsomehowsneakhiswaytothefrontdoor?
Idiot.
“Howdidyoufindme?”
Shereleasedashortlaughthatechoedthroughtheroom.“Didyouthinkyoucouldavoidjustice

forever?”

Hehelduphishandsinanunspokenpleaformercy.“Listen,whathappened-”
“Youmeanthecold-bloodedmurderofmyson?”sheinterrupted,icecoatingeachword.
Helickedhislips,atrickleofsweatinchingfromhisforeheaddownhisunshavencheek.Hedidn’t

lookthesameastheguardwho’dshotBowe.

Althoughshe’donlygottenabriefglance,theman’sfacehadbeensearedintohermind.
Nowsherealizedthathe’dlostatleasttwentypounds.Hisclotheshungonhisgauntframeasifhe

couldn’tbebotheredtobuyanythingthatfit.Andhishairhadthinned.Therewerealsonewlinesonhis
face,givinghimtheappearanceofhavingagedatleasttwentyyearsinsteadofseven.

Butthebiggestchangewasthelackofswagger.
Evenaftershootingamerechild,he’dstruttedaroundasifhe’ddonesomethingamazing.Today,he

lookedasifhe’dspentthepastyearsonadrunkenbinge.

“Itwasn’tmyfault,”hewhined.
“Lies.”Shesteppedforwardasthecowardcontinuedtoinchtotheside.Tuckerfollowedclosely

behindher,hisheatwrappingaroundherwithunspokensupport.“Yourfellowguardsalreadytoldme
thatyoupulledthetrigger.”

“Iwasorderedtodoit,”Iantoldher.
Continuingtoprowlforward,shemadeasoundofdisgust.“Convenient.”
“No,please.”Hebumpedintothetallentertainmentcenterbehindhim,moresweattricklingdown

hisface.“Youhavetobelieveme.”

“Nicole.”Tuckercovertlybrushedhishanddownherrigidback.Thewarmthofhistouchwasan

anchorthatallowedhertofindherwaythroughtheredmistthatcloudedhermind.

“Talk,”shesnapped.
Theman’sgazebrieflyflickeredtowardTuckerbeforereturningtoNicole.Clearlyhedidn’trealize

thatTuckerwasanevengreaterthreatthanshewas.Nosurprise.Withoutacollarorabrand,itwas
impossibleforhumanstodeterminewhowasorwasnotashifter.

Thatwasoneofthereasonsmanypeopleweresoanxioustokeepthemlockedbehindwalls.
“TheSAUrecruitedmetobecomeaguardattheRiverPackcompound,”hesaid.
Shefrowned,notmissingthekeyword.“Recruitedfromwhere?”
“Themilitary.”
Shestudiedthewiryformthatshecouldbreakintwo.Hedidn’tlooklikeapersonanyonewould

chooseasaguard.

“Whywouldtheyrecruityou?”
“BecauseIwasasharp-shooter.”
Sheregardedhimwithgrowingsuspicion.Shedidn’tgiveashitwhyhe’dbecomeaguard.Allthat

matteredwasthefactthathe’dpulledthetrigger.He’dmurderedherson.

Butthecertaintythathewashidingsomethingnaggedattheedgeofhermind.
Dammit.
Nowshehadtoknow.
“There’salotofsharp-shooters,”shepointedout,thewolfinherfightingtobereleasedsoshecould

tastehisbloodonhertongue.“Whyyou?”

Hegavealiftofhisshoulder.“I’mthebest.”
Herlipscurledback,revealingherelongatedfangs.“Heisn’tgoingtotellthetruth,”shetoldTucker

withaflareofsatisfaction.“Imayaswellripouthisthroat.”

Tuckermovedtostandatherside,hisarmsfoldedoverhismassivechest.
“Goforit.”
Themangaveadesperateshakeofhishead.“Holdon.”
Nicoletriedtostepforward,onlytobehaltedwhenTuckergraspedthebackofhersweater,firmly

keepingherinplace.

Ignoringhercompanion,sheglaredatthefacethatstillhauntedherdreams.
“Sayit,”shesnarled.
Hishandsgrippedtheshelvesbehindhimasifhiskneeswereweakwithfear.Likemostbullies,he

turnedintoagrovelingchickenwhenconfrontedbysomeonestrongerthanhim.

“I’dbeenaccusedofshootingafellowsoliderintheback.”
SheheardTuckerhissabreaththroughhisclenchedteeth.Hehadaningrainedsenseofintegrity,and

wouldbedeeplyoffendedbytheman’sconfession.

“Whydidyoushoothim?”shedemanded.
Paleeyesflickered.Asuresignthathewasabouttotellalie.“Itwasanaccident,”hesaid.“Iwas

cleaningmygunanditfired.”

“Andtherealreason?”Nicoleinsisted.
TherewasashorthesitationbeforeIanrevealedthetruth.“Iwantedhisbunk.”
HeatblastedfromTucker’sbigbody.“Shit.”
Nicolegrimaced.“You’retrulysick,”shemuttered.
Thehumanhunchedhisshoulders.“Youwantedthetruth.”
Suddenly,Nicoleunderstoodwhythesecretagencywoulddecidethismanwassuitabletoweartheir

uniform.

Noteveryhumanwouldbewillingtoshootaninnocentmaninthebackjustbecausehewantedhis

bed.

“SotheSAUwantedasharp-shooterwithoutmorals,”shesaid.
Iandidn’tlookoffended.Eitherhe’dacceptedthathewasadepravedbastard,orhewasastraight

uppsychopath,unabletocomprehendthedepthsofhisevil.

TheknowledgetwistedNicole’sstomachwithachingsadness.Thisemptyshellofamanhadstolen

abright,beautifullightfromthisworld.

“Yeah,Iguessso,”hemuttered.
Asifsensingherdistress,Tuckerranhishandupanddownherback,glaringattheunfeelingmonster.
“Why?”hedemanded.
“DirectorMarkhamhadjusttakencontroloftheDenverDivision,andhewantedtocrackdownon

thewolves.”

Nicolescowled.She’dseentheDirectorfromadistance,butherarelycametothecompound.
“Whywouldhewanttocrackdown?”
Ianshrugged.“HefeltliketheAlphaofthewolveshadn’tgivenhimtheproperrespectduringtheir

firstmeeting.Hewantedtosendamessage.”

“Heorderedthedeathofachildbecausehedidn’tgettherespecthethoughthedeserved?”Nicole

breathedindisbelief.

Themancontinuedtogriptheshelfbehindhisback,hiseyesavertedasifhewereconsideringhow

muchtorevealbeforeNicolesnappedandrippedouthisthroat.

Smartman.Nicolecouldalreadyfeelherclawsslicingthroughthetipsofherfingersandherfangs

throbbingwiththeneedtosinkintohisflesh.

“Thoseweren’thisexactwords,”heslowlyconfessed.
“Whatdidhesay?”
Iannervouslytransferredhisweightfromonefoottotheother.
“Hewantedustokeepaneyeoutforanyinfractions,andpublicallypunishtheoffenderssothe

animalswouldknowthatthenewDirectorwasn’tgoingtotakeanyshit.”

Nicolestaredathiminpaineddisbelief.“Andyoudecidedtokillmyson?”
“Itwasanimpulsivedecision.”Hisgazeflickeredaroundthedark,filthyroom.“Andtrustme,I’ve

paidforit.”

Paidforit?Nicolehissedastheredmistoffuryonceagaincloggedherbrain.
“No,youhaven’t,”shesnarled.Hisfaceturnedapalershadeofash,asherwolfflashedinhereyes.

“Butyouwill.”

“IswearI’vesuffered,”hedesperatelypleadedforhislife.“Iwassackedfrommyjob,and

threatenedwithbeingfedtothewolvesifIeverspokeaboutthistoanyone.Whatelsedoyouwantfrom
me?”

“Yourblood.”
Hisgazelockedonherexposedfangs,hisentirebodyshakingwithfear.
“Killingmewon’tbringyoursonback.”
“It’llallowhimtorestinpeace.”
“Fine,ifyouwanttopunishsomeone,thenitshouldbeMarkham.”Ianreadilytossedhisbossunder

thebus.Clearlytheoldsayingwastrue.Therewasnohonoramongthieves.“He’stheonewhosought
meoutandputmeinanSAUuniform.”

ThetruthofhiswordsslammedintoNicolewithunexpectedforce.Shit.Heranimalwanteda

simple,cleandeath.It’swhatshe’dbeendreamingaboutforsevenyears.Butshecouldn’tshakethe
naggingvoiceinthebackofhermind.

WasTuckerright?Wasitpossibletoactuallyusethispatheticexcuseofahumantobringdownthe

SAU?

“Wouldyousweartothat?”sheabruptlydemanded,thewordsbarelymakingitpastherstifflips.
Ianstudiedherinwaryconfusion.“What?”
“Wouldyoustandbeforetheworldandrevealyourcrimes?”shepressed.
“Markhamwouldneverallowmetospeak.”
ItwasTuckerwhoresponded.“You’llbeprotectedfromtheSAU.”
“Yeah,right.”Themangaveasharplaugh.“Andwhatabouttheshifters?”
“Whataboutthem?”Tuckerasked.
IandeliberatelystaredatNicole’sfangsthatwerevisiblybared.
“WouldIbeprotectedfromthem?”
Tuckershrugged.“Aslongasyou…no!”
Withhead-dizzyingspeed,TuckerwasshovingNicoletotheside.Caughtoffguard,shestumbledto

herknees,stunnedbytheunexpectedsoundofahandgunbeingfired.

Shit,shit,shit.
Whileshe’dthoughtIanVikerwascoweringinfearagainsttheshelves,he’dclearlybeenplacing

himselfintheperfectpositiontogethishandsonahiddenweapon.

AndTuckerhadplacedhimselfbetweenherandtheguntosaveher.
Inhorror,NicolewatchedasTuckerhitthefloorwithaloudthud.Hiseyeswereclosed,andhis

facewasdangerouslypale.Butitwasthebloodthatgushedfromthebulletholeinthecenterofhischest
thatmadeherheartsqueezewithterror.

Onebulletshouldn’tbeabletotakedownabearshifter.ButTuckerhadobviouslybeenshotat

point-blankrange.

Whothehellknewhowmuchinternaldamagehadbeendone?
“Tucker.”Stillonherknees,shereachedouttotouchhisoutstretchedarm,reliefshudderingthrough

heratthefeelofhissteadypulse.

Hewasalive.Butforhowlong?
“No.”SheheardIansnap.“Don’tmove.”
Furyexplodedthroughher.She’dtriedtotemperherthirstforrevengeandthinkaboutthebigger

picture.Butshewasdone.

Thismanneededtodie.
Now.
Butevenasshepreparedtoshiftintoherwolf,shefeltthepinprickofprongsbitingintoherback.

Forasecondsheassumedthatthebastardhadshother.Instead,shefeltamassivevoltofelectricity
sizzlingthroughherbody.

ATaserthat’dbeenmodifiedtotakedownashifter.OneoftheSAU’slittletoys.
Terrifyinglyhelpless,Nicolecrumpledforward,hermusclesrefusingtoobeyhercommandtoshift.

ShegaggedatthestenchofthefilthycarpetandthesmellofTucker’sbloodthatfilledtheair.

AshadowfelloverherasIanstoodaboveherhead,staringdownatherwithasmugsmile.
“Ifyou’regoingtokillme,thenkillme,”sherasped,herbodytwitchinginpain.
Hegaveaslowshakeofhishead,ahecticglitterofexcitementglowinginhispaleeyes.
“Ironically,you’reworthmuchmoretomealivethandead.”
Aballofdreadlodgedinthepitofherstomach.Shedidn’tfeardeath.Orevenpain.Thatwas

nothingcomparedtothegriefshe’dendured.

Butshecouldn’tbearthethoughtofbeingusedbytheSAUtofurthertheirevilagendaagainstthe

shifters.

Shestruggledtoformthewords.“Whatareyougoingtodowithme?”
Anuglyexpressionsettledonhisnarrowface.“Iwascondemnedtosuburbpurgatorybecause

MarkhamsaidI’dcreatedaPRnightmare.”Heallowedhisgazetoroamoverher.“PerhapsifIbring
himaPRshowpiece,I’llbereinstated.”

PRshowpiece?Shetriedtothinkthroughthepanicthatwasthreateningtooverwhelmher.Itstill

didn’tmakeanysense.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
Heleanedoverher,smartenoughtostayjustoutofreach.Notthatshecouldactuallydoany

damage.Shefeltasweakasakitten.

“Thenletmespellitout.WhenItellpeoplewhathappened,it’sgoingtogosomethinglikethis…”

Histonewascondescending.Asifhewereconvincedthathenowhadtheupperhand.“Iwasquietly
watchingTVwithmyoldfriend.”HenoddedtowardtheunconsciousTucker.“Whenacrazedshifter
brokeintomyhouseandkilledmypal.”

AflareofreliefracedthroughherattheknowledgeIanassumedthatTuckerwasdead.Atthesame

time,shetriedtoclearhermindenoughtofindawaytokeepIandistracted.Shecouldalreadyfeelher
muscleseasing.Inafewminutes,she’dbeabletocallonherwolf.

Thenthemanwasdead.
“Whywouldashiftershootahuman?”shechallenged.

Hewavedasideherlogic.“BythetimeMarkhamisdonesettingthescene,Icanassureyouthe

wholeworldwillbelievethebodywasmauled.”

Alowgrowlrumbledinherthroat.AftershekilledIan,shewasgoingtohuntdownMarkham.

Tuckerwasright.Theyhadtocutofftheheadofthesnake.

“YouconsiderthatgoodPR?”shetaunted.
Ianshrugged.“TheSAUcanproveexactlywhytheshiftersshouldbekeptlockedaway.Andwhy

theagencyshouldbebetterfunded.”Aslowsmilecurvedhislips.“Hell.I’llbeahero.”

Nicolegaveapainedshakeofherhead.“Youreallyarecrazy.”
Obviouslytheword‘crazy’hitanerve.Probablybecausehe’dhearditathousandtimesbefore.
Whateverthecause,thethinlipspressedtogether,andbeforeNicolecouldtrytoprotectherself,he

liftedhisfootandslammeditintothesideofherhead.

Starburstsofpainexplodedbehindhereyes,thecolorsdazzlingherbeforeeverythingwentblack.

Chapter8

Sinclairwasexhausted.ReturningtohisPackaftersecretlyfollowingMiratomakesureshe’dmade

itsafelybacktoherhouse,he’ddiscoveredthathehadadozentextmessagesfromRios.He’d
immediatelygonetospeakwithhiscomputerexpertbeforeheadingtotheSAUheadquarterstofindout
whytheywouldbepurgingtheircomputers.

Ithadn’ttakenlongtorealizethattheywereallfreakedoutbythefearofthemissingDr.Talbot

givingawaysecrets.Evenafterthequestionwasanswered,however,Sinclairlingered.

Thestrangerwho’darrivedanddemandedentrancetothefacilityhadintriguedhim.Nooneseemed

toknowwhomhewas,orwhytheDirectorhadsoreadilyagreedtomeetwithhim.Then,justas
surprisingly,Markhamhadleftoutthebackdooratthesametimeasthevisitor.

Itcouldbenothing.Hell,forallSinclairknew,themanwasarelationofMarkham’s.Oralover.

ButthesecretivedeparturewasenoughoutofthenormtostirSinclair’sinterest.Ifsomethinghad
spookedtheDirector,thenSinclairwantedtoknowwhatitwas.

Waitinguntiltheupperfloorwasclear,hepressedopenMarkham’sdoorandsteppedintotheman’s

office.

Aswiftglanceproveditwouldbeeasytosearch.Therewerenopilesofpaperorlockedfile

cabinets.Infact,therewasnothingbeyondtheheavydeskandtheshelvesonthewall—nowheretohide
anything.

Crossingtothedesk,Sinclaircametoanabrupthaltatthefaintsmellthatclungtotheair.
Thatdidn’tbelongtoMarkham.Orthemalestranger.
Itwasdistinctlyfemale.Andoddlyfamiliar.
Distractedbytheelusivescent,Sinclairwascaughtoffguardbythesuddensoundofamalevoice

behindhim.

“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”
Smoothinghisexpressiontoanunreadablemask,heslowlyturnedtodiscoverGrantregardinghim

withopensuspicion.Ofcourse,theheadofsecuritywasalwayssuspicious.

Thankfully,hewasn’tverybright.
“IhadameetingscheduledwiththeDirector,”Sinclairsaid,liftinghisarmtoglanceathiswatch.“I

waswaitingforhimtoshowup.”

Grantscowledbutreadilyacceptedtheexcuse.“He’soutoftown.”
Hmm.TheonlytimethatMarkhamwaswillingtoleavehispettydictatorshipinBoulderwaswhen

hewasforcedtotraveltoD.C.

“Really?Thatwassudden.”SinclaircarefullystudiedGrant,monitoringeveryemotionthat

flickeredoverhissquareface.“Anemergency?”

Grantwasinstantlybristlingatthequestion.WhichtoldSinclairthattheheadofsecuritydidn’t

knowwhereMarkhamhadgone,orwhy.Whichwasobviouslypissingtheformersoldieroff.

“TheDirectordoesn’thavetosharehisschedulewithhisemployees,”hesnapped.
Sinclairgaveanonchalantliftofhishands,resistingtheurgetomakeupareasontolingerinthe

office.Grantmightnotbebrilliant,buthewasn’tcompletelystupid.Andtherewasnoreasontodraw
attentiontohimself.Rightnowtheybelievedhewasjustanotherguard.

Tostayeffective,hehadtokeephiscover.
“Hey,that’sfinewithme,”hesaid,strollingtowardthedoor.“I’llgobackhomeandwaitformy

shift.”

Waitinguntiltheywerebothinthehallway,Grantfirmlypulledthedoorshutbehindthemwitha

warningglareinSinclair’sdirection.

“Don’tcomeinthisofficeunlessMarkhamishere.Gotit?”
Sinclairshrugged.“Gotit.”
Atthepointofstrollingaway,bothmenfrozewhentheunmistakablesoundofshoutingwasheard,

followedbysomeonebeepingacarhornoverandover.

“Nowwhat?”Grantbitout.“Comewithme,”heorderedSinclair,joggingdownthehallwaytothe

steeldoorattheend.

Hehadtopausetousehiskeycardtotripthelock,andthentheywerehurryingdowntheemergency

stairsandoutthebackexit.

Thesoundofbeepingcontinuedastheyhurriedtowardthegate.Fiveminuteslater,theywere

confrontedwiththesightofauniformedguardwithhisweaponpointedatamanontheothersideofthe
fence.Thestrangerwasstandingnexttohiscarwithhisarmshovedthroughtheopenwindowsohe
couldcontinuetoleanonthehorn.

Grantstormeduptotheguard,hisfaceflushedwithanger.Clearlythemorninghadn’tbeengoing

wellfortheheadofsecurity.

“What’sgoingonhere?”hesnarled.
Theguardloweredhisweapon,buthisgazeremainedtrainedonthestrangerwho’dthankfully

stoppedhonkinghishorn.Sinclairbreathedasighofrelief.

Thereweretimeswhensuperhearingsucked.
“Thismanisinsistinghe’sanemployee,”theguardexplained.“ButherefusestoshowhisI.D.”
Theheadofsecuritysentanimpatientglancetowardtheintruderandabruptlystiffenedinshock.
“Viker,”themanbreathed.
“Grant.”
Thestrangerslammedhiscardoorshutandstrolledforward.Helookedlikehe’djustcrawledout

ofthegutterwithhishairmattedandhisfaceunshaven.Evenmoresurprising,therewasafeverishflush
tohischeeks,andaglitterinhiseyesthatmadeSinclairquestionwhetherornothewasentirelysane.

SohowwasheconnectedtotheSAU?
Reachingthefence,themanflashedasmileattherigidheadofsecurity.
“Goodtoseeyou.”
Withasmallshakeofhishead,Grantturnedtoflickahandintheguard’sdirection.
“I’lldealwiththis.”
Theguardnodded,turningtoheadtowardthesmallbuildingwheretheguardscouldkeepwatchwith

thesecuritycameras.Atthesametime,Sinclairsilentlysteppedintotheshadowsofthebuilding,giving
himselfaperfectviewofthemenwithoutdrawingattentiontohimself.

“Haveyoulostyourmind,Viker?”Grantsnapped,steppingtowardthefence.“Youwerewarned

thatifyoushowedyourfaceinpublicyouwouldbesigningyourdeathwarrant.”

Sinclairarchedabrow.Viker?Thenamewasn’tfamiliar,butthetwoobviouslyknewoneanother.

Andtheyhadn’tpartedasfriends.

“IneedtoseeMarkham,”theintruderinsisted.
“He’snothere.”
Vikerscowledinfrustration.“Shit.”
Grantplantedhishandsonhiships,puffingouthischest.
“Consideryourselflucky.Hehasstandingorderstohaveyoushotonsight.Iftheguardhad

recognizedyou,you’dalreadybedead.AndifMarkhamhadbeenhere…”Anuglysmilestretched
Grant’slips.“Hewouldhavepulledthetriggerhimself.”

Theintruderlickedhislips,glancingoverhisshoulderathiscarbeforereturninghisattentionto

Grant.

“Thenhe’dbeafool,”hewarned.“Ihavesomethinghewants.”
Sinclairgrimaced.Hehalfexpectedthecreepydudetorubhishandstogetherandcacklelikea

madman.

Grant,ontheotherhand,simplylookedannoyed.“Anothersupposedanimalmaulingyoufound

postedontheInternet?”

“No,thistimeIhavetherealthing.”
Openingthebackdoor,hebentdownsohecouldreachinside,nearlydisappearingfromsightbefore

shufflingbackward.Sinclairprowledforward,abadfeelingclenchinghisstomach.

EvenbeforeVikerwasdraggingtheunconsciousfemalefromthebackofthevehicle,Sinclairhad

caughtthemuskofawolfshifter.Then,asthemandumpedthefemaleontothedirtroad,Sinclair’s
agitationbecameoutrighthorror.

Herecognizedthatparticularshifterscent.Itwasthefemalewho’dbeensniffingaroundtheparklast

night.TheonethatRioshadtoldhimTuckerwasnotonlyintendingtoclaim,butwasalsohelpingto
trackdownthebastardresponsibleforkillingherson.

Shit,shit,shit.
WherewasTucker?
Grantmadeachokedsound,hisruddyfacepalingatthesightofanunconsciouswomanwithblood

tricklingfromherforeheadbeingdumpedathisbackgate.

“Whathaveyoudone?”herasped,hisgazemovingtotheunmistakablecollararoundherneck.
“Shebrokeintomyhouseandtriedtoattackme.”
Mutteringunderhisbreath,Grantmovedforwardtopullopenthegate.Then,yankinghishandgun

fromhisholster,hemovedtostandnexttothefemale,gingerlypokingherwiththetoeofhisboot.When
shedidn’tmove,heleaneddowntoshoveupthesleeveofhersweater,revealingthebrandthatwas
nearlycoveredbytheintricatetattooonherforearm.

Hegaveashakeofhishead.“Awolf?Howdidshegetoutofthecompound?Andwhatthehell

wouldshebedoinginyourhouse?”

Vikerhunchedhisshoulders.“She’sthemotherofthekidthatdied.”
Granttookahastystepbackward.“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?Howdidshefindyou?”
“Theanimalsaresmarterthanyougivethemcreditfor,”themanmuttered.“I’vetriedtowarnyou.”
GrantgaveashakeofhisheadandsteppedbacktostudyVikerwithopensuspicion.
“Ifshetrulyattackedyou,thenwhyareyoustillalive?”
Viker’sgazeflickeddowntotheunconsciousfemalebeforereturningtoGrant.Sinclairdidn’tneed

toseetheslylittlesmiletorecognizethatthemanwasabouttoplayhisaceinthehole.

“BecausefirstshewastryingtoconvincemetoadmitthatI’dbeenhiredbytheSAUtomurderher

son,”hesaid,deliberatelypausingtogivehisnextwordsextraweight.“It’sclearlyapoliticalployby
theshifterstodestroytheagency.”

Sinclairfeltaflickerofadmiration.Cleverfemale.IfVikerhadtrulybeenhiredtokillaninnocent

child,thenhewouldbepricelesstotheUnseen.Iftheycouldactuallyprove…

HisdistractedthoughtsweresharplyinterruptedasGrantpokedafingerinthecenterofViker’s

chest.

“Whydidyoubringherhere?”hedemanded.“Shehastobedestroyed.”
Sinclairtensed,readytostrike.Dammit.Thelastthinghewantedwastoexposehimself,notwhen

theyweresoclose.Buthecouldn’tstandthereandwatchthemmurderTucker’sfemale.

“Wait.”VikersteppedbetweenGrantandtheunconsciouswoman.“Ihaveabetteridea.”
Sinclairremainedpoisedtopounceifnecessary.
Grantfrownedwithimpatience.“What?”
“Shewasn’talone,”headmitted.

“There’sanothershifterontheloose?”Grantraspedindisbelief.
“No.Ahuman,”themanreassuredhim.“Heprobablyhelpedherescape.”
Tucker.Ithadtobe.Sinclairstruggledtokeephisfacedevoidofemotion.Hedidn’tthinkanyone

hadnoticedhiminchinghiswayforward,buthehadn’tmanagedtoinfiltratetheenemycampbybeing
careless.

Grantlookedathiscompanionindisbelief.“Whydidn’tyoubringhimwithyou?”
Vikerslowlysmiled,thatglitterevenmorepronounced.“Hewas…indisposed.”
Sinclair’shandscurledintofists.IfthebastardhadhurtTucker,hewasgoingkillhim.
Straightup.
“Justanswerthequestion,Viker,”Grantsnapped.
“Ihadtoshoothim.”
“He’sdead?”
“Yeah.”
Sinclair’slowgrowloffurywasthankfullydrownedoutbyGrant’sloud,inventivestringofcurses.
“You’resure?”theheadofsecurityatlastmanagedtoregainenoughofhiscomposuretoask.
IndifferenttoGrant’sseethinganger,Vikersmiledwithsmugsatisfaction.
“Ishothimintheheart,andhefelltothegroundbleedinglikeastuckpig,”hesaid.“Whatmore

proofdoyouneed?”

Sinclairfeltasharpstabofrelief.Noonewantedtobeshot.Ithurtlikeabitch.Butabulletwas

usuallyonlylethaltotheveryyoung,ortheveryold.EvenifTuckerhadbeenhitintheheart.

Therewasaverygoodchancethathewasswiftlyhealing.
Grantwasfarlesspleasedwithhisfriend’sexplanation.
“Andyoujustlefthisbodyinyourhousethat’srentedbytheSAU?”heasked,hisvoicerisingtoa

shrillpitch.“Areyouacompletemoron?”

Viker’sbrowssnappedtogether,adangerousflushstaininghisunshavencheeks.
“Ihappentohaveabrilliantplanifyou’lljustshutupandlisten.”
Intheblinkofaneye,theheadofsecurityhadhisgunpointedattheintruder.
Vikermaybeunstable,butGrantwasaruthlessbullywhoenjoyedcausingpain.
“DoyouthinkIwon’tshootyou?”heasked.
Saneenoughtorealizehe’dcrossedadangerousline,Vikerliftedinhandsinagestureofpeace.
“Sorry.Please,hearmeout.”
Grantslowlyloweredhisgun.“Thishadbetterbegood.”
Vikerfoldedhisarmsoverhischest,onceagainlookingsmuglypleasedwithhimself.
“Markhamisalwayssearchingforawaytoprovethattheshiftersarerabidanimalswhowilldevour

usallifwedon’tkeepthempennedincages,”hesaid.

Grantsentahurriedglancearoundasifmakingsuretherewasnooneloiteringinthearea.Itwas

supposedtobeabigsecretthattheSAUdeliberatelyexaggerated—andsometimesoutrightlied—about
theshiftersandthedangertheyposedtocivilization.

Reassuredthatnodamagehadbeendone,GrantreturnedhisattentiontoViker.
“So?”
“Takeacoupleofthedogstomyhouseandletthemchewonthebody,”heridiculouslyproposed.

“ThenwecantakesomephotosandpostthemontheInternet.Itwon’tbelonguntilwehaveafull-
fledgedpanic.”

Sinclairswallowedachokedsoundofdisbelief.Themanwaseitherstupidordelusional.Grant

appearedtosharehisopinionashegaveanirritatedshakeofhishead.

“Theauthoritieswon’tbefooledbyafewdogbitesonadeadbody.”
Sinclairabruptlysteppedforward,knowinghehadtotakecommandofthesituation.

Eventually,TweedledeeandTweedledumwouldendtheirsquabbling.Oncethathappened,there

wasaveryrealpossibilitythatGrantwouldinsistonkillingthefemaleshifter.

Sinclairhadtomakesurethattherewasareasontokeepheralive.
“Thendoyourownautopsybeforetheycangettheirhandsonthecorpse,”hebrokeintothe

conversation,movinguntilhe’dsteppedthroughthegatetostandbesidethefemalestretchedacrossthe
road.

Ifworsecametoworst,hewasgoingtograbherandmakearunforit.
Thankfully,bothmenwerethetypethatpreferredtobegivenorderstheycouldcarryoutwithout

havingtousetheirbrains.

TheyeagerlylatchedontoSinclair’spropositiontosalvagethesituationbeforeMarkhamreturned

andhadthemboththrowninacell.

“He’sright,”Vikersaid.“Onceit’sdone,wecangiveoutanyresultswewant.”
Grantscowled,buthegaveaslownodofhishead.“Fine.”HeglancedatSinclair.“Getthe

doctor.”

Sinclairleaneddown.“I’lltakethefemaletothepensfirst.”
“No.”GrantreachedouttograspSinclair’sarmandyankedhimbackward.“I’lltakehermyself.”
Sinclair’swolfsnarledandsnappedinsidehim,andhewasforcedtoturnhisheadtokeeptheidiots

fromseeingtheanimalglowinginhiseyes.

“Wait,”Vikersnapped,movingtoblockGrantfromthefemale.
Sinclairturnedbackintimetoseetheheadofsecuritytightenhishandonhisgun.Nodoubthewas

fightingtheurgetoshootthebastard.

“What?”
“I’mnothandingheroveruntilwenegotiatemyprice,”hewarned.
“Nameit,”Grantsnapped.
“Iwanttobereinstated.”
“Impossible.”
Vikernarrowedhispaleeyes,thestenchofhisdesperationtaintingtheair.
“That’suptoMarkham,”hetoldGrant.“He’stheDirector.”
“IknowwhothehelltheDirectoris,”Grantsnapped,“ButI’minchargeoftheguards.”
Unabletoarguethepoint,Vikertiltedhischintoastubbornangle.
“Thengivemeajobbehindadesk.”
Grantfrownedasifconfusedbytheman’sinsistence.“Yougetapaycheckeachmonth,notto

mentionthefactthatwepayforyourrent.Whywork?”

“I’mtrappedinhell.Youtrybeingstuckinthathousedayafterdaywithnothingtodoandnooneto

talkto.”FlecksoffoamedgedthecornersofViker’smouth.“Iwantout.Onewayoranother.”

Sinclairarchedabrow.Thewarningwasclear.EitherGrantgaveVikerwhathewanted,ortheman

wasgoingtotellhisstorytotheauthorities.

Shit.IfonlySinclaircouldrescuetheshifterandcaptureViker…
“I’msureapositioncanbearranged,”Grantgroundoutbetweenclenchedteeth.“Maybeoverseas.”
“IwasthinkingVegas.”Vikerpressedhisluck,makingSinclairwonderhowhe’dmanagedtolive

forsolong.

Hewas,quitesimply,thesortofmanthatneededtobegaggedforhisownsafety.
Granthesitated,thenwithobviousreluctance,gaveastiffnodofhishead.
“I’llseethatit’stakencareof.”
Vikersteppedback,spreadinghisarmswide.“Thenshe’sallyours.”
Sinclairpartedhislipstoonceagainsuggesthetakechargeofthefemale,onlytosnapthemshut

whenGrantgesturedtowardtheguardhouse.Twouniformedsoldierscamerunning.

Shit.
Ifheinsistedthathebeallowedtostaywiththefemale,itwouldonlyputheratgreaterrisk.For

now,Grantseemedwillingtoleaveheralive.Hehadtotrusttheycouldgetheroutbeforetheheadof
securitychangedhismind.

Andhehadacrazyideaofhowtheyweregoingtodothat.
“You.”TurningtoSinclair,GrantnoddedtowardaJeepthatwasparkednexttothegate.“Getthe

doctor.”

Sinclairgaveanodandhurriedtojumpintothevehicle.
ThefirstthinghehadtodowastrackTuckerdown.
Apolarbearshifteronthehuntforhismatewouldbe…catastrophic.

****

Tuckergroanedasheslowlyregainedconsciousness.
Hefeltsluggish,asifhe’dspentthenightdrinkinghiswaythroughabarrelofwhiskey.Itwouldn’t

bethefirsttime.Buthethoughthe’doutgrownhisoccasionalneedtojoinhisfriendsinanightof
drunkenmayhem.

Forcinghiseyesopen,hispuzzlementonlydeepened.
Whatthehell?Hewasinahouse.Ahuman’shouse.
Unnerved,heplantedhishandsonthenastycarpetandshovedhimselfintoaseatedposition.Itwas

onlywhenheglanceddowntoseethebloodstaininghisshirtthatthememoriescamefloodingback.

Nicole.
Inonefluidmovement,hewasonhisfeetandracingthroughthehouse.Secondslater,hewasback

inthelivingroom.Shewasgone.Andworse,hecoulddetectthefaintscentofherblood.

Furyburnedawaythelingeringlethargythatcamewiththeintenseamountofenergyhe’dusedtoheal

hiswound.Thankfully,however,ithadn’tcompletelydestroyedhisabilitytousehisbrain.

Whichwastheonlyreasonhemanagedtocontainhimselflongenoughtoleavethehouseanddriveto

theoutskirtsoftownbeforeheshiftedintohisanimalform.

Therewasnothingthatattractedattentionlikeamassivepolarbearrunningthroughthestreetsof

Broomfield.

Onceshifted,Tuckerlopedhiswaythroughthewildliferefugebeforeheadingnorth.
HehadnowayofknowingexactlywhereIanVikerwouldtakeNicole,butTuckerwasbettingthathe

wouldbeheadedtotheSAUheadquarters.

Otherwise…
No.Hewasn’tgoingtolethimselfevenconsiderthepossibilitythatthebastardmayhave

disappearedwithhisfemale.Notifhewantedtostaysane.

Intentonreachingtheheadquarters,heignoredthewolfthatwassuddenlyrunningathisside.He

didn’thavetimetoexplainthingstohisAlpha.

Rightnow,nothingmatteredbutfindingNicole.
SinclairbaredhisteethinwarningthennippedatTucker’shaunch.Still,Tuckerrefusedtoslow.It

wasn’tuntilSinclairhadactuallyrammedintohissidetoknockhimintoashallowstreamthathewas
forcedtohalt.

Withashimmerofpower,Sinclairwasshiftingintohishumanform,glaringatTucker,whowas

tryingtoshakethechilledwaterfromhisfur.

“Listentome,”theAlphacommanded,hisbrowsdrawingtogetherasTuckerwidenedhisjawsand

preparedtoattack.“Christ.DoyouwanttosaveNicoleornot?”

ThoseweretheonlywordsthatsavedSinclairfrombeingslicedtobloodyribbons.
Withagonizingpain,Tuckerforcedhimselftoshiftbacktohuman.Itwastoosoontomakethe

transitioneasy,butifSinclairhadinformationaboutNicole,hehadtobeabletocommunicate.

Nakedandwet,Tuckershiveredasheclimbedbackontotheroad.Notthathegaveashitaboutthe

chillintheair.

“Whereisshe?”hedemanded.
SinclairsurveyedTucker,hispiercinggazemovingdowntothetenderbulletwoundthatwasstill

visible.Thenheanswered.

“TheSAUheadquarters,”hesaid,swiftlymovingtoblockthepathasTuckertookastepforward.

“Wait.”

Tuckerbaredhisfangs.Dammit.Hewoulddestroyanythingandanyonewhotriedtogetbetween

himandhisfemale.Includinghisfriend.

“Getoutofmyway,”hesnarled.
Sinclairrefusedtobudge.TypicalAlpha.
“You’regoingtogetherkilledifyougocharginginthere.”
Tuckergrowledinfrustration.
Hedidn’twanttoacknowledgethatSinclairmighthaveapoint.Notifitmeanthecouldn’trampage

hiswaythroughthebuilding,killingthehumanswho’dstolenhisfuturemate.

“Whatdoyousuggest?”hesnapped,innomoodtobereasonable.“ThatIleaveherthere?”
Sinclair’sexpressionhardened,butherefrainedfromshovinghisfistinTucker’sface.
“Ofcoursenot.ButIdon’tintendtoletyouputyourselforyourfemaleindanger.”
Withaneffort,Tuckersuckedinadeepbreath.Asmuchashisanimalmaywanttocreatea

bloodbath,heknewthatitmightverywellendangerNicole.

Clenchinghishandsathisside,hetriedtoclearhismindofhisprimitivefury.
“You’veseenher?”heasked,hisvoicestilledgedwithlethalanger.
Sinclairgaveaslowdipofhishead,nodoubtpreparingtophysicallytryandstopTuckerif

necessary.

“Yes.”
“Hasshebeenhurt?”
AnervetwitchedinSinclair’sjaw.“She’sfine.”
Tuckerquivered,barelycapableofleashinghisanimal.“You’reusuallyabetterliar,”hetoldhis

friend.

SinclairgrimacedbeforereachingouttoplacehishandonTucker’sshoulder.
“She’llbefine.”Hisfingerstightenedinasilentwarning.“Aslongasyou’resmartaboutrescuing

her.”

Tuckergaveaslowdipofhishead,acceptingthathisfriendwasright.OnlythendidSinclair

releasehisgripandtakeastepback.

“Youhaveaplan?”
“I’massumingyouwerethecompanionwhowasshot?”Sinclairasked.
Tuckersenthiscompanionastartledglance.Howthehellhadheknown?
“Yeah.”Hegrimaced.HewasgoingtohavenightmaresforyearsabouthowcloseVikerhadcometo

shootingNicole.“Igotcareless.”

Sinclairwavedasidehispainedconfession.“They’resendingdogstognawonyourcorpse.”
Tuckerblinked.WasSinclairjoking?Orwasthatsomesortofcode?
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Sinclairmuttered.“ButwhentheSAUguardsfindyougone,they’regoingto

panic.”

Well,thatmadeitallasclearasmud.
“YouwantmetogobacksoIcanbemauledbydogs?”Tuckerasked.
“No.”Sinclairsquaredhisshoulders.“IneedyoutobeDr.Tucker.I’llfindanotherbodytoreplace

youinthehouse.”

ItwasthelastthingTuckerexpected.
HisroleasaresearcherintheSAUlabsgavehimtheperfectopportunitytospyontheirenemy,as

wellasscrewwiththevariousresultstomakesuretheywerecompromised.Amazingly,noonehad
managedtofigureoutwhytheycouldn’tcomeupwithaccuratedataontheshiftersyet.

Hedidn’t,however,understandhowthehellhispositionwasgoingtohelprescueNicole.
“Why?”
Sinclair’slipstwisted.“You’regoingtodoanautopsyonyourself.”
Tuckerleanedforward,holdinghisfriend’sgaze.“Thisisn’tthetimetoscrewwithme.”
“IwishIwasscrewingwithyou.”Tuckergaveanimpatientshakeofhishead.“Comeon.Youneed

togetdressedsowecangettoheadquarters.”

“Andthenwhat?”
SinclairglancedinthedirectionoftheSAUfacility.“IthinkIknowhowwecangetyourfemale

out.”

Chapter9

Nicoleswallowedagroanasshebattledherwaybacktoreality.Apartofherwantedtostay

floatinginthepeacefuldarkness.Shealreadyknewthattherewasgoingtobeaworldofpainwaitingfor
her.

Buttheonethingshe’dneverbeenwasacoward,andwithgrimdetermination,sheforcedhereyes

open.

Shegrimaced,notparticularlysurprisedtodiscovershewaslyingonahard,cementfloor.Oreven

thefactthatsheseemedtobeinsomesortofcrampedcellwithaheavy,metaldoor.

Vikerhadmadeitclearevenbeforehe’dkickedherintheheadthatheintendedtouseherassome

sortof‘getoutofjailfree’card.HewantedforgivenessfromtheSAU,andhestupidlyassumedshe
couldbehisbargainingchip.

Withalowgroanatthepainthatthrobbedbehindherrighteye,sheshovedherselftoasitting

position.Shewashealing,butthekickhadbeenviciousenoughthatitwouldhavekilledahuman.She
wasluckythathereyesweren’tswollenshut.

Givingherheadtimetostopspinning,shescootedtowardthefrontofthecellandgraspedthehandle

ofthedoor.Shedidn’tthinktheywouldhavebeenkindenoughtoleaveitunlocked,butitgaveher
somethingtoholdontoasshepulledherselftoherfeet.

Leaningagainstthecoldsteel,shepressedherfaceagainstthesmallwindow.Shefrownedasa

shadowpassedby.Someonewasapproaching.

“Hello?”shecalledout.“Isanyonethere?”
Therewasaclickasthelockwastumbled,andthenthedoorwaspressedopen,knockingNicole

backward.

Atall,leanmalewithlong,blackhairsteppedintothecell,hisblueeyescoldwithwarning.
“Don’tsayaword,”hecommandedinlowtones.
Nicolefrowned,puzzledbythefaintlyfamiliarscent.“Whoareyou?”
Hesteppedtowardher.“You’regoingtohavetotrustme.”
Yeah,right.HergazedippeddowntotheuniformthatbelongedtotheSAU.She’drathertrusta

rattlesnake.

“WhyshouldI?”shedemanded,herbackstraightandherchintiltedtoaproudangle.
Hislipsparted,butbeforehecouldspeak,therewastheunmistakablesoundoffootsteps.Hehad

sentherawarningglancebeforehewassteppingtothesidetoletamanwithabroadfaceandbuzzed
headstrollthroughtheopendoor.

Anotherguard.OnlythisonehadanarrogantswaggerthatassuredNicolehewastheoneincharge.
“Youagain,”hedrawled,jawtightwithannoyanceasheglancedatthemanstandingbesideher.
“Hello,Grant.”
“I’mgettingtiredoffindingyouinplacesyoudon’tbelong,Sinclair.”
Nicolestiffened,barelysuppressinghergaspofsurprise.
Sinclairwastheguardwho’dhelpedSorenescape.AndTucker’sAlpha.
Hehadtobeheretohelpher.
Oratleastthatwasthehopeshewasgoingtoclingto.
Sinclairshrugged.“I’mjustcarryingoutorders,sir.”
Grant’sbrowssnappedtogether,clearlynotlikingtheanswer.“Whoseorders?”
“Dr.Tucker’s.”

AgainNicolestruggledtohideherreaction.WashetalkingaboutherTucker?He’dtoldherthathe

wasahealer,butshehadn’trealizedthatheactuallyworkedatthefacility.

Nodoubthehadn’ttoldherbecauseheknewshewouldbeterrified.Hewasobviouslyplacing

himselfinconstantdanger.Afterall,eachtimeheenteredtheheadquarters,theriskofbeingexposedand
destroyedwashigh.

Theoldermantriedtohidehisflareofrelief.“He’shere?”
“Yep.Inthelab.”
“Sowhywouldhesendyoudowntothepens?”
Sinclairdidn’thesitate.
“Hewasn’tentirelyconvincedthatwecouldfooltheauthoritiesiftheydemandedtoseethebody

aftertheautopsy,”hesaidsmoothly.

Autopsy?Nicolefrowned.Hadsomeonedied?Or…
HerdistractedthoughtswerebroughttoasharpendasGrantreleasedastringofcurses.
“Iknewitwouldneverwork.Weneedtogetridoftheevidence.”Reachingforhisgun,hepulledit

outofhisholster,hisgazelockingonNicole.“Startingwithher.”

Oh,shit.
Herbreathlockedinherlungs.Therewasaflatcoldnessintheman’seyes.Shedidn’tdoubtfora

secondthathewouldkillheranddumpherwithoutanounceofregret.

“No.”Sinclairtookasubtlesteptotheside,halfblockingherfromtheman’sicyglare.“Doc

Tuckercameupwithabettersuggestion.”

Therewasatensehesitation,asifGrantweredebatingwhethertogiveintohisimpulsetokillhis

prisoner,orlistentowhatSinclairhadtosay.

Atlonglast,hisgazemovedtohisfellowguard.“What’sthesuggestion?”
Sinclairtookanotherstep,makingsurehewaspositionedsoGrantwouldhavetogothroughhimto

gettoNicole.

Anyothertimeshemighthavebeenoffended.Shewasn’tafemalewhohidbehindamale.Butatthe

moment,shewasstillweakfromtheblowtoherhead,andnotatallopposedtohavingabitofshielding.

“Whyusedogstobitethedeadbodywhenwehavetherealthingrighthere?”Sinclairsaid.
Nicolegrimaced.Okay.Nowtherewasnotonlyadeadbody,buttheyalsointendedtohavedogs

biteit?Weretheysick?

Heruneaseonlydeepenedasbothmenstudiedherwithunwaveringinterest.
“We’veneverbeenabletoforcethemtoshiftintotheiranimals,”theolderguardsaidatlast,hisgaze

skimmingupanddownhertensebody.“Hell,I’vebeatenmorethanonetodeathtryingtoforcethem.”

NicolefeltablastofheatfromSinclair,butclearlyaccustomedtohidinghishatredforhisenemies,

theAlphamanagedtogiveanonchalantliftofhisshoulder.

“TheDocclaimsthathe’sfoundadrugthatwillforcethemtoshiftwhethertheywanttoornot,”he

said,reachingouttograspNicole’sarminwhatmusthavelookedlikeapunishinggrip.

Nicole,however,understoodthatitwasmeantasacautionforhertokeephermouthshut.Notthat

sheneededthewarning.IfSinclairandTuckerhadaplantogetheroutofthefacility,shewouldkeepher
lipszippedandlocked.

“Drug?”GrantlookedasconfusedasNicolefelt.“I’veneverheardofanydrug.”
“It’sstillinthetestingphase,”Sinclairsmoothlylied.Anditwasalie.Nicolecouldsmellit.“But

it’sworthatry.”

Unabletosensethathewasbeingmanipulated,theguardfrownedatNicole.
“Thatstilldoesn’tmeanwecanforceittobite.”
Nicoleclenchedherteeth.It?Shewasn’tevenafemale?Shewasanit?
Sinclairgaveanothersqueezetoherarmasheanswered.“Getananimalmadenough,andit’ll

attack.”

Oncue,Nicoleallowedherfangstolengthenasshereleasedaloud,dramaticgrowl.
Instantly,Grantbackedaway.“Shit,”hebreathed.“Fine,we’llgiveitatry,”hemuttered.“I’llcall

theguardswhowenttogetthebody-”

“Ialreadytookcareofit,”Sinclairinterrupted.“Docwantedmetohavethembringthestiffstraight

tothelab.”

Instantly,Grantwasbristlingwithoutrage.
“Whothefuckdoeshethinkheis?”hesnapped.“I’minchargeofthedivisionwhileMarkhamis

gone.”

“He’sanerd,”Sinclairsoothed.“Theythinktheyownthedamnedplace.”
“Yeah,well,Icanteachhimwho’sincharge,”theguardmuttered.
“Okay.”SinclairkeptaholdofNicole’sarmwithonehandwhilehereachedintohisfrontpocket

withhisother.“Doyouwantthebodyputbackinthehouse?”

Grant’sblusterabruptlycollapsedatSinclair’seasycapitulation.
Clearlyhewasamanwhowantedtopretendlikehewasincharge,withoutactuallyneedingtomake

decisions.

“Christ,no.”Shovingthegunbackinitsholster,heranashakyhandoverhisbuzzedhair.“Whata

disaster.”

“TheDocseemsconfidentthatthiswillwork,”Sinclairmurmured,hisvoicesoftandpersuasive.

Nicolefeltastabofadmiration.NowonderthismalewasAlpha.Hewascapableofusingthehuman’s
greatestweaknesstohisadvantage.“Andifitdoes,thenMarkhamwillhavetheammunitionheneedsto
keepD.C.offhisback.”

Hungerflickeredintheman’seyesasifhecravedhisemployer’sapproval.
“True.”Hesquaredhisshoulders.“Takehertothelab.”
Sinclairgaveheratug,leadingherpastGrantandoutthedoorofthecell.
“WhataboutViker?”heaskedastheycrossedalargeroomthatwaslinedwithsteelcellsand

severalcagesinthecenterofthecementfloor.

Herwolfsnarledinfuryatthememoryofthemanwho’dmurderedhersonandhadthenshotTucker.
Thebastard.
HurryingtowalkastepaheadofSinclair,Grantsenthimanimpatientglance.
“WhataboutViker?”Grantdemanded.
“Ithoughthemightwanttoknowaboutthechangeinplans,”Sinclairdrawled,firmlypullingNicole

closertohisside.

Nodoubthecouldsenseherwolf’srestlessfury.
Grantmadeasoundofdisgust,pullingoutakeycardtowaveitinfrontofanelectronicreader.

Instantly,thehiddenelevatordoorsslidopen.

Theyallsteppedin,andGrantgaveanotherwaveofhiscardtoclosethedoors.Then,leaning

forward,hestabbedthebuttonthatwouldtakethemtothethirdfloor.

“Vikerisamistakethatshouldhavebeendealtwithsevenyearsago,”Grantadmitted,hisexpression

hard.“Fornow,he’sinmyofficewaitingformetosetuphistransfer.”

Nicoledidn’tknowwhatthehelltheyweretalkingabout,butshewasn’tsurprisedthatVikerhad

managedtomakeenemiesofhisownpeople.Hewasanasty,spinelesscreep.

Sinclairreleasedashortlaugh.“Iassumeheisn’tgoingtoVegas?”
“Hell,no.”Grant’slipstwisted.“Assoonaswe’resurewecanpassoffthebodyasashifterattack,

I’mgoingtomakesureheheadsstraighttohiswell-deservedretirement.”

Ah.Sothatwasit.Theyintendedtomakeitlooklikeshe’dattackedsomeone.Butifitwasn’t

Viker,thenwhowasshesupposedtobite?

Thedoorsoftheelevatorsslidopen,andSinclairshovedherforward.
“I’lltakethewolftothelab,”hetoldGrant,urgingherdownthecorridor.
“Wait.”Granthurriedtocatchupwiththem,seemingtorealizehewasbeingdismissed.“I’llgo

withyou.”

Sinclair’sfingerstightenedonherarm,buthisexpressionremainedunconcerned.
“Itcouldtakeawhilebeforethedrugworks,”hesaid.
“Idon’tcare.Iwon’thaveanymoredecisionsmadewithoutme,”Grantretortedinpetulanttones.

“It’smyassontheline.”

“Whatever.”
Insilence,theywalkeddownthecorridoruntiltheyreachedtheenddoor.Sinclairleanedforwardto

openit,jerkingheroverthethresholdandintothelargelab.

Nicolehadabriefimpressionofwhitetilesandshinystainlesssteelequipmentwithlightsbright

enoughtoblindher.Butherattentionwasconsumedbythelarge,beautifulmalewhowasstandingnextto
ametalgurney.

Tucker.ThankGod.
Somethingpainfuleasedwithinher.Shehadn’tallowedherselftoevenconsiderthepossibilitythat

hemightbedead.Itwastoounbearable.Buttherehadbeenanaggingfearhemaybeseriouslyinjured.

Nowsheeagerlyallowedhergazetorunoverhismuscularbodythatwascoveredbyapairof

scrubsandawhitelabcoatbeforemovingtohisbeautifulfacethathadahealthycolor.

Therewasnothingtoindicatethathe’dbeenshotinthechestjust…hmm.
Shefrowned.Shedidn’tknowhowmuchtimehadpassed.
Steppingforward,Tuckerpointedtowardthegurney,hisfacecarefullydevoidofemotion.Nicole,

however,couldcatchthescentofhisfury.

“Putheronthetable.”
NicolepretendedtostruggleevenassheheldTucker’sgaze.Hewashangingontohiscomposureby

athread.Thelastthingshewantedwastogivehimareasontosnap.

Sinclaireasilyliftedherontothetable,pressingherdownasTuckermovedtoattachaheavychainto

hercollar.Justlikeananimalbeingmanacled.

Then,leaningtotheside,hegrabbedasyringethatwasfilledwithaclearliquid.Heturnedsothat

thewatchingGrantcouldn’tseehisexpressionasheslidtheneedleintoherarm,injectingherwithwhat
shehopedwassomesortofplacebo.

Hedidn’thavetosayanythingoutloud.Hewastellingherwithhiseyestofollowhislead.
Perhapssensingthattherewassomethinggoingonbetweenthem,Grantmovedforwardtostand

besidethegurney,hisbrowfurrowed.

“Sotellmeaboutthisdrug,”hecommanded,“andwhyIwasn’tinformedthatyouwereusingit.”
Tuckersteppedback,tossingthesyringeontoatraynexttohim.
“ItwasTalbot’ssecretproject,”hetoldtheguard.“Noneofusknewaboutituntilwefounditinhis

privatefiles.”

“Typical.”Grantgaveashakeofhishead.“Thattraitorbetterhopehe’sdead.IfIgetmyhandson

him,Icanguaranteehe’sgoingtowishtheanimalshadgottentohimfirst.”

Ignoringtheman’stirade,NicolekeptherattentionlockedonTucker.Shehadtogoonfaiththatshe

wasfollowingthesilentclueshewasgivingher.

Sowhenhegaveasmalldipofhishead,shedidn’thesitate.
Withasurgeofpower,sheshiftedintoherwolf.Agonizedpleasureexplodedthroughher,butshe

barelywaiteduntilshewasfullytransformedbeforeshewassurgingforwardtosnapherjawsdirectlyin
Grant’sface.

Theguardgavealoudsquealofterror,knockingoverthetablebehindhimasheleapedoutofthe

wayofherfangs.

“Holyshit,”Grantbreathed,hishandraisedtohisneck.
TuckermovedtostandatGrant’sside,hisexpressionconcernedevenashiseyesurgedherto

continueherfrantichowlswhileherclawsscratchedloudlyagainstthemetaltable.

“Iwasafraidofthis,”Tuckermurmured.
Grantsenthimahorrifiedglance.“Afraidofwhat?”
“Thesideeffectsofadrug-inducedshiftseemtomakethemmoreaggressive,”heliedwiththesame

easeasSinclair,hisexpressionsuitablysomber.“Andmuchstronger,”headdedforgoodmeasure.
“LikeahumanonPCP.”

Grantshuddered,lickinghislipsashisgazereturnedtoNicole,whostrainedatthechainholdingher

captive.

“Whythehelldidn’tyouwarnme?”
Tuckersenthimabaffledglanceasifastonishedtheguardwasn’tfascinatedbyNicole’sresponseto

thesupposeddrug.

“Youcanleaveifyouwant,”heofferedincondescendingtones.“Icanletyouknowwhenwe’re

done.”

Grantwavered.Heobviouslywantedtobefarawayfromthecrazedwolf.Butontheotherhand,he

probablycouldn’tstandthethoughtofsomeonethinkinghewasacoward.

Atlasthemanagedtostiffenhisspine,althoughNicoledidn’tmissthewayhetookanotherstep

backward.

“I’mstaying,”hesnapped.“Wherethehellarethoseidiotswiththebody?”
Abruptly,Sinclairsteppedforward,positioninghimselfnexttothegurney.
“I’llgivethemacall,”heoffered,pullinghiscellphonefromhispocketandliftingittohisear.
Notexactlysurewhatwascoming,Nicoleassumedthatshewassupposedtocontinuewithheractof

acrazedwolf.Shegaveanotherlunge,makingthechainsnapinprotest.

Grantflinched,glancingtowardTucker.“Areyousurethoserestraintswillhold?”
Tuckerpretendedtoconsiderforalongmoment.“MaybeIshouldjustdoublecheck.Sometimesthe

latchcancomeloose,”heatlastmurmured.

Withhesitantsteps,Tuckerinchedforward,approachingherfromtheoppositesideofthegurneyas

Sinclair.Almostasifhewantedtomakesuretheywereframingher.Then,reachingouthishand,he
gavethechainasmalltug.

Instantly,Nicolefeltthelatchreleaseatthesametimehegavealowcommand.
“Goforhisthroat,”hebreathedsosoftlyonlyashiftercouldcatchthewords.“Trustme.”
NeverdoubtingTuckerforonesecond,Nicolewidenedherjaws.Thesecondshefelthimdropthe

chain,sheleapedoffthegurneystraightattheguard.

Grantscreamed,holdinghishandsoverhisfaceasherfangsskimmedhisthroat.
“Fuck.”Hefellbackward,pissinghispantsasNicoleloomedabovehim.“Shootthebitch.Shoot

her.”

Notentirelysurewhattoexpect,Nicoledidn’thavetofakeherloudyelpofpainassomethingsmall

andhardwasshotintoherside.Notabullet.Maybebirdshot?Whateveritwas,ithurtlikeabitch.
Twomoreslammedintohersideandshetumbledtotheside,feelingbloodtricklethroughherfur.

Instantly,Tuckerwaskneelingatherside,hisfingerstouchingherneckevenashewhisperedinher

ear.

“Playdead.”

****

TuckerbreathedasighofreliefasNicoleallowedhereyestoslideshut,herbodygoinglimp

beneathhisfingers.

He’dnearlyhadaheartattackwhenGrantenteredthelab.They’ddependedontheabilitytoexplain

theplantoNicolebeforecallingfortheheadofsecuritytojointhem.

ThankfullyTucker’schosenmatewasasbrilliantasshewasbeautiful.
She’dplayedherroletoperfection.
NowheglanceduptowatchasSinclairholsteredthegunhe’djustfiredandhelpedtheguardtohis

feet.TheAlpha’slipstwistedatthesightofthehuman’sflushedfaceandwettrousers.

“Thatdogalmostkilledme,”Grantbreathedinshock,strugglingtostayupright.
“Youdon’thavetoworry,”Tuckersaid,continuingtokneelatNicole’sside.“She’snotgoingtobe

attackinganyoneagain.”

“Howbad?”Grantdemanded.
“Dead.”
“What?”Grant’sbrowssnappedtogether.“Bulletscan’tkillafull-grownshifter.”
Tuckerwaspreparedfortheargument.Itwasthesameonethathe’dmadetoSinclairwhenhis

Alphahadfirstproposedthewild,dangerousplan.

“Ithinkitmightbeacombinationofthedrugsmixedwiththetraumaofherinjuries,”hesaid,the

pronouncementfilledwithauthority.Itwasamazinghoweasyitwastoconvincepeopletobelievehim
justbyhistoneofvoice.“Herheartstopped.”

Ashoped,GrantturnedawayinsteadoftryingtodetermineforhimselfwhetherornotNicolewas

trulydead.

“Whataclusterfuck,”hemuttered,theairthickwiththestenchofhisfear.“Markhamisgoingtogo

ballistic.”

Oncue,Sinclairmovedtostandathisside.Notgoingsofarastoputanarmaroundhisshoulder,

butsublimelylettinghimthinkthattheywereinthismesstogether.

“Notifwegetthiscleanedupbeforehegetsback,”heofferedinsympathetictones.
Grantstilled,ahopefulexpressioneasinghistightexpression.“YouthinkIcankeepthisasecret?”
“Naw.”Sinclairgaveashakeofhishead.“ButyoucanblameitonViker.Hewastheonewho

dumpedtheshifteronyourdoorstepandputtheSAUindangerbykillingahuman.”

Grantgaveahesitantnod.“Isupposethat’strue.”
Sinclairswiftlytriedtopresshisadvantage.“DoccandisposeoftheshifterwhileImakesurethat

Vikerdisappears.”

Ofcourse,Grantcouldn’tsimplyagree.
Thatwouldbetooeasy.
“No,”theheadofsecurityabruptlymuttered,digginginhisheels.“Tuckercangetridofthewolf.

Yougofindtheguardsandhelpthemburythehumansomeplaceitcan’tbefound,”hecommanded
Sinclair.“I’mputtingVikerinthepensjustincasesomeoneinauthoritygetswindofthismess.We’ll
needapatsytopayforthisshit.”

Sinclairfrowned.“But-”
“Go,”Grantsnapped,hisnervesclearlyrubbedraw.
Tuckerdidn’thesitate.HeunderstoodtheworthofhavingVikerintheirhandstorevealthetruthof

theSAU,butrightnow,allhecaredaboutwasgettinghismateoutofthefacility.

ScoopingNicoleintohisarms,Tuckerrosetohisfeet,carefultopretendtostaggerbeneathher

weight.Then,makingastraightpathtothedoor,heheadedtowardthewaitingelevator.Lessthanten
minuteslater,theywereintheundergroundparkinglot.

Stridingtowherethey’dlefthisSUVoutofsightofthesecuritycameras,heopenedthepassenger

doorandlaidNicoleacrosstheseat.Then,makingsurehisbodyblockedanycuriouspassersby,he
reachedouttorunhisfingersthroughhertawnyfur.

“Areyouokay?”hedemandedinlowtones.
TherewasaswirlofmagicasNicolepainfullychangedbacktoherhumanform,herhairtangledand

hereyesstillhauntedassherubbedthelargebruisesthatmarredthesideofhertorso.

“Thosebulletshurt,”shegroused,allowinghimtowraphislabcoataroundhernakedbody.

“Couldn’tyouhavefoundalesspainfulwaytogetmeout?”

NeitherofthemjumpedwhenSinclairappearedtostandnexttoTucker,hisleanfaceunrepentant.
“Notifyouwanttobewithyourmate,”hedrawled.
Nicolestilled,afragileflareofhopeshimmeringtolifeinherhazeleyes.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
Sinclairleanedagainstthecardoor.“Asofnow,NicoleBradleyisofficiallydead.Atleastasfaras

theSAUisconcerned.”

Herlipsparted,hergazemovingtoTuckerindazedunderstanding.
“Dead,”shebreathedinwonderment.
Sinclairsentherawickedsmile.“Don’tworry,I’llcontactHoldentolethimknowyou’renowa

partoftheUnseenPack.”

Chapter10

TuckerreachedouttogentlysmooththehairfromNicole’sflushedcheek,hisheartsqueezingwitha

lovethatthreatenedtooverwhelmhim.

“We’llneedtokeepalowprofile.Ithinkitwouldbebestifwegovisitmymotherforafew

weeks,”hemurmured,barelydaringtobreatheuntilshegaveaslownodofherhead.

Itwasonethingtomakeplansthatincludedthisfemaleashismate;itwasanothertoactuallywait

forhertoacceptthattheybelongedtogether.

“Yes,”sheagreedwithatentativesmile.
“Okay.”Sinclairslappedhimontheback,knowingjusthowearth-shatteringthemomenthadbeen.

“I’llcomeupwithacoverstoryforyourabsencewiththeSAU.”

Leaningdowntobrushatenderkissoverherforehead,Tuckerturnedhisheadtoglanceathisfriend.
“Whataboutyou?”
Sinclairwrinkledhisnose.“FirstIneedtocontacttheguardsandtellthemtoreturnthebodytothe

house.”

“I’vebeenwonderingaboutthat,”Nicoleabruptlysaid,hergazericochetingbetweenthetwomales.

“Whatbodyareyoutalkingabout?”

“Youdon’twanttoknow,”Tuckerassuredher.
Hewasn’tsureeveryonewouldunderstandSinclair’sdecisiontostealanunclaimedbodyfromthe

localmorguetoleaveinViker’shouse.

“Hey,I’llhaveittakenbacktothemorgue,”Sinclairsaidwithashrug.“Noharm,nofoul.”
Tuckereasilydismissedtheiffymoralityoftheirdecision.Asfarashewasconcerned,nothing

matteredbutrescuingNicole.

“Thenwhat?”
“I-”
Sinclairsnappedoffhiswordsasallthreeofthemcaughtthescentofahumansneakingthroughthe

gloomthathadgatheredattheendoftheparkinglot.

Viker.
Obviouslytheidiothadrealizedtherewasn’tgoingtobeanyfreetripstoVegas.
Tuckersteppedawayfromthevehicle,hisearsringingandhismindcloudingwitharedmistoffury.
Almostasifsensingthatpredatorswerewatchinghim,Vikerslowlyturned,hisfacepalingatthe

sightofTuckerprowlingforward.

“You.”Vikerstumbledbackward.“You’realive.”
Tuckergrowledlowinhisthroat,lungingforward.
“Shit,”amalevoicesaidfrombehindhim.“Tucker,no.”
TuckerwasnearlyontopofVikerwhenSinclairleapedinfrontofhim.
“Stop,”hecommanded,infullAlpha-mode.
Tuckerskiddedtoahalt,hisfangselongatedashesnarledinfrustration.
Sinclairhelduphishand.“Yeah,Igetyouwanttotastehisblood,butwecanusehim,”hetriedto

soothe.“Youcaneathimlater.”

Vikerwaspressedagainstacementpillar,hiseyeswidewithshockashisgazeflittedfromTucker’s

elongatedfangstoSinclair’seyesthatglowedwiththepowerofhiswolf.

“You’reshifters,”hebreathedinhorror.
SinclairslowlymovedtostandatTucker’sside,staringatthecringingVikerwithacriticaleye.
“He’snotverybright,ishe?”

Tuckertrembledwiththeefforttokeephisbearleashed.“HeworksfortheSAU,howsmartcould

hebe?”

Suddenly,Nicolewaspressedcloseagainsthisside,herarmwrappedaroundhiswaist.Instantly,

thetremblinghalted.Justthewarmscentofhermuskwasenoughtoeasetheanimalclawinginsidehim.

“Ifsomeonegetstoeathim,itshouldbeme,”shesaid,glaringdownatthemanwithsearinghatred.
“Shehasapoint,”Tuckertoldhisfriend.
“Agreed,”Sinclairsaid.“ButfirstIintendtousehimtoprovethattheSAUismadeupofabunchof

unscrupulousbastardswho’veliedtothepublicforyears.”

Vikershookhisheadinpanic.
“Iwon’tdoit,”hesaidinashrillvoice.“NotunlessyouswearIwon’tbeharmed.”
“Fine.”Sinclairtookastepforward.“Doyouwanttogobackinsideandbeshotintheheadby

Grant?OrwouldyouprefertobeeatenbythelovelyNicole.”

“I…”Viker’swordsfadedaway.Hewastrappedbetweenarockandahardplace.
Sinclairgrabbedhimbythechin,squeezinghardenoughtocrackhisjawbone.
“Choose.”
“I’lltalk.Iswear,”themanabruptlysobbed.“I’lltellyoueverythingIknowaboutMarkhamandthe

SAU.”

Sinclairpattedhischeek.“Goodboy.”GrabbingVikerbythefrontofhisshirt,theUnseenAlpha

sentTuckerasmallsmile.“Enjoyyourhoneymoon,butdon’tforgetyoubelongwiththePack.”He
glancedtowardNicole.“Bothofyou.”

Withobviousenjoyment,SinclairheadedtowardanearbyJeep,haulingthecryingVikerbehindhim.
WrappinghisarmaroundNicole’sshoulders,TuckersteeredherbacktotheSAU,sensingher

tension.

“Somedaysoon,babe,”hemurmured,knowinghowharditmustbeforhertoallowVikertoslip

fromhergrasp.She’dspentsevenyearsplottinghisdeath.“Ipromise.”

Reachingthevehicle,sheclimbedintothepassengerseat.“IfhecanhelpexposetheSAU,that’sthe

bestrevengeIcanimagine.”

Tuckerstudiedherinsurprise.“Yousoundasifyoumeanthat.”
“Ido.”Sheliftedherhandtolayherpalmagainsthischeek,hereyessoftwithlove.“I’velivedin

thepastlongenough.It’stimetostartlivingformyfuture.”

Tuckerwasfairlycertainthathisheartwasabouttoexplodewithhappiness.

****

Threedayslater,Nicolestaredinthemirrorofthebathroom.Itwastheonlymirrorinthesmall

cabinshesharedwithTucker.

BuiltnearTucker’smother’shome,itwasasimplestructurewithoutmanymodernamenities,but

Nicolehadneverbeenhappier.

Notonlywasshefreeofthecompound,butshealsoadoredTucker’smother,who’dbeencarefulto

givethenewlymatedcoupleplentyoftimetobealone.

And,ofcourse,therewasTucker.
Herbeautiful,powerful,loyalbear.
Almostasifshe’dconjuredhimwithherthoughts,therewasasharpknockonthedoor.
“Nicole,”hecalledthroughthethickwood.
“What?”

“Areyouevercomingout?”Turning,shepulledopenthedoor.Warily,hesteppedintothetiny

room,hisbroadshouldersbarelyfitting.“You’vebeeninheresolongIwasworriedaboutyou.”

Shegrimaced.She’dlosttrackoftime.Butwhocouldblameher?
WhenTuckerhadinsistedthismorningthattheygetridofthecollarbeforetheyreturnedto

civilization,she’dhadnoideahowemotionalitwouldbeforher.

“I’veneverbeenwithoutmycollar.”Sheliftedherhandtotouchherbarethroat.“Itfeels…”
“Yes?”heprompted,asherwordstrailedaway.
Sheallowedaslowsmiletocurveherlips.“Glorious.”
Somethingthatmighthavebeenrelief,followedbyastrangeuncertainty,flashedthroughhisdark

eyes.

“Ihavesomethingelseglorious.”
Herbrowsarchedasshegaveashortlaugh.Theywerestillintheirbathrobesafteryetanotherbout

ofhot,sweatylovemaking.

“GoodLord.Ididn’tknowbearsweresoinsatiable,”sheteased.
Hegaveanunexpectedburstoflaughter.“Why,NicoleBradley.Issextheonlythingonyourmind?”
Asalways,shewasdazzledbyhisbeauty.Howthehellhadsheevermanagedtocapturethis

sensationalcreature?

“Me?”sheforcedherselftoprotest.“Youbroughtitup.”
“IsaidIhavesomethingglorious,”heremindedherwithopenamusement.“Youweretheonewho

assumeditmeanthavingyourwickedwaywithmybody.”

Sheliftedherhandstoslidetheminthelooseopeningofhisrobe,savoringthefeelofhishard

musclesbeneathherpalms.

“Itisglorious,”shemurmured.
“True.”
“Shameless.”Shegavehimalightsmack.“Ifyouweren’ttryingtoluremebacktobed,thenwhat

wereyoutalkingabout?”

Hereachedintothepocketofhisrobetopullouttwosilvernecklaces.
“This.”
Hereyeswidenedasheheldthemupsoshecouldseethateachchainhadatinymedallion.Onewas

perfectlyshapedtoresembleapolarbearwhiletheotherwasdesignedtolooklikeawolf.

“Oh,Tucker,”shemurmured.“They’reexquisite.”
“Ihadthemcustommadebyalocalartist,”hesaid,hisvoiceoddlygruff.“TheUnseendon’tshare

tattoostocelebrateamating.Weexchangeamulets.”Heheldupthenecklacewiththepolarbear.“This
oneisforyou.Willyouacceptthisasagiftfromme?”

“Yes,”shewhispered,purejoyflowingthroughherheart.“Yes,Iwill.”Withreverentcare,Tucker

slidthechainoverherhead,allowingtheamulettorestbetweenherbreasts.Thenhehandedthesecond
necklacetoher.“Andthisistomarkyourclaimonme.”

Takingthechain,shewaitedforhimtoleandown,tuggingitoverhisheaduntilitsettledaroundhis

thickneck.

Somethingwarmspreadthroughher.Asenseofdestinybeingfulfilled.
“Mine,”shesaidinsolemntones.
Hewrappedherinhisarms,kissingherwithtendernessthatmadehertoescurl.
“Always,andforalleternity,”hepledgedagainstherlips.
Nicoleleanedherheadagainsthischest,allowingthesoundofhissteadyheartbeattocombinewith

thepeacethatsettleddeepinsideher.

Shewouldalwaysmournthelossofherson,butthepainwastolerableaslongasshehadthismale

tohelphercarrytheload.

Pullingback,Tuckerledheroutofthetinybathroom.Then,holdinghands,theysteppedoutofthe

shadowsofthehouseandintothebrightsunshine.

Together.
Forever.

LookformoreoftheBrandedPacksseriesin2016!

ANotefromAlexandraandCarrieAnn

WehopedyouenjoyedreadingABANDONEDANDUNSEEN.Thisisjustthestartofourdarkand

grittyBrandedPacksseries.Withmoretocome,wecan’twaittohearwhatyouthink.Ifyouenjoyedit
andhavetime,we’dsoappreciateareviewonGoodreadsandwhereyourdigitalretailer.Everyreview,
nomatterhowlong,helpsauthorsandreaders.Youwon’thavetowaitlongformoreinthisseries!Happy
Reading!

TheBrandedPackSeries:
Book1:

StolenandForgiven

Book2:

AbandonedandUnseen

Book3:Comingin2016

AboutCarrieAnnandherBooks

NewYorkTimesandUSATodayBestsellingAuthorCarrieAnnRyanneverthoughtshe’dbea

writer.Notreally.No,shelovedmathandscienceandevenwentontograduateschoolinchemistry.Yes,
shereadasakidanddevouredteenfictionandHarryPotter,butitwasn’tuntilsomeonehandedhera
romancebookinherlateteensthatsherealizedthattherewassomethingouttherejustforher.When
anotherauthorsuggestedsheusethevoicesinherheadforgoodandnotevil,TheRedwoodPackandall
herotherstorieswereborn.

CarrieAnnisabestsellingauthorofovertwentynovelsandnovellasandhassomuchmoreonher

mind(andonherspreadsheets*grins*)thatsheisn’tplanningongivingupherdreamanytimesoon.

Makesureyou’resignedupforher

MAILINGLIST

soyoucanknowwhenthenextreleasesare

availableaswellasfindgiveawaysandFREEREADS.

www.CarrieAnnRyan.com

RedwoodPackSeries:
Book1:

AnAlpha’sPath

Book2:

ATasteforaMate

Book3:

TrinityBound

Book3.5:

ANightAway

Book4:

Enforcer’sRedemption

Book4.5:

BlurredExpectations

Book4.7:

Forgiveness

Book5:

ShatteredEmotions

Book6:

HiddenDestiny

Book6.5:

ABeta’sHaven

Book7:

FightingFate

Book7.5

LovingtheOmega

Book7.7:

TheHuntedHeart

Book8:

WickedWolf

TheTalonPack(FollowingtheRedwoodPackSeries):
Book1:

TatteredLoyalties

Book2:

AnAlpha’sChoice

Book3:

MatedinMist

(Comingin2016)

TheRedwoodPackVolumes:

RedwoodPackVol1
RedwoodPackVol2
RedwoodPackVol3
RedwoodPackVol4
RedwoodPackVol5

RedwoodPackVol6

MontgomeryInk:
Book0.5:

InkInspired

Book0.6:

InkReunited

Book1:

DelicateInk

Book1.5

ForeverInk

Book2:

TemptingBoundaries

Book3:

HarderthanWords

Book4:

WritteninInk

(ComingOct2015)

TheBrandedPackSeries:
(WrittenwithAlexandraIvy)
Books1&2:

StolenandForgiven

Books3&4:

AbandonedandUnseen

(ComingSept2015)

Dante’sCircleSeries:
Book1:

DustofMyWings

Book2:

HerWarriors’ThreeWishes

Book3:

AnUnluckyMoon

TheDante’sCircleBoxSet

(ContainsBooks1-3)

Book3.5:

HisChoice

Book4:

TangledInnocence

Book5:

FierceEnchantment

Book6:

AnImmortal’sSong(Comingin2016)

Holiday,MontanaSeries:
Book1:

CharmedSpirits

Book2:

Santa’sExecutive

Book3:

FindingAbigail

TheHolidayMontanaBoxSet

(ContainsBooks1-3)

Book4:

HerLuckyLove

Book5:

DreamsofIvory

TemptingSignsSeries:

FinallyFoundYou

AboutAlexandraandherBooks

AlexandraIvy

isa

NewYorkTimes

and

USA

Today

bestsellingauthor

oftheGuardiansofEternity,aswellastheSentinels,DragonsofEternity
andARESseries.Aftermajoringintheatreshedecidedsheprefersto
bringhercharacterstolifeonpaperratherthanstage.Shelivesin
Missouriwithherfamily.Visitherwebsiteatalexandraivy.com.

GuardiansOfEternity
WhenDarknessEnds
EmbracetheDarkness
DarknessEverlasting
DarknessRevealed
DarknessUnleashed
BeyondtheDarkness
DevouredbyDarkness
YoursforEternity
DarknessEternal
Supernatural
BoundbyDarkness
TheRealHousewivesofVampireCounty
FeartheDarkness
Levet
DarknessAvenged
HunttheDarkness
AVeryLevetChristmas
WhenDarknessEnds

MastersOfSeduction
MastersOfSeductionVolumeOne
MastersOfSeductionTwo:
Ruthless:HouseofZanthe
Reckless:HouseOfFuria

AresSeries
KillWithoutMercy

BayouHeatSeries
BayouHeatCollectionOne
BayouHeatCollectionTwo
Raphael/Parish

Bayon/JeanBaptiste
Talon/Xavior
BayouNoel
Sebastian/Aristide
Lian/Roch
Hakan/Severin
Angel/Hiss
Michel/Striker

BrandedPacks
StolenAndForgiven
AbandonedAndUnessn

DragonsOfEternity
BurnedByDarkness

Sentinels:
OutofControl
BorninBlood
BloodAssassin

TableofContents

AbandonedandUnseen
Abandoned
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Unseen
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
ANotefromAlexandraandCarrieAnn
AboutCarrieAnnandherBooks
AboutAlexandraandherBooks