NehalemPack12

AnAlphaintheMaking

IanTannerwaslookingforwardtowhatwassupposedtobethebestyearofhislife,butallthatchangeswhenhefindshisfatherand
stepmothermurdered.Nowwithhisyoungsisterintow,Ian’sontherun,searchingfortheonlypeoplehewastoldhecoulddependon.
ButwithsomuchatriskIan’snotsurewhohecantrust.

WorkingthenightshiftatthehospitalbringsinalotofstrangerscharactersbutWillWattersonloveshisjob.Afterarun-inwithapatient’s
brother,hefindshimselffallingheadoverheelsforamanhebarelyknows.It’stotallyoutofcharacterforthegooddoctorbuthecan’t
justletIanwalkaway.

GhostsfromIan’spastheneverknewexistedcomeknockingathisdoor.WithsomuchtoloseIanhastodecideifhecanmakethe
ultimatesacrificeforhisfamilyandthemanheloves.

Ge nre :

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

Le ng th:

49,861words

ANALPHAINTHEMAKING

NehalemPack12

AJJarrett

EVERLASTINGCLASSIC

MANLOVE

SirenPublishing,Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUTTHEE-BOOKYOUHAVEPURCHASED:

Yournon-refundablepurchaseofthis

e-bookallowsyoutoonlyONELEGALcopyforyourownpersonalreadingonyourown
personal computer or device.

You do not have resell or distribution rights without the

prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book.
This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your
computertoanotherthroughuploadtoafilesharingpeertopeerprogram,forfreeorfor
a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S.
CopyrightLaw.Distributionofthise-book,inwholeorinpart,online,offline,inprintor
inanywayoranyothermethodcurrentlyknownoryettobeinvented,isforbidden.Ifyou
donotwantthisbookanymore,youmustdeleteitfromyourcomputer.

WARNING:Theunauthorizedreproductionordistributionofthiscopyrightedworkis
illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary
gain,isinvestigatedbytheFBIandispunishablebyupto5yearsinfederalprisonand
afineof$250,000.

If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us
knowat

legal@sirenbookstrand.com

ASIRENPUBLISHINGBOOK
IMPRINT:EverlastingClassicManLove

ANALPHAINTHEMAKING
Copyright©2014byAJJarrett
E-bookISBN:978-1-62741-700-6

FirstE-bookPublication:April2014

CoverdesignbyHarrisChanning
Allartandlogocopyright©2014bySirenPublishing,Inc.

ALLRIGHTSRESERVED:Thisliteraryworkmaynotbereproducedortransmittedinanyformor
by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without
expresswrittenpermission.

Allcharactersandeventsinthisbookarefictitious.Anyresemblancetoactualpersonslivingordead
isstrictlycoincidental.

PUBLISHER
SirenPublishing,Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com

LettertoReaders

DearReaders,

IfyouhavepurchasedthiscopyofAnAlphaintheMakingbyAJJarrettfromBookStrand.comorits
officialdistributors,thankyou.Also,thankyoufornotsharingyourcopyofthisbook.

RegardingE-bookPiracy

Thisbookiscopyrightedintellectualproperty.Nootherindividualorgrouphasresalerights,auction
rights,membershiprights,sharingrights,oranykindofrightstosellortogiveawayacopyofthis
book.

The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading
entertainment.

ThisisAJJarrett’slivelihood.It’sfairandsimple.PleaserespectMs.Jarrett’srighttoearnaliving
fromherwork.

AmandaHilton,Publisher

www.SirenPublishing.com
www.BookStrand.com

ANALPHAINTHEMAKING

NehalemPack12

AJJARRETT

ChapterOne

“I’mgoingtotrycallingDadagain.”
IanglancedoveratKelseytoseeherpullinguptheirdad’scontactonthephone.Hedidn’tlike

thathehadn’tbeenabletoreachhisdadorstepmomsincethepreviousnight,buthisdaddidsayhe
was going to try and do something special for Kelly, his stepmom, before he and Kelsey got back
home.

IanandKelseyhadbeengoneforaweekatsummercamp.Itwashisthirdyeartobeacounselor

andIanlovedit.Helovedbeingoutsideinthefreshopenairanditdidn’thurtthathegottomeetup
withNathanagain.NathanwasalsoacounselorandtheyhadmetduringIan’sfirstyearthere.They
becamefastfriendsandwhiletheyspenttheirdayswatchingthekidsundertheircare,atnightthey
spent the time getting to know one another ’s bodies. It was the perfect arrangement. Neither he nor
Nathanwerelookingforalong-term,orintheircasealong-distance,relationship,butitwasfunto
letloosewithanotherpersoneverynowandagain.

“Shoot!”Kelseysmackedthephoneagainstherhand.“Stillnoanswer.Whattheheckcouldthey

bedoing?”

“Takeiteasythere,squirt.”Hetookthephonefromher.“Youbreakthis,youwillbebuyingme

a new one.” He held the phone up and narrowed his eyes at her, doing his best not to laugh as she
rolledhereyesathim.

Ian’s dad had met and married Kelsey’s mom when Ian was six years old. Kelly was a sweet

womanandshetreatedIanasifhewasherown.Ian’smotherhaddiedwhenhewasababysoallhe
ever had was his father. When Kelly came into their life, they finally felt like a family. They had
movedaroundsomuchthatIanhadneverhadthechancetocallaplacehome.Sincehisdadmarried
Kelly,theyhadmovedthreemoretimes.ThelastbeingRainwater,Ohio.They’dbeenthereforthe
pastthreeyearsandIancouldn’trememberbeingmorecontent.

KelseyhadbeenanunexpectedsurprisebutIanlovedherfromthemomentheheldherinhis

arms.HisdadalwaysjokedthatKelseywasn’tadaddy’sgirloramama’sgirl.No,shewasIan’sgirl.
WhenKelseywasababy,shewouldcryuntilIanwouldholdherorreadtoher.ThenwhenKelsey
begantowalkshefollowedIaneverywherehewent.Itmighthavebotheredsomeolderbrothersto
haveatagalonglittlesister,butnotIan.Familywasfamilyandhe’dneverleaveherbehind.

“Biteme.”Kelseyswipedahandunderhernoseandmadeasnifflingsound.
“Hey, Kels, are you feeling all right?” Ian looked over at his sister, trying to gauge her

appearance.

IanandhisfatherwerebothfullwolfbutKellyhadonlybeenhalf-wolf.Shewasn’tabletoshift

towolfformbutcouldmakeherteethandnailselongate.ButKelsey,shewasabletoshift,butthey
learnedearlyonthatwherewolfshifterswerehealthyanddidn’tcatchthecommonillnessesstricken
tohumans,Kelseydid.HisdadassumeditwasduetoKellynotbeingone-hundred-percentwolf.So
they had to keep a watch on Kelsey to make sure that, if she got sick, they treated it immediately.
Takingashifterchildtothedoctorwasatrickything.Iftheyweretocheckherblood,they’dbeina
worldoftrouble.

“Yeah, just a little stuffy is all.” She punched Ian lightly in the arm. “Stop being such a worry

wart.Gosh!”

Ianlaughedashefocusedbackonthehighway.CampRiley,namedaftertheownerBorisRiley,

waslocatedfourhourswestfromRainwater.Thecampofferedswimming,hiking,camping,andall
othertypesofskillsneededwhilecampingoutinthewoods.HisstepmomhadsuggesteditandIan
hadbeenfifteenatthetimeanddidn’treallywanttogo,butKelseywantedtoandhedidn’twantherto
gobyherself.Kelseyhadonlybeeneightatthetimeandtheycouldn’triskhergettingsick.Afterthey
cameback,hisparentshadadmittedthattheyknewhe’dgoifKelseywent.Foraweekhepretendedas
ifheweremadbuthewasn’t.HehadablastandmetNathan.Plustheowner,Boris,hadbeensotaken
withIan’slovefortheoutdoorsthathehadaskedIantocomebackthefollowingsummertoworkas
acounselor.Ianandhisdadhadagoodchuckleoverthat.IfBorisonlyknewthetruthaboutIan,then
hewouldn’thavebeensosurprised.

“We’realmostthere,squirt.”IanreachedovertotugonKelsey’sponytail.
TheexitcameupforRainwaterandIanturnedoffthehighway.Thedaywasgrayandovercast

butstillwarm.ItwasJulyinOhiobutitstilldidn’tgettoohot.Theydrovethroughtownuntilthey
reachedtheirhousingaddition.Allthehomeswereonacresandseparatedfarapart.Theylivedonthe
furthest lot secluded from the rest of the homes. The house backed up to a wooded area which was
perfectforwolfshifters.Theyneededaplacetorunandjustbeingthefourofthemtheydidn’tneed
much.

AsIanpulleduptothehouse,henoticedhisdad’scarinthedriveandthegaragedooropened

withKelly’sparkedinside.

“That’sodd.”Ianparkedhiscarbehindhisfather ’sandgotout.Asourstenchmethisnoseand

Ianliftedhishandtocoverhisnoseandmouth.Itwasthescentofdeathanddecay.Acoldshiverran
downhisspine.“Kelsey,staybythecar.”

“NoI’mcomingwithyou.”Kelseygrabbedhishand.
“No.” He didn’t mean to snap at her. Kelsey frowned and dropped her gaze to stare at the

ground.

“Icansmellit,too,Ian,”Kelseymurmured.
“Listen, squirt.” Ian kneeled in front of his sister and took both her hands. “I’m going to go

checkitout.Canyoupleasestayhereandwaitforme?”Ittookamomentbutshenoddedherhead.
“That’smygirl.”

Ianstoodupandturnedbacktowardthehouse.Hehadabadfeelingaboutwhathe’dfind.His

handsbegantoshakethecloserhegottothefrontdoor.Theknobturnedeasilyinhisgrasp.Itwasn’t
locked.Theyneverleftanydoorsunlocked.Hisdadhadbeenweirdaboutalwayskeepingthedoors
andwindowslocked,especiallyifIanorKelseywerehomealone.

“Dad!Mom!”Iancalledoutashesteppedintothehouse.
Thefirstthinghenoticedwasthebrokenglassonthefloor.OneofthepottedplantsKellyhad

inthehousewasbrokenanddirtcoveredthelight-coloredcarpet.Ianwalkedfurtherintothehouse

andstoppedwhenhesawhisdad’sshoesstickingoutbesidethecouch.Hetookastepcloserandhis
legsstartedtobuckle.

“Dad?”Iantookahesitantstepforward.Hecouldn’tbelievewhathewasseeing.Hiseyesbegan

totearupasIanstareddownatthestrongestmanhe’devenknown.

“Daddy!”Kelseyvoiceranginhisears.
Ianturnedintimetograbher.Heheldhercloseandpushedherfaceintohischest.Theirfather

lookedtohavebeenbadlybeatenandhadsixbulletwoundsinhischest.Hislifelesseyesstaredupat
theceilingandapoolofhisbloodseepedintothecarpetaroundhim.Fliesbuzzedintheroomand
betweenthesickeningsmellandthesoundsoftheinsects,Ianthoughthewasgoingtobesick.Bile
rosetothebackofhisthroatbutheswalloweditdown.Hehadtoremainstrongforhissister.

“Where’sMommy?”KelseylookedupatIan.
Keeping Kelsey close to him, Ian stepped around his dad’s body, unable to look at him. This

couldn’t be happening. In the entryway to the kitchen is where they found Kelly. She had a single
bulletwoundinherhead.Iancouldseebitsandpiecesofherskullandbrainwhereithadsplattered
ontothecarpet.

WhenKelseytriedtoturnaroundtolookathermother,Iantuggedhercloseandwalkeddown

thehallwaytoherbedroom.

“She’sdead,too,isn’tshe?”Kelseysobbedsolouditechoedinherbedroom.
“Yes.” Ian’s voice cracked. One tear broke free from his eye, then another, and another. He

pulledKelseyintohislapandcriedasheheldhertight.Herpetitebodyshookfromtheforceofher
sadness.

AnxietyfilledIan’schest.Hedidn’tknowwhattodo.Hehimselfwasjustakidwhowenttohis

parentstoanswerallthehardquestions.Butnowwhatdidhedo?Hisparentsweregone,lyingdead
ontheirlivingroomfloor.Ianhadtochokedownthevomitthatwantedtorushfromhisthroat.He’d
neverbeensoscaredbefore.

Ian’s eyes drifted around Kelsey’s bright yellow room, walls covered in pictures of some

women’s volleyball team and taped-on magazine photos of the music group she liked. It was all so
innocentandnormalforayounggirl,butnowhe’dhavetotakeherawayfromallthis.Whatwasa
normal,averagelifehadturneddark,andIanhadnoclueastowhowouldwanttohurttheirfamily.
Hisheartbrokefornotknowingwhattosaytohissister.Shelookeduptohimandhehadabsolutely
no answers. He’d always gone to his dad for help when he was uncertain about something but that
optionhadbeentakenfromhim.

“Kelsey,listentome.”IanpulledbackfromKelseytolookintoherlightblueeyesandreddened

face. Tears streaked down her cheeks and snot dripped from her nose. “I need you to stay in here,
okay?”

“Why?Whereareyougoing?”PanichadKelsey’svoicerisingtoahighpitch.
Iantookadeepbreathtosteadyhisnerves.“Ineedtoburytheirbodies.Wecan’tleavethemlike

that.”

“Weshouldcallthepolice.”KelseyreachedforthephoneIanhadinhispocket.“They’llknow

whattodo.”

“We can’t.” Ian took hold of both of her hands. “The cops would ask too many questions we

can’tanswerandIcan’tchancethey’dtakeyouawayfromme.”

“Idon’twanttoleaveyou.”Kelsey’sfacewentstarkwhiteandhershortnailsdugintothepalm

ofhishand.“Don’tleaveme,Ian,”shepleaded.

“Ah,squirt.”IansatonthefloorandpulledKelseyintohislap.Heranhisfingersthroughher

hair,thewayshelikedwhenshewassick.“I’mnevergoingtoleaveyou.You’reallIgot.”

Ian helped Kelsey into her bed and climbed in beside her. He rubbed her back as she cried

herselftosleep.Ianknewwhatitwasliketolosesomeoneandeventhenhestillhadnomemoryof
hismother,butKelsey?Shehadneverknownanysortoflossinherlifeandnowshewashitwithtwo
inoneday.Notjustanytwobuthermotherandfather.Shewasayounggirlandlittlegirlsneeded
theirmothersandfathers.HowwasIangoingtotakecareofherwhenhewasstilljustastupidkid
himself?Tearsburnedatthebackofhiseyesbuthecouldn’tletthemfall.Heneededtobestrongfor
Kelsey.Ifhebrokedownagainhewasn’tsurehe’drecover.

WhileKelseyfellintoarestlesssleep,Iandecidedwhathehadtodo.He’dwaituntildark,then

carryhisparents’bodiesoutsideandintothewoods.He’dburythemandsetthehouseonfire.Ifhe
hidthecrimethathadtakenplace,hisandKelsey’ssecretwouldstillbesafe.Ifthiswastheworkof
hunters, Ian didn’t want a red arrow pointed at him or his sister if they were to come forward. His
fatherhadtoldhimwhenhewasyoungerthatwolfhunterswouldkillawolfwithouthesitationifit
wasachildornot.Iancouldn’ttakethatrisk.ImagesofseeingKelseyhunteddownandshottodeath
hadhimgaspingforbreath.

As soon as Kelsey was asleep, Ian got out of the bed. He grabbed some sheets from the hall

closet, then grabbed the decorative duct tape from Kelsey’s desk and walked back into the living
room.

Withoutknowingwhodidthisandiftheywouldreturn,Ianhadtoworkfast.Thefartheraway

theygotfromherethebetter.

Movingasifonautopilot,Ianwenttohiskneesandgentlyrolledtheclotharoundhisfather ’s

lifelessbody.Tearsstreameddownhischeeksasheworked.Hewrappedthepurpleandblackzebra
printducttapearoundhisfather ’sneck,waistandfinallyhisankles.Afterhe’ddonethesametoKelly
hecarriedthebodiesoutthebackdoor.Oneatatimehedraggedtheirbodiesintothedarkforest.He
didn’t need a flashlight to see. His wolf eyes provided him with everything he needed to find the
perfectspottoburythem.

Ianhadjuststartedtodigwhenheheardatwigsnapunderfoot.Heswungaroundandheldthe

shovelhehadaholdofupintheair.

“It’sjustme,Ian,”Kelseysquawked.
“Damnit,Kels.”Ianloweredtheshovel.“Youshouldn’tbeouthere.”
“Iwanttohelp.”Kelseyswipedonehandunderhereye,thenhelduptheshovelshehadinher

hand.“Theyweremyparents,too.”

Iansawthedeterminationinherbigroundeyes.Shewasright.Theywereherparents,too,and

sheneededtohavethisclosureaswell.

Hewavedherforwardandsilentlytheybegantodig.Afterafewminutesofworking,Kelsey

suggestedthattheyjustdigonelargeholesothattheirparentscouldliesidebyside.Ian’seyesstarted
toburnbutheheldinhistears.Henoddedhisheadandsaidthatwasagreatidea.

Once the hole was big enough, Ian climbed inside and Kelsey helped push first one then the

otherlifelessbody.Ianarrangedthemasiftheyweresleepingbutithurttoknowthey’dneverwake
upagain.

IanclimbedoutandheandKelseyfilledinthehole.Themoonwasn’toutandwiththeovercast

skynotasinglestarshonebrightabovethem.Itwasdarkandquiet,almostasiftheworldknewwhat
hadhappenedandmournedthelossoftheirparentswiththem.

“Weshouldsaysomething.”KelseyreachedforIan’shandastheystoodoverthenow-covered

hole.

“Ithinkthatwouldbenice.”Iangaveherhandalittleshake.“Whatdoyouwanttosay?”
“I…I want…” Kelsey coughed to clear her throat and her voice came out sounding strained.

“Mom,Dad,IloveyouandI’mgoingtomissyousomuch.”AsobwrenchedfromherthroatbutIan
remainedsilent.Sheneededthis.“Don’tworryaboutmeandIan.Wecantakecareofeachother.Just
knowhowmuchI’mgoingtomissyou.”KelseyturnedintoIan’ssideandwrappedherarmsaround
hiswaist.IttookeverythinginIannottobreakdownandcrylikeababy.

“Youshouldsaysomething,too.”Kelseylookedupathim.
“Dad,Mom,Kelsisright.Don’tworryaboutus.We’llbeokaybecauseIknowyouwillalways

bewatchingoverus.”Hebrushedhishandunderhislefteye.Thetearsleakingoutfeltlikehotlava
burningdownhisface.“Iloveyouboth.”

As they walked back to the house, Ian listened for any sounds out of the ordinary. They had

stayedtoolongaftertheydiscoveredthebodies.HeshouldhavetakenKelseyanddroveasfarashe
could. Not knowing who had done this made Ian jumpy because an unknown threat was very
dangerous.

HewenttohisroomtoshowerwhileKelseydidthesameinherroom.Thedirtwashedaway

fromhisbodytoleavearingaroundthetub.Heletthehotwaterrainoverhisheadtoflowdownhis
back,tryingtolethisanxietyofwhattodowashdownthedrainaswell.

Ian quickly washed, then dried off. He went into his room and got dressed. He grabbed a bag

fromhisclosetandtossedsomeclothesandpersonalitemsinside.Themostimportantthingwasa
framed picture of him, Kelsey, his dad, and Kelly. It had been taken right after Christmas and their
faceswereallbrightredastheysatinfrontofthesnowmantheyhadbuilt.Ithadbeenahappytime
andmemory.Onehe’dholdontofortherestofhislife.

“Kels,youreadytogo?”Ianwalkedintoherroom.
Kelseyhadlaidoutsomeclothesonherbedbuthadalsograbbedoneoftheirdad’sshirtsand

Kelly’srobe,alongwithsomephotoalbums.

“Yeah,canyouhelpme?”
Ianwalkeddowntohisparents’roomandgotasuitcaseoutoftheircloset.Ashewaspassing

thedressertoleaveaglintoflightoffofmetalcaughthiseye.Hisdad’swatchsatonthedresser.Ian
pickeditupandshoveditinhispocket,thenheadedbacktohelpKelsey.

“Wherearewegoingtogo?”Kelseyasked.
Ianloadedtheirbagsintothebackofhis2013two-doorHondaAccord.Ithadbeenagraduation

giftfromhisdadandKelly.IanhadbeenacceptedtoOhioStateandwouldbeleavinginthefall,and
they had wanted him to have a car that got excellent gas mileage so he could make the drive back
homeasoftenashewanted.

He’dbeensohappythatday.They’dbothbeensoproudofhim,butnowallthathadchanged.

Hewouldn’tbegoingofftocollegeinthefallandhehadnocluewhattomorrowwouldbring.Hell,
hedidn’tevenknowwheretogo.

“Ian,wherearewegoingtogo?”Kelseyaskedagain.
Ianshutthetrunkandstaredoutoverthehouse.Hismindracedwithwhatheshoulddo.Then,

rightonthefringesofhisbrain,alongforgottenmemorycrepttothesurface.

“Dad,whydowemovesomuch?”aneight-year-oldIanaskedhisfather.
“Because we need to, son.” His dad motioned for Ian to come sit next to him on the couch.

They’dbeenwatchingafootballgameandhisdadmutedthesound.“It’snotsafeoutintheworldfor
peoplelikeus.”HisdadnudgedhischintowardthekitchenwhereapregnantKellystoodbythestove
makingdinner.“Andweneedtokeeptheoneswelovesafeandalwaysprotected.”

Ian nodded his head. He knew they were different, but felt safe in the fact that they kept their

secretwellhidden.Hisdadwasalwaystakingprecautionsforthemnottobecaught.Plushisdadwas
superstrongandIandidn’tworrythatanythingwouldeverhappentohim.

“Ian,IwanttotellyousomethingandIneedyoutorememberthis.NotthatIthinkanythingwill

happentome,butIwantyoutoalwaysbeprepared.”Iannoddedhishead.“Ikeepalockedboxinmy
lower desk drawer. It’s behind the files I keep there. The code is your birthday and inside is some
money.IfanythingweretoeverhappentomeorKelly,godforbid,Iwantyoutotakethatmoney.Get
youandyoursisterasfarawayaspossible,doyouhearme?”

“ButwherewillIgo?”Ian’sthroatwantedtoclosetightatthethoughtofsomethinghappening

tohisdad.

“I have a friend. He lives in upstate New York, Michael Carsten. He owns a construction

companythere,CarstenandSons.I’veknownhimforafewyearsnowandhe’sagreatguy.Ifanything
weretoeverhappentoyourmotherorI,Iwantyoutofindhim.He’llhelpkeepyouandyoursister
safe.”

“Dad, don’t talk like that.” Ian swallowed down his emotions. He hated talking about life and

death.“Nothing’severgoingtohappentoyou.”

“Ofcoursenot.”Hisdadwinkedathim.“Butit’salwaysgoodtohaveaplanjustincase.”
Iancouldn’tbelievehe’dforgottenaboutthat.Heranbacktowardthehouse,thegasolinehe’d

drenched the house in causing his nose to wrinkle. In his dad’s desk he found the box. Inside was a
stackofbillsandanote.

Ian,ifanythinghappenstoKellyorI,usethismoney.Donot,Irepeat,donotuseyourdebitor

creditcard.They’llfindyou.TakecareofKelsandknowthatIloveyouverymuch.Bothofyou.Love,
Dad.

“Who’sthey?”Ianmutteredashepickedupthecash.
Under the stack of bills were some photos. They were old, from when Ian was just a baby. A

womansatnexttohisfatherholdinghim.Iancouldn’thavebeenmuchmorethanafewmonthsold.
He’d never seen a picture of his mother. His dad had always said he lost them in one of the many
moves,butasIanlookedatthewomaninthephotograph,hecouldseesomeresemblancetohimself.
High cheekbones, golden hair the shade Ian’s turned if he spent too much time in the sun, and the
lopsidedsmile.

“Whywouldhehidethisfromme?”
“Ian!”
At Kelsey’s shout, he put the pictures in an envelope that sat on his dad’s desk along with the

money.Hetookonelastlookaroundthenheadedforthefrontdoor.

“Whattookyousolong?”
“Nothing. I just had to get something.” Ian turned her toward the car that he had moved to the

endofthedriveway.Helitamatchandtosseditintheopendoor.Thebrightorangeflametookoff
like a sprinter for the finish line. Ian said a silent good bye to the house that held so many good
memoriesforhimthenrantowardhiscar.

“Sowherearewegoing?”Kelseyaskedagain.
“Here, hand me my phone.” Ian drove slowly down the road, not wanting to draw attention to

them. It wouldn’t be long before one of their neighbors noticed the smoke and called the fire
department.

“Whoyoucalling?”
Ian typed in Carsten and Sons Construction. He assumed that would be the easiest way to find

this Michael Carsten guy. He wasn’t sure how many Michael Carstens there were but he didn’t feel
likehavingtogothroughnameaftername,andthenwhatifthemanhadanunlistednumber?Allthat
workwouldhavebeenfornothingandIandidn’thavethetimetomessaround.Someonehadkilled
theirparentsandheneededtogetKelseysomewheresafe.

Thankgod.Ianbreathedasighofrelief.CarstenandSonsConstructionwasinNehalem,New

York.IanpulleduptheaddressandtypeditintotheGPSonhisphone.

“Notcallinganyone.Ineededanaddress,squirt.”Ianmergedontothehighwayheadingeast.
“Sowherearewegoing?”Hervoicesoundedsosmallashelookedbackouttherearwindow,

watchingRainwaterpassby.

“Nehalem.”Ianreachedforherhand,prayingthatthiswastherightdecision.

ChapterTwo

Ian drove through the night while Kelsey slept. The drive from Rainwater to Nehalem was a

littleovertenhourslong.Ianwasexhausted,buthekeptgoing.Thenotehisfatherhadleftcombined
withhisparents’deathhadIanonaquickpulltrigger.Everycarthatpassedhimonthehighwaymade
hishandssweatwithfearthattheyweregoingtorunhimofftheroad,tryingtokillhimandKelsey.

Itwasridiculoustofeelthiswaybuthecouldn’thelpit.Someonehadkilledhisparentsandhe

hadnoideawhowouldwanttodothat.Sure,hunterscouldhavedoneit,butwhywouldn’ttheyhave
stayedtofinishthejob?CertainlykillinghimandKelseywouldhavebeenworthsomesortofsick
patonthebackbythosemurderers.

AnexitforatowncalledBillingsapproachedandIangotoffthehighway.Iansawasignfora

hunting and camping supply store and he pulled in the parking lot. The store didn’t open until nine
anditwasonlyalittleafterseven.Ianparkedhiscarinaspotandreclinedhisseatback.Thewindows
werecrackedandanicewarmbreezedriftedinsidethecar.

The sting of tears burned at the back of Ian’s eyes. He couldn’t understand how the world

seemedsonormal,unchangedbytheeventsthatturnedhisandKelsey’sworldupsidedown.They’d
losteverythingandyetthesunstillshineddownontheearthandpeoplewentabouttheirdailylives.It
justdidn’tseemfair.

Iancouldn’tfightitanylonger,hestartedtocry.Heliftedhisrighthandtohismouthtostaunch

thesound.ItwouldonlyworryKelseyevenmoreifshesawhimlikethis.Tearsranlikewaterfroma
faucetfromhiseyes.Everymemoryofhisdadandstepmotherflashedbeforehiseyes.Thegoodand
thebad.Theywerehisfamily,thepeoplewhoweresupposedtotakecareofhimforever,andnow
theyweregone.

“WhatamIgoingtodo?”Ianwhispered.Heturnedtothesidefacingthewindowandhisbody

curledinonitself.Realfearlikeheneverfeltravishedhisbody.HisparentsweredeadandIandidn’t
knowifhewasdoingtherightthinglookingforMichaelCarstenbuthehadtobelieveinwhathis
fatherhadsaid,becausereally,whatoptiondidhehave?

Iandidn’tknowhowmuchtimehadpassedorthathehadevenfallenasleepuntilhefeltKelsey

shakinghisarm.

“Ian,wakeup.”Shenudgedhimagain.“Thestore’sopen.”
Ianwipedthesleepoutofhiseyesandsatup.Theclockshoweditwastenafternine.Ianrolled

upthewindowsandgrabbedsomeofthecashoutoftheenvelope,andwalkedinsidewithKelseyby
hisside.

KelseypushedthecartwhileIantossedthingsin.Hegotatent,cooler,sleepingbags,andsome

cookinggear.Stayinginahotelwouldbetooriskybecausehe’dhavetogiveacreditcardandhis
dadhadsaidspecificallytonotdothatsocampingunderthegreatbigskywastheonlyoption.Itwas
agoodthingheandKelseyknewhowtoroughit.Thepastthreesummersatcamphadgiventhemthe
skillstheyneededtoliveofftheland,andbeingwolfshiftersdidn’thurteither.

Theycheckedoutandthecashier,anolderlady,gavehimafunnylook.Thetotalwasjustunder

twohundreddollarsandtheladylookedfromthemoneyinherhandtoIanthentoKelsey.

“My brother is taking me camping, isn’t that cool?” Kelsey opened her eyes real wide as she

spoketothecashier.“Ourfolkswouldn’ttakemebutmybigbrotheroffered.He’sjustthebest.”

“That is very thoughtful of him.” She put the money in the register then handed him back his

change.“It’snicetoseesiblingsgettingalong.Icouldn’tgetmydaughterstositinaroomtogether,

letalonegocampingfortheweekend.”ShesmiledupatIan.“Blessyourheart.Youwatchoutforher
andyouhim,sweetheart.Nothingcantaketheplaceoffamily.”

“Yes,ma’am.”Iansmiledandquicklyturnedaway.Hedidn’twanttheladytoseethetearsinhis

eyes.Family?Kelseywasallthefamilyhehadleft.

“You’rewelcome,”Kelseysangasshejumpedonthebottomlipofthecartandcoastedtoward

thecar.

“Forwhat?”Ianpoppedthelockonhistrunk.
“She was totally looking at you like you were some pervy kidnapper. I saved your bacon, big

brother.”Kelseybattedhereyesandtuckedherhandsunderherchin.“Isn’thethebest?”shesaidina
sarcastictone.

“Pervykidnapper?”Ianshookhisheadandproceededtoputthebagsandinthebackseatofhis

car.“Wheredoyougetthiscrap?I’manormal-lookingguyandplus,welookalike.It’sobviouswe
arerelated.”

“Most kidnappers look like normal people. Don’t you watch the news?” Kelsey handed him

anotherbag.“It’snotjuststrangerdangerkidshavetobewearyof.Nowadayspeopleweknoware
theabductors,liketeachersandourneighbors.”Kelseyblewoutawhistleandshookherhead.“We
liveinasickworld,Ian.Momwasalwayssayingthat.”

Heagreed.Somesickfreakshadbrutallyshotandkilledtheirparentsandleftthebodiesforhim

andhiskidsistertofind.Itdidn’tgetmuchsickerthanthat.

“Okay, dork.” Ian shut the door and wheeled the cart to the cart return. “Now let’s head to the

storeandgetsomefood.”

“Okay,butthead.”KelseychuckledwhenIanshotherahurtlook.“I’mstarving.”Sherubbedher

stomach.

Just then Ian’s stomach rumbled in agreement. They hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon,

right after they left camp heading for home. Ian and Kelsey had been too distraught to even think
abouteatingthepreviousnight.

“I saw an IHOP on the way here. Do you feel like stopping for some pancakes?” Ian lifted an

eyebrowandsquintedaneyeather.

“Yes!”Kelseyshoutedandgrinnedwildlyathim.“Dadwouldbesojealous.”Kelsey’sfacewent

slackandsheturnedtostareoutthewindow.

Kelseyhadbeenputtingonastrongfrontsincetheyleftthehouse.Ianappreciatedtheeffortbut

he didn’t need her to be strong. She was only ten years old. She deserved the right to mourn her
parents.Ianwastheadulthereandhewouldworryaboutwhattodonext.

“Hey,Kels.”Iantuggedonherponytailuntilsheturnedtofacehim.Hereyesshinedwithtears.

“It’sokaytomissthem.Idon’twantyoutonottalkaboutthembecauseyouwanttoprovetomehow
strongyouare.Whathappenedfreakingsucksandyouhavetherighttobesad.Iwon’tthinklessof
you.”Ianreachedupandwipedawaythetearthatrandownhercheek.“Imissthem,too,squirt.”

“Yeah,itdoessuck.”Hervoicecracked.
“Uh-huh.” Ian nodded. His eyes started to water. “And yes. Dad would be so jealous of us.

Buttermilkpancakeswithstrawberrytoppingwashisfavorite.”

“Don’tforgetthewhipcream.”Kelseygiggled.“Thanks,Ian.”Kelseyleanedovertheconsole

towrapherthinarmsaroundhisneck.

“No thanks needed, squirt.” Ian gave her a tight squeeze, then let her go. “Let’s go get those

pancakes.” Ian put his sunglasses on to hide the redness that no doubt was staining his eyes. Kelsey
neededsomeonetoleanonandhedidn’twanthertoknowjusthowscaredhereallywas.

****

They made it to Nehalem by one in the afternoon. The stop at the store had taken some time.

Kelseypointedouttheyneededtogetfoodappropriateforcampingoutside.Ianwasn’tsurehowlong
they’dbecampingfor.HewantedtomakesurethisMichaelCarstenguywascool.ForallIanknew,
this man could have been in on killing his dad. He couldn’t trust anyone, especially with his sister.
He’dprotecthertohislastdyingbreath.

Ianfoundaplacetoparkhiscar.Beingasitwassummerallthetreescoveringthewoodshad

thickleafybranchesthathelpedcoverhiscarfromanypassingmotoristontheoneroad.Whenhe
had his car pulled far enough into the woods, he and Kelsey got out. He wanted to scout out the
perfect spot to set up camp. They needed somewhere secluded but also near water. There were no
bathroomsoutheresotheyneededtorelyonsomesortofwatersourcetobathein.

“Iguessallthoseyearsatsummercamparecominginhandy,huh,squirt?”
“Yep.”Kelseywalkedaheadofhim,shovinglowlimbsandbrushoutoftheway.“Itdoesn’thurt

thatwe’rewolfshifterseither,”shewhisperedoverhershoulder.“Iftimesgettough,allweneedto
doisbam.”Kelseyclappedherhandstogether.“Wolfmode.”

“Wolfmode?”Ianlaughed.
“Un-huh.”Shenoddedherhead.“It’slikeoursuperpower.Notquiteasfastasaspeedingbullet

but totally hairy enough to keep us warm.” Kelsey tapped one of her short fingernails against her
fronttooth.“Andwiththesebabieswecanfindfood.”

“You’resuchatomboy.”IanchuckledasheduckedtomissthebranchKelseyletflybackathis

face.

TheywalkedclosetotwomilesbeforeIanfoundtheperfectspot.Asmallinclinewentuptoan

open,flatarea.Pineandtalloaksstoodallovertheareabutthislittlespotwascleared.Ianwalkeda
littlefurtherupthehilltoadropoffthatoverlookedahomethatIanhadtothinkbelongedtothis
Michael Carsten. If his GPS was right the Carsten and Sons construction company was somewhere
downthere.Heassumeditwasbehindthelargehousethatsatontheproperty.

Onthewayuptothisspotwasastreamthatfedintoasmallpond.Aperfectplacetoswimand

bathein.Itwasn’ttheHolidayInnbutitwouldwork.HopefullyinafewdaysIanwouldknowforsure
ifhecouldtrustthisCarstenfellowandbeabletoseekouthishelp.

“Whatdoyouthink,Kels?”
“It’lldo.”Kelseycoveredhermouthtocoughthensniffed.
“Youfeelingokay?”Ianwenttohiskneesinfrontofhissisterandlaidahandonherforehead.

“Youfeelalittlewarm.”

“Well duh!” Kelsey pushed his hand away and rolled her eyes. “We’ve been walking in the

afternoonsun.OfcourseI’mhot.”Sheflickedhimonthenose.“Relax,Ian.I’mfine.Nowlet’sgoget
ourstuffsoyoucanmakemelunch.”

Ian watched as she walked away, the sounds of her coughing followed behind her. An uneasy

feelingfilledhischest.Heprobablywasjustoverreacting.Theydidjustfindtheirmurderedparents
thedaybefore,buriedthem,andhadtoburndowntheirhome.Thepressurewasgettingtohimandit
mustbetakingitstollonKelsey,too.Buthedidn’tlikethesoundofhercoughorthathernosewas
running,andshedidfeelwarmtothetouch.He’dhavetokeepacloseeyeonher.

ChapterThree

Oncetheyhadalltheirsuppliesbroughtfromthecartothecampsite,Ianstartedtoassemblethe

tent.Kelseywentofftofindsomerockstocraftafirepitandsometwigstostartthefire.Soundsof
her coughing had Ian shifting to look over at her every few seconds. She’d wave at him when she
caughthimstaringthenheadofftodosomemoreexploring.

Withthetentassembledwiththeirsleepingbagsinside,Ianpulledouttheturkeyhe’dboughtand

madeacoupleofsandwiches.KelseysetupthetwofoldingchairsandIantookaseat.

“It’s pretty out here,” Kelsey said around a mouthful of sandwich. “Mom would have loved it

here.She’dsay…”

“Ohmystars!”IanfinishedKelsey’ssentenceforherandclappedahandtohischest.“It’salittle

pieceofheavenrighthereonearth.”

“Exactly.”Kelseygiggled.AlltoosoonKelsey’shappinessshiftedtosadnessandshestartedto

cry.“I’msorry,Ian,butImissmommyanddaddy.”

“Oh,squirt.”IanpulledKelseyintohisarmsforahardhug.“Don’teverapologizeformissing

them.Youhearme?You’reallowedtobesad.It’snotfair,Kels,sodon’tfeelbadforhurting.”Ian
swalloweddownhissob.“Imissthem,too.”

Kellywasn’thisrealmotherbutshewastheonlyonehe’deverknown.Shelovedandcaredfor

him.WhenIanwouldscrapeakneeoranelbow,shehadalwaysbeentherewithakissandacookieto
makeitbetter.HisfatherhadmetheronenightwhileheandIanwererunninginthewoods.Atthe
timetheywerelivinginNorthDakota.Ianhadonlybeenaroundsixandhadstumbledintoawoman.
Shehadstraightlongbrownhairandhereyesglowedlikesapphires,butshewasn’tawolf.Kellyhad
bentdowntopetthetopofIan’shead.He’dbeenscaredatfirstbutshesaidnottobeafraid,thatshe’d
neverhurthim.

Itwasn’tlongbeforehisfatherfoundhimandalowmenacinggrowleruptedfromhisthroat,

butalltoosoonthesounddiedandsilencefilledtheair.Kellyhadstoodupandwalkedslowlytoward
hisfather.HisfathershiftedandthatwasthemomentIanlearnedaboutmates.Ithadbeenloveatfirst
sightforthetwoofthem.

Aftertheyate,IanhandedKelseyatowelandsomeall-in-oneshampooandbodywashtoclean

updownatthestream.Whileshewasgone,hestartedafire.Whenshecamebackhetookhisturnto
go and clean up. Ian removed his shirt and shorts and waded into the water. It only came up to his
waistandhedunkedundertogethishairwet.Hepumpedsomeofthewatermelon-scentedsoapinto
hishandsandbegantoscrubhisbody.Thefruityaromamadehimthinkofwhenhewasakidstill
takingbubblebaths,butthiswouldhavetodo.

Ian finished up then stepped on his discarded shorts to keep the dirt from getting on his feet

while he dried off. He slipped on his flip-flops and wrapped the towel around his waist. As he
followedthetrailbacktowardthecampsite,adrieduppawprintcaughthiseye.Iankneltdownand
brushedthedeadgrassandleavesoutoftheway.

“It can’t be.” Ian looked over his shoulder as if he thought someone was watching him.

“Wolves.”

Helookedattheprintonemoretime.Awolfshifter ’spawsweresimilartothatofanordinary

wolfexcepttheywerelargerandabitwider.IanhadtowonderifthisMichaelwaslikethem.Ifhe
was,thenmaybetherewasn’tareasontofearhim.Wolfshiftersdidn’tkilltheirownkind,orsohe
thought.Buthestillcouldn’ttakeanychances.Therewasnoguaranteethiswasafreshprint,orthatit

camefromCarstenhimself.Ianthoughtitbettertoerronthesideofcaution,atleastfornow.

Ian stood up and hurried back to Kelsey. He found her sitting next to the fire with one of his

father ’soldsweatshirtson.Herwethairhungaroundherfaceandhereyeswereheavylidded.Ithad
beenalongdayandhecouldseethatonheryoungface.ThesunhadstartedtosetsoIanmadeher
anothersandwichandhandedherabottleofwater.Sheonlypickedatitthenfinallyaskedifshecould
gotobed.

KelseycrawledintothetentwhileIancleanedup.Heputanotherlogonthefireandsatbackto

watchastheskyturneddarkandtheredandorangeflameslickedupinasharppoint.Alightbreeze
hadtheflameshiftingtotheside.Ianlookedupattheskyandclosedhiseyes.

I’msoafraid,Dad.Ianletoutashakybreath.I’mnotsureIcandothisalone.WhatshouldIdo?
Notthathethoughthe’dgetananswer,buttherewasnocrimeinwishing.Iantookalonglook

around him but didn’t hear or see anything, so he opened the flap to the tent and crawled inside.
Kelsey coughed a little but not too bad. He told himself if she got any worse, he’d take her to the
nearestclinic.

The next morning Ian woke up to Kelsey’s coughing. She got upset when he suggested they

driveintotown,SilverCreek,hethoughtthatwasitsname,toseeadoctor.Shesaidshewasfine,just
alittletired.Ianletherbebecausehedidn’twanttoupsetherfurther.

The day dragged out. He gave Kelsey the binoculars he’d bought for her to use while they

watchedthehousedownbelow.Nothingmuchhappenedatthehouse.Iansawafewmencomeoutthe
backdoortositonthelargedeckthatranthelengthofthehome.Infact,Iannoticeditwasonlymen
thatcameandwentoutofthishouse.

“Ohmygod!”Kelseysquealed.
“What?”Ianrubbedahandoverhiseyes.Hewastiredfromsittingstillforsolong.
“Thosetwoguyskissed.”Shesuckedinabreath.“Ian,they’reliketotallygoingatit.”
Ian’s head shot up and he looked in the direction she pointed. Right there for all to see, a tall

manwithlongblond,almostwhite,hairstoodmaulinganotherman’sface.Theotherguywasn’tas
bigandIancouldn’tbelieveitwhenthesmallermanstartedtoclimbuptheotherone’sbody.

Thesightcausedhiscocktotwitchandhepushedhishipsintotheground.Hismouthfilledwith

droolashewatchedthetwomengropeeachother.Iandidn’twatchmuchpornorconsideredhimself
avoyeur,butdamnthatwashot.

“Ican’tbelievethis!”
The sound of Kelsey’s voice had his hard-on deflating. He snatched the binoculars out of her

hands.

“Hey!”
“Nope, that’s enough.” Ian crawled backwards on his belly so as to not give them away to the

mendownbelow.“Youshouldn’tbewatchingthat.Youaretooyoung,chick.”

“Oh please.” Kelsey turned herself sideways and rolled down the hill. “It’s not like I haven’t

kissedaboybefore.”

“Excuseme?”Ian’slegsfeltalittlewobblyashestaredathissister.Shewasonlytenyearsold.

Whatthehell?“Who?”

“ClaytonMyers.”Kelseyblushed.
“Thatkidatcamp?”Ianrememberedthelittleboy.HeandKelseyhadhungouttogethersince

herfirstyearatCampRileyandhadbeengoodfriends.Ianjusthadn’trealizedhowgoodoffriends.
“I’mgoingtokillhim.”

“Ian,calmdown.”Kelseycoveredhermouthwhenafitofcoughingtookaholdofher.

“Kels, drink this.” Ian handed her a bottle of water and ushered her into a chair. “Does your

throathurt?Ineedtoknow.”

Kelseytookasmallsipfromthebottle.“I’mfine,seriously.”
“Okay,Ijustworryaboutyou.”
“Iknow,andlikemomsaid,allthatworryingwillturnyourhairgray.”Kelseysmiledathim.
“Foryou,I’dgladlygobald.”HegrinnedatKelsey.“Butareyoureallyfeelingallright?”
“Yes,nowstopbeingsuchagirl.”
“Okay, okay.” Ian held his hands up in a show of surrender. “But I will need Clayton’s phone

numberandaddress.Weneedtohavealittletalk.”Heraisedaneyebrow.

“LikeI’dgiveyouthat.”Kelseylightlypunchedhiminthearm.“Thanks,Ian.”
“Forwhat?”Ianwalkedovertothecoolerandpulledoutsomeyogurtandtwoapples.
“Youknow.”Kelseyshrugged.“Forbeingyouandtakingcareofme.”
“Kels.” Ian kissed the top of her head. “We’re taking care of each other. And besides.” Ian

shrugged.“You’restuckwithme.”

AfteralightlunchKelseysuggestedtheygoforarun.Iandidn’tnormallyagreetoshiftinginto

wolf form during the daylight hours, but Kelsey was bored and they were so far away from
civilizationthathedidn’tthinkitwouldbeanissue.

“Remember,Kels,westaytogetherandifwehearanyone,wecomerightbackhere.Cool?”
“Cool.”Kelseywentinsidethetenttoshift.
Astheyhadgottenolder,Ian,alongwiththeirmotherandfather,thoughtitbestforKelseyto

shiftprivately.Shewasattheagewherekidsstartedtonoticethedifferencebetweenboysandgirls.

Ianpulledoffhisclothesandtossedthemintothefoldingchair.Hisshiftseepedoverhisskin

andhisbonesstartedtopop.Thefursizzledoverhisskinasitcoveredhisbodyandwhenheopened
hiseyesnext,hewasonallfours.Ianliftedhisfrontpawtorubathiseye.Thesunblareddownon
himandhefeltsweatbegintomattethefurtohisbody.

Kelsey let out a quiet yelp as she emerged from the tent. Where Ian was a dark brown wolf,

Kelseywasmoreblonde,withlightbrownstreaksinherfur.Ianletherleadandhefollowed.They
leaptoverdownedtreesandsmallcrevicesinthegrown.Itwasbeautifulouthere.Birdssanginthe
trees,thehumofcricketscarriedarelaxingmelodythatfollowedthemthroughoutthewoods.

IanslowedhispacewhenhenoticedthatKelseywaslaggingbehind.Shewaspantinghardand

shewasmakingawheezingsoundasshetriedtocatchherbreath.

Ianletoutasharpbarkthenmotionedwithhisheadbackthewaytheycame.Kelseyunderstood

andtheytrottedofftogether.Ianwalkedclosetohersideandcouldfeeltheheatcomingoffherbody.

“I’m going to run back to the car,” Ian said as he shifted back to his human form and got

dressed.“IthinkIhavesomeTylenolMomstashedintherebeforeweleftforcamp.”

“Ian, I’m fine.” Kelsey’s words were followed by a long stretch of hacking. “I don’t need any

medicineorastinkingdoctor.”

“Yeah,yousoundawesome.”Ianranahandoverherheadandsmiled.“Listen,kiddo,I’llgetthe

Tylenol and if this cough keeps up I’ll go and buy some cough medicine. No doctor unless we
absolutelyneedone,okay?”

“Fine.”Kelseyfloppedbackinherchair.“I’lljustwaithereandbebored.”
“Readabook,”Iansaidoverhisshoulderashestartedthejourneybacktohiscar.
WhenIanreturnedwiththemedicinehegaveonetablettoKelseythenstarteddinner.Afterthey

ate,theydidalittlestargazing,thenKelseyturnedin.Iancleaneduptheirdishesandmadealistof
whatitemstheywererunninglowon.Inafewdaystheywouldhavetomakeafoodrun.Therewas

nowayaroundthat.

IanhadfeltKelsey’sforeheadwhenhetuckedherinbutwithoutathermometeritwashardto

sayhowhighhertemperaturewas.He’dwatchedhergrowupandknewthesignsofwhenshewasn’t
feelingwell.Ifheweresmarthe’dgetupandtakehertoanurgentcareclinicrightthatminute,but
hisdad’swordsintheletterstillhauntedhim,they’llfindyou.Hedidn’tknowwhoorwhatthatmeant.
Allheknewishisdadwouldn’thavelefthimthatnoteifitweren’timportant.Iancouldn’triskputting
Kelsey in any more danger and the hospital would want personal information that Ian didn’t feel
comfortablegiving.

Oncehehadeverythingcleanedupandarranged,Ianwenttobed.Ashelaytherestaringatthe

ceilingofthetent,helistenedtoKelsey’sbreathing.Shehadn’tcoughedinanhoursohestartedto
feelbetter.Thatmaybewhatevershehadwasstartingtogoaway.Iandriftedofftothesoundofhis
sister ’sbreathing.

ChapterFour

Ianwokewithastartnotmorethananhourlater.Theharshgaspingsoundcomingfrombeside

him startled him awake. He rolled over and saw Kelsey shaking like a leaf beside him. Sweat had
causedherhairtosticktoherforeheadandshewaspaleasaghost.

“Oh my god, Kels.” Ian pushed out of his sleeping bag and crawled over to her. He felt her

foreheadandshewasburningup.Shehadthesleepingbagballedupinherlittlefist,tuckedunderher
chin.“Kelsey,wakeup.”Heshookherarm.Heletoutasighofreliefwhensheopenedhereyes.

“Ian,Idon’tfeelsogood.”Afitofcoughingtookaholdofherandherwholebodyshook.“I

wantMom.”

“I know squirt. I wish she was here, too.” Ian grabbed his shoes and tugged them on, not

botheringtounlacethemfirst.“Weneedtogetyoutoadoctor.”

“Idon’twan—”Kelseydidn’tgetthechancetofinishhersentenceasshestartedtocough.
IanunwrappedKelseyfromhersleepingbag.Sweathaddrenchedthefabric,makingituseless

inkeepingherwarm.Iantookhissleepingbagandtuckeditaroundher,thenhelpedheroutofthe
tent.KelseystartedtoprotestwhenIanwenttopickherup.

“Kels, you have to let me help you. I know you’re a tough kid, but sometimes we all need to

acceptalittlehelp.”Kelseywasverystrongwilled,butnowwasn’tthetimetoproveanythingtoIan.
Hejustneededtogethertoadoctor.

“Okay.”Kelseywentlimpinhisarmsashecarriedhertothecar.
Ianheldhertightashestartedtorun.Kelseyhadfallenasleepbutwouldwakeupwhenanew

roundofcoughingstartedup.Herteethclatteredtogetherfromshakingsohard.

A trickle of sweat made its way down Ian’s forehead as he ran along in the darkness. Fear

grippedathisheartandheprayedtothegodthathadallowedtheirparentstobekilledtohavemercy
onhislittlesister.Shewasallhehadleft.

FinallyhiscarcameintosightandIangentlyputKelseyinthefrontseat.Helaidtheseatback

andbuckledherin.Ianranaroundthefrontofthecarandgotin.KelseycurledintoaballasIansped
down the road. If a cop pulled him over now, he didn’t care as long as he got Kelsey the help she
needed.

ThedrivetoSilverCreektooktwentyminutes.ItwastheclosettowntoNehalemthatsportedall

thenecessitiesnotprovidedinthesmalltown.IanfoundhimselfhatingthisMichaelCarstenguy.How
comehehadtolivesofarawayfrommodernconveniencessuchasahospitalandagrocerystore?

Ian saw the lights of the hospital as he came into town. He pulled into the ER parking lot and

jumpedoutofhiscar.HeflungKelsey’sdooropenandpickedherup,barelyrememberingtoshut
thecardoor.

The sliding doors opened as he rushed forward. At the nurses’ station were two women and a

youngermaninscrubswithastethoscopearoundhisnecklaughingatsomething.Theyallstopped
talkingasheapproached.

“Ineedhelp,”heshouted.“Mysisterissick.”Tearsmingledwiththesweatdrippingdownhis

face.

Themanmusthaveseenthedesperationonhisfaceandjumpedintoaction.Heranaroundthe

counterandlaidagolden,tannedhandonherforehead.

“Deargod,she’sburningup.”ThemanbarkedoutorderstothenursenamedHolly,thenturned

backtoIan.“I’mDr.Watterson.Let’sgetyoursisterbackinexaminationroomone,okay?”

IannoddedhisheadashefollowedDr.Watterson.Themanhadgentleeyesthatwereasoftblue.

TheycomfortedIanandmadehimfeellikeeverythingwasgoingtobeokay.

****

Itwasjustanotherboringnightintheemergencyroom.Thereweretimesthattheyweresobusy

Will thought he’d pull his hair out, but not tonight. Tonight he sat on the front counter talking with
HollyandJanette,twoofhisfavoritenursestoworkwith.Thenightshiftscouldbequitetaxing,butif
heworkedalongsidepeoplewhowereniceandlikedtolaughandjokearound,evenbetter.Thehours
flewby.

Janettehadjusttoldaparticularlyfunnyjokewhenthefrontentrancedoorsslidopen.Ayoung

man who looked barely out of high school came rushing in, carrying a young girl. She was in a
restless sleep, shaking in his arms. The moment Will’s hand got close to her face he could feel the
waveofheatradiatingoffherbody.

“Howlonghasshebeenlikethis?”Willasked.
“Acoupleofdays.”Theyoungmanstoodontheothersideofthebedandheldthegirl’shand.

“Shehadthiscoughthenthisfeverstarted.”Asobbrokeloosefromtheman’smouth.“Ishouldhave
broughtherinsooner.”

“Hey,now,calmdown.”Willdidhisbesttorelievetheman’sguilt.“Sometimesacoughisjusta

cough.” He listened to her chest and didn’t hear any rattling sounds indicating she had pneumonia.
Hollytookthethermometerandranitalongtheyounggirl’sforeheaddowntobehindherear.She
showedhimthereading.“DoesshehaveanyallergiesIneedtoknowabout?”

“No.”Themanshookhishead.
“Okay,good.Weneedtostartsomefluidsandantibiotics.”WilltoldHollywhathewantedher

togetandshequicklyranofftodoasheordered.Theyneededtogetherfeverdown.

“Isshegoingtobeokay?”Theman,thegirl’sbrotherhepresumed,asked.
“Shehasafeverofonehundredandfour.There’snothingtoindicatethatshehaspneumoniabut

wewon’tknowforsureifthereissomeunderlyinginfectionuntilwerunsometests.”Theman’sface
went pale and Will quickly explained. “But first we want to get the fever down, then we’ll search
furtherintowhyshehassuchahighfever.Kidscatchallkindsofcolds.Itcouldbenothing,butit’s
bettertobesafethansorry.”

“Thankyou.”Themanlookedrelieved.
“Areyouherbrother?”WillaskedashesteppedoutofthewayforHollytosetuptheIV.
“Yes,sir.MynameisIanandthisisKelsey.”
“Ian, I’m Will Watterson.” Will picked up the blank chart Holly had brought in with her and

startedtomakesomenotes.“DoyoulivehereinSilverCreek?”

“No.”WhenIandidn’tofferanythingelse,Willlookedup.“Imeanwearecampingouthere.I

start college in the fall and our parents let me take Kelsey on one last camping trip before I start
school.”

“Soundsfun.”Willjotteddownanthernote.HollyhadstartedtheIVandalreadythelittlegirl’s

complexionlookedbetter.“Shouldyoucallthem?”

“Who?”Ianlookedconfused.
“Yourparents.”WilllookedovertoKelsey.“Toletthemknowyoursisterisinthehospital.”
“Oh,yeah.”Iancrossedhistremblingarmsoverhischest.“Ididonthewayhere.Theytrustme

andsaidtocallwhenIknowsomethingmore.”

“Okay.” Will walked back over to Kelsey and checked her vitals. “Ian, if you wouldn’t mind,

Hollyhassomepaperworkwe’llneedyoutofilloutforus.I’llstaywithKelseywhileyoudothat.”

“No!”IanwalkedaroundtotheothersideofthebedandlaidahandonKelsey’sshoulder.“I’m

notleavingher.Whateveryouneedmetofillout,I’lldoitinhere.”Ianhadastubbornsettohisjaw
thatsaidhewasn’tmovingamuscle.

WillglancedoveratHolly.Hollyshruggedthensaidshe’dgetthepaperworkreadyandbringit

inforIan.

“Youcanmovethechairclosertothebed.”Willpointedovertoit.
“Thanks.” Ian looked tired and he slumped into the chair but never took his hand away from

Kelsey.Thekidseemedtoreallycareforhissister.Itwasrefreshingtosee.

Willhadayoungerbrotherthatwasincollege.Theydidn’tgetalongwhentheywerekidsor

now. Seeing how Ian hovered over Kelsey like a bear stirred a longing in Will’s heart he hadn’t
knownhecouldexperience.

WillcheckedKelsey’stempagain.“That’samazingandalittleodd,”Willsaidashelookedat

thereadingonthethermometer.Heturneditoffthenonagaintomakesurethebatterywasn’trunning
low,thencheckeditagain.

“Whatisit?”Iansatupstraighterinhischair.
“Oh it’s nothing, just that her fever has already dropped two degrees.” Will had seen fast

healers,butthisgirlhadonlyjustarrived.

“That’s Kels.” Ian smiled down at his sister and combed her hair off her face. “Defies the

possibilities.”

BeforeWillcouldrespond,HollywalkedbackintotheroomandhandedIanthepaperworkhe

needed to fill out. Ian looked a little hesitant but took the clipboard. Will did one more check on
KelseythenorderedHollytodrawsomebloodtoruleoutanydangerousinfections.

Asifsomeonehadopenedthestartinggate,afloodofpatientscamebarrelingthroughthedoor.

A guy with a broken leg, a young pregnant woman suffering from an extreme case of morning
sickness,andacollegekidneedingstiches.

A few hours later, Will had stopped by to check on Kelsey. To his surprise he didn’t see her

brotherstandingguardatherside.Willpursedhislipsandturnedtowalkdownthehall.Hecouldn’t
explainwhyhecaredwhereIanhadgoneoffto,buthehadhopedtoseethemanagain.Asenseof
peaceandafairamountoflongingseemedtorunthroughhimwhenintheyoungerman’spresence.

Willturnedthecornerandransmackdabintotheobjectofhisdesire.
“Ohshit.”IanreachedbothhandsuptorestonWill’schest.AsparksizzledoverhisskinatIan’s

touch and the younger man looked at him with wide eyes as if he felt it, too. “I’m so sorry.” Ian
quicklydroppedhishandsandtookastepback.

“It’s quite all right. I am surprised to see you weren’t in your sister ’s room. Everything all

right?”

Ian’s mouth opened then shut then opened again. He looked nervous, but Will couldn’t

understandwhy.

“Iwentforawalk.”Ianshovedhishandsinhispockets.“Ijustfeelsohelplessrightnow.”
Willnoddedhisagreement.He’dseenplentyofotherpatients’familymembersdothesame.It

washardtositaroundandwaittolearnthefateofalovedoneandhospitalshadplentyoflongwide
hallwaystowanderaroundtooccupyaperson’stimewith.

Will leaned against the wall, bringing himself down to Ian’s eye level. He wasn’t much taller

than Ian, maybe a couple of inches, but the perfect height he liked when choosing a lover. Will

definitelyhadatypeandIanmeteverysinglequalificationtoaT.

Sonotgoingtohappen,Will.He’syourpatient’sbrother.Hell,youdon’tevenknowhowoldthe

kidis.

“Ian,howoldareyou?”Willfeltlikesmackinghimselfinthehead.Hewasshockedhe’dasked

that.Itwasn’twisetogetinvolvedwithhispatientsortheirfamilymembers.

“Eighteen.”Iansuckedtheleftsideofhislowerlipintohismouthandnibbledonit.
Will’s eyes lowered to the plump lip and bit down on his tongue to keep from letting out a

groan. Ian was stunning. His light brown hair hung in his eyes and his cheeks had a slight flush to
them.Thedeepblueofhiseyesseemedtosparklelikeglasswhenthelightreflectedoffit.Hehada
narrowjawline,withastraightnoseandalightsprinkleoffrecklesoverthedelicateskin.Iandidn’t
haveahuge,muscle-boundbodybutaniceleanone,likearunneroraswimmer.Helookedlikethe
typicalall-Americanboynextdoor.Gorgeous.

“Howoldareyou?”
ThesoundofIan’svoiceshookWilloutofthetranceIanhadhimunder.
“Twenty-six,”Willanswered.“Wayolderthanyou.”
“Nottoomucholder.”Ianloweredhiseyesthenglancedupthroughhiseyelashes.“Ageisjusta

number.”

Will’spalmsstartedtosweat.DidIanpickuponthefactthathewasgayandinterestedinhim?

No,notpossible.Willneededtotakeastepbackbeforesomethingstartedhecouldn’tstop.

“Well, eight years is a pretty big gap.” Will stood to his full height but didn’t move when Ian

tookasteptowardhim.

“Iturnnineteeninacoupleofmonths.Sotechnicallyit’sonlysevenyears.”Ianreachedoutand

ranhisfingeralongWill’sforearm.

Willwatchedasthethin,smoothfingerclimbeditswayuphisarm.Aburningdesirebrewedin

his stomach. He’d never felt such an instant attraction to another man before. Instant lust? Yes. But
nothinglikethis.Itwasalmostasifhe’dknownIanhiswholelife.

“Will,whatwouldyoudoifIkissedyou?”Iantookanotherstepcloseruntiltheystoodchestto

chest.

“Thisisn’tagoodidea,Ian.”Willsaidthewordsbutdidn’tmeanthem.Hispulsebeatsoloudhe

thoughthe’dbreakaneardrum.

“The best ideas never are,” Ian whispered against his mouth just before the soft brush of lips

connectedwithhis.

IanwoundhisarmsaroundWill’sneckandmoanedintothekissashistonguepressedagainst

theseamofWill’slips.Willstoodfrozenforaminutebeforehisbraingotonboardwithwhatwas
happening.HewrappedhisarmslowonIan’swaistandpulledhimcloser.Heopenedhismouthand
shoved his tongue deep into Ian’s, tasting every single nook and cranny. Ian tasted of coffee and a
spicinessWillcouldn’tplace.Whateveritwas,itdrovehimcrazywithneed.

Will turned them around and pressed Ian up against the wall. Ian let out a needy moan and

wrapped his left leg around Will’s hip. A hiss passed Will’s lips as their cocks lined up and pushed
alongsideone another. Ian’scock swelled againsthis and Will thoughthe’d cum inhis pants at any
second.

“Dr. Watterson, you’re needed in the ER.” The booming voice over the intercom had Will

jumpingbackfromIan.

Neverinhislifehadheeverreactedtoanothermanlikethat.Never.
“I’msorry.”Willbroughthishanduptohislips.Theswollenfleshburnedtothetouch.“Ididn’t

meanforthattohappen.”

“Don’tbesorry.”Iangavehimashysmile.Hepulledhisshirtouttocoverhistentingshorts.

“I’mnot.Youbettergo.They’rewaitingforyou.”

Ianstarteddownthehallbacktowardhissister ’sroomandWillwatchedtheswayofIan’stight

bubbledbuttwitheverystephetook.WhenIanwasoutofsighthelookeddownatthebulgeinhis
scrubpants.Thethinmaterialdidnothingtohidehiserection.

“Perfect.”WilldidhisbesttoadjusthiscockashemadehiswaybacktotheER.
Evenwhileheworkedonhisnextpatient,anelderlywomanwhohadbumpedherheadwhenshe

got up to use the restroom, Will’s thoughts kept drifting back to Ian. He shouldn’t have let Ian kiss
him,buthecouldn’tdenyitwasexactlywhathewanted.

AsWillgotbacktowork,hetriedtoshoveallthoughtsofIanandhissexylittlebodyinabox

inhisbrainandlockthemuptight.Butitwasn’tworking.Afterhisshift,he’dgocheckonKelseyand
onceagainapologizeforhisinappropriatebehavior.Itwastherightthingtodo.

AttheendofhisshiftWillcircledbacktowardKelsey’sroom.Thedoorwasshutsohelightly

knocked.Whennooneansweredheturnedtheknobandsteppedinside.

“Hello!”hecalledoutbutstillnoanswer.
Thefurtherhesteppedintotheroomhenoticedthebedwasempty.TheIVcordslaydripping

onthebed.

“No freaking way!” Will darted to the bathroom to see if they were in there but no such luck.

Theyweregone.“You’vegottobefuckingkiddingme.”Willwalkedclosertothebedandrestedhis
handsonhiships.

Layingonthenightstandwastheclipboard.Willsnatchedupandbegantoread.Whatshould

have been the patient’s full name, address and insurance information was line after line of “I’m so
sorry.”

Willcouldn’tbelievewhathewasseeing.Hispatientwasgone,plusthemanwhokissedhimto

thepointofstupidwasaswell.

“Oh hey.” Holly walked into the room. “I was getting ready to page you.” She looked at the

emptybed,aguiltyexpressiononherface.

“Wheredidtheygo?Andwhen?”Willtossedthepaperworkbackonthebed.
“I’m not sure, Dr. Watterson.” Holly wrung her hands together. “When I called to check on

Kelsey’slabsthetechsaidheneverreceivedthevialsofbloodsoIrecheckedmypocketsandatthe
nursesstationbutIcouldn’tfindthemanywhere.Imademywaybackheretogetanothersampleand
foundtheroomempty.I’msorry,Will.I’veneverhadapatientrunoutlikethisbefore.”

“It’sokay,Holly.Thisisafirstforme,too.”
Holly left the room and Will stood there staring at the empty chair Ian had sat in. He had a

sickeningsuspicionhewasthereasonthey’drun.HislewdbehaviortowardIan,evenifthemanhad
initiatedit,waswrong.Willhadbeenoutoflinetoengageinthekiss.Hisbaddecisionhadayoung
girltakenfromahospital.Hedidn’tknowifshewasstableenoughforthatbutIanmusthavebeenso
distraughtthatitwasachancehewaswillingtotake.

“Sonofabitch!”Willpunchedhishandintheair.HeprayedthatifKelseygotworse,Ianwould

bringherbackin.

ChapterFive

Afterleavingthehospital,Willheadedhome.Hewasexhausted,butheneededtoclearhismind

andalongruninthewoodssoundedlikeagreatidea.Itwasagoodwaytostretchhisachingmuscles
andhopefullyhe’drunfarenoughandlongenoughtoclearhismindofIan.WithimagesofIanand
thekisstheyhadsharedrunninglooseinhisbrain,he’dneverfallasleep.

Willpulledhiscarintohisgarageandgotout.Hegrabbedagranolabaroutofthecabinetashe

headedforhisroom.ThecurtainswerestilltightlydrawnshutandWillflippedonthelight.Hetook
offhisscrubpantsandthematchingtop.Diggingintheseconddrawerfromthetop,Willpulledouta
pairoflightweightrunningshortsandslippedthemon.Helefttheshirtheworeunderhisscrubtop
on.Ascrazyasitseemed,hecouldhaveswornhecouldsmellIan’ssweetscent.Withonelastsniffto
thecollarofhisshirt,Willsmiledandgotupandheadedbackouttohiscar.

Will had moved to Silver Creek a little over a year ago after his internship at Saint Bart’s

Medical Center in Manhattan had ended. Will had looked for a hospital to work at away from the
hustleandbustleofcitylife.AftergrowingupinNewYorkandattendingprivateschoolsupuntilhe
leftforcollege,Willfoundthatlifealittlestifling.Hewantedtobefreetomakehisowndecisions
andthatmeantmovingawayfromhisparentsandawayfromthelifehe’dgrownaccustomedto.

TheshiftinlifestylesfromManhattantoSilverCreekdidn’tbotherWilltoomuch.He’dgrown

tiredofhisoldlifeandwantedthingstojustslowdown.Hisparentslovedbeingonthegoandeating
dinner at eight o’clock at night, but that wasn’t Will. He wanted to find someone to love and settle
downwith,andkickhisfeetupattheendofthedaytowatchthesunsetwithhislover,notrushoffto
someBroadwayplayfollowedbydinnerandcocktails.

Willgotabottleofwaterfromthefridgeandgotbackintohiscar.He’dfoundtheperfectplace

torunrightafterhemovedtoSilverCreek.Alargeexpanseofwoodedareasurroundedthefaredges
oftown.Itmadethetownfeelsmalleventhoughitwasquitelarge.SilverCreekdidn’tcausethatall-
consuming suffocating feeling he’d sometimes get while in Manhattan. The air was fresh, and the
brightshadesofgreenthatpopulatedthetreesinthesummermonthsandsettledintogoldandredsin
thefallgavethetownacozyfeel.Willhadneverbeenhappieranyotherplaceintheworldashewas
here.

It only took Will about fifteen minutes to reach the outskirts of Silver Creek and pull into the

smallparkinglotsetasideforrunners,bikerriders,andthedailyhikers.Thelotwasemptybutthat
didn’t discourage Will from heading out. He slipped his iPhone in his armband and put in his ear
buds.Themusicblaredinhisearsashestretchedthentookoff.

Willtrottedupasmallhillandstayedonthepathbeatendownbyyearsofuse.Thesunhadrisen

overheadbutthefullnessofthetreesprovidedenoughoverhangtokeepthescaldingraysout.The
smellofdirtandwildflowersfannedoverhisfaceasheranalongthetrail.

Sweat ran from his face and down his back. His hair clung to his forehead and Will shoved it

back.Hismusclesgaveaslightscreamasheranupasteepincline,thenquicklyadjustedtogodown
theotherside.Willpumpedhisarmshardertopropelhimfasteralong.Asmilecurledhisupperlip
asheran.Heneverfeltasfreeashedidwhenrunning.

Ashecameonthetwo-milemarker,Willslowedhispacejustalittle.Thoughtsofbigblueeyes

andrubylipsflashedbehindhiseyelids.ThekisshesharedwithIantouchedhimmorethananyother
he’deverreceived,andhe’dhadplenty.WhileincollegeWillexperimentedandsowedhiswildoats,
as his mother would say. Will had liked to have fun and partake in the occasional hookup because,

betweenmedicalschoolandhisjobasanemergencyroomdoctor,therehadn’tbeenmuchtimefor
relationships.

But for some odd reason, when Will thought of Ian, everything seemed different. He couldn’t

puthisfingeronit,buthewantedmorefromIanthenjusttogetoff.WillwantedtogettoknowIan
and,mostofall,wantedtofigureoutwhythemantookofffromthehospitallikehehad.Willhadn’t
imagined it. Ian enjoyed their kiss and even seemed a little disappointed when Will had been called
away.

Will hopped over the large crease in the dirt path, veered to the left, and followed it along up

anotherincline.Asthesongsswitchedonhisplaylist,abriefmomentofsilencestretchedoutandin
thatinstantheheardit.

The deep growl of an animal came from behind him and Will slowed to a stop and turned

around.Alargeblackwolfhaditslipspulledback,snarlingathim.

“Take it easy there, guy.” Will held his hands up and slowly started walking backwards. He

didn’tknowwherehewasgoingtogo,butfromthewaythewolfstalkedclosertohim,Willknewhe
hadtogetaway.Buthow?Thewolfgrowled.“Shit,I’msorry.”Willtrippedonhisnextstepbackand
hisfootgotcaughtinadivotinthedirtpath.Hefelltohisassandcursedunderhisbreathashefelt
the tendons in his ankle strain. “Maybe you’re a girl.” Will hissed as he pushed himself up off the
ground.

Thewolf’steethhaddrooldrippingfromthesharpedgesasifthedamnbeastwassalivatingat

thethoughtofmaulinghimtodeath.

A sharp bark from behind the wolf drew Will’s attention. He squinted his eyes against the few

streamsofsunlightthatbrokethroughthetreestoseeanotherwolf,alargersizedonewithchestnut-
coloredfur.Thewaythiswolflookedathimwasalmostasifitweresmilingathim.Thewolftilted
itsheadandsniffedtheair,thenletoutahigh-pitchedhowl.

Willreachedforhisearsjustashewasknockedoverfromtheblackwolflungingathim.He

heldhishandsupinself-defenseandthewolfbitintohisforearm.Willscreamedandyankedonhis
armtofreeitfromtheanimal’smouthbutitonlyhadthewolfbitingintohisshoulder.Hetriedtouse
hishandstopushitoffhimbutthewolfwasheavierandalotlargerthanhehadoriginallythought.

Thebrownofthewolf’seyesswirledasifliquidasitsnarledandbitintoWill’sflesh.Theeyes

almosthadahumanqualitytothem,butthatwasabsurd.

Bloodranlikeariverdownhisnecktopuddleonthegroundbeneathhim.AllthefightinWill

drainedawayfromthelossofbloodandhisarmsfelllimptotheground.Thewolfcontinuedtobite
andtearathisskin,jerkinghisbodyupfromtheground.Hisvisiongrewspottyandashiseyelids
finallyshut,thelastthinghesawwasIan’sshysmileashepulledawayaftertheirkiss.

“Ian,”Willwhisperedrightbeforethelightsonhislifewentout.Hewantedtoshedatearfor

whatmighthavebeen,whichnowneverwouldbe.

****

The sound of voices pulled Will from his sleep. He wanted to shift to turn away from the

annoyingsoundbuttherightsideofhisbodyprotestedandhegruntedhisdispleasure.Asharp,dull
acheshotuphisrightarm.

Wolf!Attacked!Will’seyesshotopenandhegaspedforbreath.Hischestheavedupanddown

buthecouldn’tseemtogetenoughairintohislungs.

“Dr. Watterson, take it easy.” A tall blond man stood over him with a warm hand on his left

shoulder.“Don’twantyoutopulloutanyofyourstitches,orworse,hyperventilate.”

“What happened?” Will tried to sit up but a sharp sting in his neck pretested and he lay back

downonthepillowunderhishead.“Whoareyou?”

“My name is Phillip and this is Roderick.” Phillip nodded to another man Will hadn’t even

noticedsittinginachairontherightsideofhisbed.“Andwecametoaskyouafewquestions.”

“Questions?”Will’sheadspun.Hecouldn’tshaketheimageoftheblackwolfasittoreintohis

body.Evennow,heslouchedbackawayfromfear.He’dneverfeltsohelplessinallhislife.

AsWilllookedbetweenthetwomen,henoticedthewhitewallswiththethinbluestripeacross

themiddleandrealizedhewasinhishospital.Well,nothishospital,buttheoneheworkedfor,Silver
CreekMemorial.Atleasthewassomewherefamiliar.Buthowdidhegethere?

“Yeah.” Phillip sat in the chair beside his bed. “First off, do you remember what happened to

you?”

Willlookedawayfromthepryingeyesoftheothermenandstaredinfrontofhim.Heslowly

closedhiseyesandthewolf’ssnarlingfacelungedathim.

“Yes.”Willshookhishead,tryingtodislodgeallmemoryofthatrabidanimal.“Iwasattacked

byawolf.”Heswallowedaroundthelumpinhisthroatandtriedtoformhiswordssoastonotsound
likeacrazyperson.“Averylargewolf.”

“Howlarge?”TheonenamedRoderickasked.Themanhadadeadlylookinhiseyesashesat

forward.

“I’dsayifthewolfstoodonitshindlegs,itwouldbeatleastaheadtallerthanme.”Willlooked

down at his bandaged arm. “And its paws were ginormous.” He looked up at Roderick. “I’ve never
seenadogthatbigbefore.”

“Wolf,”Rodericksaidbluntly.“Itwasawolf,notadog.”
“Whateveritwas,itnearlykilledme,”Willsnapped.Wolf,dog,itdidn’tmatter.Itwaspartof

thecaninefamily.

“Yes, we are very sorry to hear that.” Phillip shot a hard look over at Roderick, then looked

backtohim.“Didanythingaboutthisanimalstickouttoyouasodd?”

Willthoughtaboutitandeverythingabouthisattackseemedodd.Ashereplayedtheeventsin

hishead,ashiverranoverhisskin.Theonethingthatstuckoutthemostbesidesthesheersizeofthe
animalwashowhumanlikethewolf’seyeswere.Theyseemedtohaveaclearclaritytothem.

“Its eyes.” Will used his left hand to wipe away the sweat beading up along his forehead. “It’s

goingtosoundcrazy,butthewolfhadhumanlikeeyes.AndatonepointIcouldswearitwassmiling
atme.Likeitwasgettingoffonmyfear.”Willsuckedinadeepbreath,tryingtoignorehowstupidhe
feltforsuggestingsuchathing.“Prettycrazy,huh?”

“Notascrazyasyoumightthink.”Roderickstoodup.“Wasthiswolfaloneorwastheremore

thanone?”

Hestartedtoshakehisheadno,thenherememberedthebrown-coloredwolfthatstayedsitting,

watching the entire attack. “There was another but it didn’t attack me. It just sat and watched as if it
wereenjoyingtheshow.”

RodericklookedovertoPhillip,thenRoderickstoodup.
“Thanks,Will.Ithinkwegotwhatweneeded.”Phillippattedhisknee.
“Wait!”Willshoutedasthemenheadedforthedoor.“Whoareyouguys?”Hecouldn’tbelieve

hehadn’tstartedwiththatquestion.

“Let’s just say we look into strange animal attacks,” Phillip answered, then he and Roderick

walkedoutthedoorwithoutanotherword.

Will’s heart was racing and his fingers trembled. Strange animal attacks? Will didn’t realize

therewasanorganizationdevotedtosuchacause,butanythingwaspossible.

ThedoortohisroomopenedupandHollysteppedinside.
“Howareyoudoing?”Shecameoverandcheckedhistemperature.
Willlookedatthesettingsunandhadhenotbeensittinginthisbedwithbitewounds,he,too,

wouldbeworking.“Oh,youknow,okay.BetterifIhadn’tbeenattackedbyafreakishlylargewolf.”

“That had to be a scary thing, Will. I can’t imagine.” She shook her head and sat down on the

edgeofhisbed.“You’reluckythoseotherjoggerscamealongwhentheydid.Youcouldhavebledto
deathoutthere.”

“Joggers?”
Hollyexplainedhowhe’dbeenfoundbyacouplerunningonthesametrailashim.Dr.Kinder,

theattendingERdoctoroncallwhenhewasbroughtin,saiditlookedasifWillhadbeenlayingout
thereunconsciousforafewhoursbeforehewasfound.Hecouldn’tunderstandwhythewolfhadn’t
killedhim.Theanimalcouldhaverippedhisthroatoutandmadeamealofhim.

“Hey,Holly,doyouknowwhothosemenwerethatcametovisitme?”Hestillwasn’tsoldon

thefactthesemenwerejustcheckinginonananimalattack.

“They work for the state. They look into animal attacks.” She shrugged. “At least that’s what

theircredentialssaid.Andpersonally,iftheytrackdownthewolfresponsiblethenIdon’tcarewhat
departmentofthecitytheyworkfor,aslongastheydisposeofthatbeast.”

Willhadtoagree.Healwaysknewthatthereweredangerousanimalslurkinginthewoods,but

intheyearandhalfsincehemovedtoSilverCreek,hehadn’tseenanythingmorethreateningthana
squirrelrunacrosshispath.

Hollyhadtogocheckonanotherpatientandpromisedtocomecheckonhimlaterandbring

himsomethingtoeat.

Once he was alone, Will tucked his right arm close to his chest and closed his eyes. Now that

silencefilledhisroom,WilllethiseyesdriftshutandonceagainvisionsofIan’swarmsmilechased
awaytheterrorfromtheattack.Willfellasleepwithasmileonhisface.

ChapterSix

Ianhatedhavingtoleavethehospitallikehehad,especiallyafterkissingWill.Thekisshadbeen

everythingIanhadpictureditwouldbe.Moistandwarm,justtherightamountoftongue.Willhada
gentlecaressbutIancouldfeelthebarelyharnessedstrengthbehindhislight,soothingtouches.

AfterthenursehaddrawnKelsey’sblood,Ianhadfollowedheroutoftheroom.Shestoppedto

talkwithanothernurse,thenwenttothelab.Ianlookedinsidethelabanddidn’tseeanyone.Itwaslate
atnight,sohethankedhisluckystars.Hetriedtheknobandtohissurpriseitwasunlocked.Hefound
the two vials of blood the nurse had taken on Kelsey and shoved them in his pocket. Ian breathed a
sighofreliefashetookoffdownthehall.

He started to mentally plan their escape. Kelsey’s fever had gone down and she was feeling

better.Thewolfpartofher,oncegivenmedicaltreatment,tookoverandherhumanhalfrecovered
quickly.

AsIancamearoundthecorner,heranrightintoWillWatterson.Hetriedtoignorehisattraction

totheothermanbuthehadtofacethefactthatWillwashismate.Itwasn’thowIanplannedtofindthe
love of his life, in a hospital, running from god only knew who, but it was the truth. Will was his
mate,forbetterorworse,andIancouldn’tdoathingtoclaimWill.

His parents had been murdered and Ian didn’t have a clue who to suspect. He had to do all he

could to keep Kelsey safe from this unknown threat and manage not to get himself killed in the
process.WhatkindoflifewouldthatbeforWilltoaskhimtogiveuphiscareerandhometocome
liveontherunwithhimandhiskidsister?

IandrovetothesecludedlocationtheyhadfirstfoundwhentheyarrivedinNehalemandparked

hiscar.HegotoutandwalkedaroundtoopenKelsey’sdoor.Herbrightblueeyesshinedupathim
andshehadahugesmileonherface.

“Whatareyousohappyabout?”Ianasked.
“Ohnothing.”KelseytriedtostandupbutIanputahandouttohalther.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Letmecarryyou.”Ianreachedouttoliftherbutsheswattedhishandsaway.
“I’mnotababy!”shesnapped.“Godgavemetwoperfectlyworkinglegsthankyouverymuch.

Icanwalkonmyown.”

“Kels.”Ianrolledhiseyes.Hewasexhaustedanddidn’tfeellikearguingwithher.“Youjustgot

outofthehospitalandIdon’twanttotakeanychances.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchestandher
jawclenchedasshegroundherteethtogether.Ianknewthiswasalosingbattle.“Howaboutapiggy
backride?”

Kelseynarrowedhereyes,thengaveaswiftnod.“Okay.That’llwork.”
Ian carried her through the woods, watching every step he took. The sun had yet to rise and

darknessshroudedthearea.InafewhoursthesunwouldbeblazingdownonthembutfornowIan
enjoyedtheslightchillintheair.

They’dbeenwalkingforafewminuteswhenheheardKelseygiggle.Hecouldfeeltherumbled

inherchestonhisback.Helookedoverhisshoulderather.

“What’ssofunny,squirt?”
“You like that doctor, don’t you?” She nudged him in the cheek with her hand. “I saw the way

youlookedathim.”

“Oh yeah? And here I thought you were asleep the whole time.” He shook his head in mock

disgust,teasingKelsey.

“Whatever.” Kelsey was silent for a few moments and Ian thought the conversation had been

dropped.“Youshouldgobackandtalktohim.”

“Ican’t,Kels,”Ianmumbled.“WeleftwithoutpayingthebillbecauseIcouldn’tputdownour

insuranceinfo.Ontopofthat,Ididsneakyououtofthehospitalandstoleyourbloodbackfromthe
nursewhotookit.I’mprettysureI’llneverseehimagain.”

“Youneverknowunlessyoutry.”Kelseysangthewordsout.“Surethecircumstancesaren’tthe

bestbutyoucan’tletyourmatego.Thatwouldbecrazy.”

Mate!Howdidsheknow?
“Ineversaidhewasmymate,Kels.”Hecoughedtoclearhisthroat.
“Youdidn’thaveto.”Kelseyshiftedonhisbackandtightenedherarmsaroundhisneck.“Isaw

thewayyoulookedatthehottiedoctor.Youaresosmitten.I’veneverseenyoulookatNathanlike
that.Itwasalmostdisgustingtowatch.”

Hehatedthatshewasright.Nathanhadjustbeenafriendwithbenefits,someonehecouldpass

thetimewith.ButwithWillhewantedmorethanjustaquickieblowjob.Hewantedtofeelthepassion
burningbetweenthem.WillprobablythoughthewasgoingcrazybeingattractedtoIanonlyafterjust
meetinghimbutIanhadtolethimgo,atleastfornow.

“My love life isn’t a top priority right now, Kels.” Ian stepped through the trees around the

clearingoftheircampsite.HesetKelseydownandbentdowntolookintohereyes.“Rightnowwe
needtogetsomerest,thenI’mgoingtohavegodownthereandfindMichaelCarsten.”Ianlooked
towardthehillthatleddowntothehouse.“Dadsaidhewasagoodguywhenheknewhim.Let’sjust
hopehestillis.”

Kelseynoddedherheadthenwalkedtothetent.Beforesheclimbedin,shecamebacktogive

himatighthugthathereturned.Iandidn’tknowwhathe’ddoifheeverlosther.Shewasallhehad
leftofhisfatherandtheonlythingthattiedhimtoKelly.

IanwaiteduntilKelseyzippedthetentflapshut,thentookafewstepsintothewoods.Hefished

thevialsofbloodoutofhispocketthenfoundarock.Hesetthesmallnarrowglasstubedown,then,
withafastswingofhisarm,smashedit.Hitafterhituntiltheglasscrumbledtodustandtheblood
seepedintotheground.

Ian dug a small hole and shoveled the remains of the vials into it and covered it with dirt. He

walkeddowntothesmallcreekandwashedhishandsoff.Thesunhadjuststarttopeakinthedistance
andIanstoodup.Heneededtogetsomerest.

Ashecrawledintohissleepingbagandclosedhiseyes,asmilelituphisfaceasvisionsofWill

Wattersondancedaroundhisbrain.

Ianwasn’tsurehowmuchtimehadpassedbuthewokeuptoKelseyshakinghisarm.
“Ian,wakeup,”shewhispered.“Something’soutthere.”
Iancametowithastart.Hecouldhearthefearinhertone.Heclimbedoutofhissleepingbag

andcrawledtowardtheentranceoftheirtent.

Instantlyhiswolfrushedtothesurface,sniffingtheair,andhisearstingledashelistened.Ian

hadtofightbacktheshiftasthesmelloftwodifferentwolvescreptunderhisnose.Fearandtheneed
toprotecthissisterhadalowgrowlbubblingupfromhischest.

“Ian?”
HelookedovertoseetearsfloodingKelsey’seyesandhelaidahandonherknee.“Stayinthe

tent,Kels,okay?IfanythinghappensI’llshoutforyoutorun,gotit?”

“I’mnotgoingtoleaveyou.”Tearsfellfromhereyesandshegrabbedhishand.
“Iknowyoudon’twantto.”Ianpulledherintoahugandkissedthetopofherhead.“ButifIsay

so,run.”

Iangaveheronelasttightsqueeze,thenreachedforthebaseballbathehadtuckedinbesidehis

sleeping bag. Slowly unfastening the zipper, he wiggled his way out, not wanting whoever was out
theretoseehissistersittinginside.Itwasafruitlesseffort,seeingastheywerewolvesandtheycould
scenther,butitmadehimfeelbetter.

Sittingrightacrossthefirepithe’dmadeweretwolargewolves.Toobigtobejustanaverage

wolf.ThelargerofthetwohadblondfurandsatwithitsheadtiltedtothesideasitsizedIanup.The
otherwasallblackandseemedtoberelaxed,itstonguelolledouttotheside.

“Wh–whatdoy–youwant?”Hehatedhowhisvoicecracked,butdamnifhewasn’tterrified.Not

forhimself,butforhissister.Heheldthebatupintheair.

TheblondoneletoutasharpbarkandIan’shandsshookasheheldthebathigher.Theblack

hairedwolfnudgedapawattheblondoneandshookhishead.Theblondonegrowledthenletouta
lightbarkasiftellingIantospeak.

“Idon’tmeananyharmandI’mnotheretohurtanyone,okay.”Iandartedhiseyesbetweenthe

wolves.“IwastoldbymyfathertofindthismanthatIthinkliveshere.Hesaidhe’dbeabletohelp
us.” Ian bit his tongue at the admission that he wasn’t alone. “Do either of you know a Michael
Carsten?”

Theblackwolf’sheadsnappedaroundtostareattheblondone.Theairaroundtheblondone

startedtoshimmerandthenextthingIanknew,amanstoodinfrontofhim.Averytallmanwithdark
blondhair.HiseyesboreintoIan’sandittookeverythingforIantoswallowaroundthefearbuilding
inhisthroat.

“MichaelCarstenwasmyfather,”themananswered.
“Was?”ThebatdroppedfromIan’shandsandpanicstartedtoblossominhischest.
“Hepassedawayclosetothirteenyearsago.Hunters.”
Iannoddedhisheadbuthewasn’tlistening.IfMichaelCarstenwasdeadthenwhowouldhelp

himandKelsey?Theyhadcomeallthiswayfornothing.

“My name’s Devon. I’m Michael’s oldest son.” Devon motioned to the black wolf. “This is

Josef.He’smybestfriend.”HelookedbacktoIan.“Andwhoareyouandwhyareyoulookingfor
myfather?”AsharpedgeslippedintoDevon’stone.

“My name is Ian Tanner. My dad, John, told me if anything were to happen to him to find

Michael.Thathe’dhelpme.”Ian’skneesstartedtowobbleandhedroppedtositontheground.

“JohnTanner,”Devonwhispered.Alookofrecognitioncrossedhisface.
“What happen to you father?” The wolf, Josef, had shifted and now squatted down in front of

Ian.

“Hewasmurderedandsowasmymother.”Ian’svoicehitchedandhecouldfeeltheburnofhot

tearsastheyrandownhischeek.“Wecamebackfromsummercamptofindthemdead.”

“We?”Josefasked.
“Ian.”KelseyshovedherwayoutofthetentandwrappedherselfaroundIan.Sheburiedherface

inhisneckandcried.

“This is my sister, Kelsey.” Ian rocked her from side to side as she sobbed, her whole body

shaking.“Wehadnowhereelsetogo.”

“Isthatyourcardownthehill?”Devonthumbedoverhisshoulder.
“Yes,sir,”Ianreplied.
“Okay,grabwhatyouneedandcomewithus.We’llhaveyoudriveusbacktothehouse.”
“You want us to come with you?” Ian stood up, clutching Kelsey in his arms. He didn’t know

thesemenanddidn’tknowifthiswasatrap.

“Yes,Ido.”Devonglancedaroundhimintothewoods.“It’snotsafeouthere,especiallyfora

younggirl.Wecantalkmoreaboutthisatthehouse.Let’sgo.”WhenIandidn’tmove,Devonheaved
out a heavy sigh. “Listen, kid, there was an attack and we believe it was by another pack of wolf
shifters.Hencewhyweweresearchingourproperty,andloandbehold,wefindyou.GrantedIdon’t
think you and your sister are responsible, but I’m not leaving you out here, so let’s go.” Ian didn’t
move,stillunsurewhattodo.“Look,kid,we’renotthebadguys.Ifwewantedtohurtyou,wewould
havedonesobynow.”Devonranahandthroughhisthickhair.“IfJohntrustedus,thenIthinkyou
shouldto.”

“Didyouknowhim?”IanhadafeelingthatDevondid.
“Idid.Nowlet’sgetamoveonit.”
“Comeon,Ian.”Kelseyclimbedoffhislap.
Ian followed Kelsey back into the tent and they stuffed their clothes in their bags and grabbed

theirpillows.DevonandJosefhadshiftedbacktowolfform,whichIanappreciated.Josefhungback
towalknexttoKelsey,hislargeheadconstantlyshiftingfromsidetoside.Iandidn’tknowaboutany
attackbutifthesetwomenwereonhighalertthenIandecideditwasbestforthemtogowithDevon.
Whatotheroptiondidhehave?

ChapterSeven

Once at his car, Devon shifted and got into the passenger seat. Ian got in the driver ’s seat and

Kelseyand,still-in-wolf-formJosefgotintheback.Devongavehimdirectionsandbeforetoolong,
Ianpulledupthelongdrivetoamassivehouse.Upcloseitwasbiggerthanheinitiallythoughtfrom
adistance.

“Here.”DevonopenedthefrontdoorandhelditopenforIanandKelsey.“Youtwohaveaseat

inherewhileIgoandputsomeclotheson.”

Ian stepped into an office-type room. He nodded his head and took a seat. Kelsey scooted her

chairclosertohimandreachedouttotakehishand.

“Doyouthinkthey’regoodguys?”Kelseyasked.She,too,turnedherheadfromsidetoside,

takingintheroom,probablylookingforaquickgetawayiftheyneededone.

“Ithinkso.”Ianshrugged.“Devonhadapoint.Iftheywantedtokilluswe’dbedeadrightnow.”

Thethoughtcausedachilltorippledownhisspine.

Afewminuteslater,Devon,Josef,andanothermanwalkedthroughthedoor.Devontookaseat

behindthelargedeskandJosefandtheothermanleanedagainstthesides.

“I’mAiden,bytheway,”themansaidasheheldouthishandfirsttohimthentoKelsey.
“Hi,”Iananswered.“I’mIanandthisisKelsey.”
“Nicetomeetbothofyou.”AidenlookedoverhisshoulderatDevon.Devonhadahardsetto

hisjawashestaredatIan.“Areyougoingtotalkorstarethepoorkidtodeath?”

“John was a friend of my father ’s. From what I understand, they grew up together. When my

fathermetmymother,theymovedawayandJohndidthesame.Ineverknewyourmother,Ian,butI
didknowyourdadmovedaroundquiteabit.Somuchsothatmydadlosttrackofhim.”

“Yeahwemovedaroundalot.”IanlookedoveratKelsey.“WhenhemetKelly,Kelsey’smom,

hefinallysloweddown.Wemovedacouplemoretimesthenfinallyaboutthreeyearsagowemoved
toRainwater,Ohioandputdownroots.”Ian’sthroatgrewtight.“Wewerehappythere.”

“Whathappened?”Aidenasked.
Ian quickly explained the scene he and Kelsey found when they returned from camp. Both

parentshadbeenshotandtheyburiedtheminthewoodsbehindtheirhouse.Ianconfessedtoburning
the house down, hiding any evidence, unsure who had killed his parents and if they were going to
comeafterhimandKelsey.

“The note my dad left said to find Michael Carsten and to not use any credit cards because

they’llfindus,”Ianfinishedhisstory.

“Who’sthey?”Josefasked.
“Idon’tknow.”IanlookedatDevon.“Iwashopingyourdadwouldknow.”
Devonrestedhiselbowsonhisdeskandsteeplehisfingers.“Here’sthething,Ian.Imetyour

fatheronceandI’mhavingahardtimewrappingmybrainaroundsomething.”

“What?” Ian shook his head. He didn’t understand what could be so hard to believe about his

situation.

“Didyouknowyourfather ’sfullname?”Devonasked.
“JohnSullivanTanner,”Iansaid,unsureofwherethiswasgoing.
“See,John’snamewasJohnTannerSullivan.MydadalwayscalledhimJT.SoIhavetowonder

whyyourdadchangedhisnameandhowcomeyoudidn’tknowthis.”

Kelsey’ssmallhandtightenedaroundhisandIanlookeddownatherwideeyes.Shewasjustas

confusedashe.

“Idon’thaveaclue.”Ianshookhishead.“MylastnameisTanner,that’sallIknow.”ButIanwas

starting to wonder what his dad had been running from all these years and why he’d changed his
name.Somethingwasn’taddingup.

“I believe you, but with your dad and mine gone, I guess John’s past will forever remain a

mystery.”Devoncrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Butthemostimportantthingiskeepingyouand
yoursistersafe.LikeIsaid,ithadbeenyearssincemyfatherhadheardfromyoursbeforehedied.
AndIwasonlyakidthelasttimeIsawJohn,butifhewantedyoutocomehere,hehadgoodreasons.
Youbotharewelcomedtostayhereandhopefullywecanfindsomeanswersintowhomurderedyour
parents.”

“I’ll have Roderick look into the case on their burned down house. I’m sure there’s an arson

report along with a missing person report on both of them.” Aiden motioned to Ian and Kelsey.
“Beingsasthey’reshiftersthiswillneedtobecoveredup.”

“Youcandothat?”Ianasked.
“Yep.” Aiden smiled at him. “Roderick is a hunter and I’m guessing you aren’t aware that

huntersandwolvesworktogethernow.”Ianshookhisheadno.“Welltheydoandwedon’tneedthe
policelookingforyoutwo.”HepointedafingeratIan,thenKelsey.

“Thankyou—”
“DidyouhearthatWillwasattacked?”Amanaskedashebargedthroughthedoor,interrupting

Ian.“PhillipjustcalledusandIcan’tfuckingbelieveit.”

“Holden,calmdown.”Devonheldupahand.“Yes,yourdoctorfriendwasattackedandwe’re

lookingintoit.Bestthingforyoutodoiskeepclosewatchonyourhouseandproperty.Wehaven’t
foundanycluesyet.”

ThewheelsinIan’sbrainstartedtoturn.HoldensaidWillwasattackedandDevonsaiddoctor

friend.Itcouldn’tbe.HadWillbeenhurt?Ian’sstoodtohisfeet.

“Is he okay?” Ian said, louder then he intended. Devon and Holden stopped talking to look at

him.“Isheallright?Ihavetoknow.”

“Hesufferedsomebitewoundsbutnothingthatwon’thealintime.”Devonstoodup.“Whyare

yousointerested?”

“He’sIan’smate,”KelseyansweredbeforeIancouldopenhismouth.
“What!”Allfourmenseemedtoaskinunison.
“Sorry.” Kelsey brought her legs up to her chest and hugged her arms around them, trying to

lookassmallaspossible.

Iandidn’tknowwhattosay.ThewholeWillbeinghismatething was new to him and up until

thatpointhehadfullintentionsofnotthinkingaboutitagain,butnowthatshiphadsailed.

“It’sokay,Kels.”Hepattedheronthehead.“Ijustfoundout.IhadtotakeKelseytothehospital.

ShehadafeverthatIcouldn’tg—”

“Fever?”DevonwalkedovertoKelseyandkneltinfrontofher.Hesniffedtheair,thenlooked

atIanwitharaisedeyebrow,clearlysayinghethoughtIanwasfullofshit.

“Yes, Kelsey is a wolf shifter but something in her DNA makes her human half susceptible to

human illness such as the stomach flu and the common cold. Once given meds, she heals pretty
quickly.”

“That’s fascinating,” Holden said as he stepped closer to them. “I’ve never heard of anything

likethisbefore.”

“Yeah,it’snotsocoolwhenit’syouit’shappeningto,”Kelseysnapped.“Mymomcouldonly

partiallyshift.Thewolfgeneweakenedoverthegenerationsbecausethewomenonmymom’sside
hadmarriedhumanmen.”

“Damn, someone’s a little touchy.” Holden smiled at Kelsey when she stuck her tongue out at

him.

“Ihatetointerrupt,butisWillreallyokay?”Ianasked.Hismindranthroughallthethingsthat

could have happened to Will and his fingers started to shake. If only he’d been with Will, he could
haveprotectedhim.

“Yeah, kid, he’s fine.” Holden rested a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “He’s being discharged later

todayifyouwanttogobyandseehim.”

Ian’seyewentaswideassaucersandhisAdam’sapplebobbedupanddown.“Idon’tknowif

that’ssuchagoodidea.”

“You’reafraidtotellhimyou’remates?”Devonarchedabrowathim.“Notreallyyourplaceto

makedecisionsforthegooddoctor,now,isit?”

“Devon,layoff.”AidenslappedahandonthebackofDevon’shead.”
“Damn,babe.”Devonrubbedathishead.“Where’sthelove?”
“Therewon’tbeanyloveifyoudon’tlayoffIan.”AidenturnedhisattentiontoIan.“Mates.”He

rolledhiseyes.“Can’tlivewiththemcan’tlivewithoutthem,yaknowwhatImean?”

“You’remates?”Ianasked.
“YepandI’mhumanaswellifyoucouldn’ttell.I’mnottellingyouwhattodo,butIdoknow

youcan’tmakeadecisionlikethisonyourown.It’sWill’schoice,too.”

****

After a late lunch, Ian found himself the guest at Holden and his human mate Ethan’s house.

KelseyhadtakenalikingtoHoldenandthetwogotalonglike,Ianhatedtosayit,butlikebrotherand
sister.Ianfeltasmallbitofjealousy,butheknewthatnomatterwhat,Kelseystilllikedhimthemost.

DevonhadagreedtoletIanandKelseystaywithHoldenandpromised,assoonastheyfound

out who attacked Will, to look into Ian’s parents’ murders. That relieved Ian somewhat. It wouldn’t
bringhismomanddadback,butit’dgivehimandKelseysomeclosure.

“Youknow,Ian,”Ethansaidastheystoodside-by-side,cleaningupthedinnerdishes.“Icancall

oreven give youWill’s address. Youcould go and checkon him.” Ethanshrugged. “If you wanted
to.”

IanstaredoutthekitchenwindowandwatchedasHolden,Kelsey,andHolden’snephewCarson

swaminthein-groundpoolinthebackyard.KelseyletoutalaughasHoldentossedhertowardthe
deep end. Ian liked seeing his sister smile again. He didn’t want their parents’ death to make her
becomeahardenedperson.Shelovedsoeasilyandmadefriendsatthedropofahat.Hedidn’twant
hertochangefromthatsweetlovinggirltoafrightenedshellofaperson,alwayslookingoverher
shoulder.

If he pursued Will, would that be what became of him as well? Would Will be forced to

constantlybeonhighalertthatsomeonemightwanttokillhim?Iandidn’tknowandhadnoideawhat
washappeninginhislife.AllhehadwerethewordshisfatherhadleftinaletterandwhatDevonhad
said.

HeknewDevonhadapointaboutallthemovingheandhisfatherhaddone.Ianwasn’tsurewhy

they jumped from town to town or why his father had changed his last name. It seemed so unreal.
WithoutknowingallthedetailsofwhatthisthreattowardhimandKelseywas,itdidn’tseemrightto

dragWillintoanyofthis.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea, Ethan.” Ian rinsed off the pan he’d just washed and

handedittoEthantodry.

IanhadlearnedthatEthanhadmetWillwhenhetreatedhimafterEthanhadbeenhitbyacar.

ThathadbeenoverayearagoandEthanandHoldenstillstayedincontactwiththedoctor.Ethansung
hispraisesallthroughoutdinner.SomuchsothatIan’sdefensesslowlystartedtomeltandhewanted
tobegtohaveWill’saddress,butthenrealitysettledbackinandIanknewitwouldbewrongtoallow
Willtobecomeavictimyetagain.

IancouldfeelEthanstaringathim.HeglancedoutofthecornerofhiseyeandEthanhadone

eyesquintedandwaschewingonthesideofhischeek.Helookedtobethinkingaboutsomething.

“Howoldareyou?”Ethanasked.
“Herewego.”Ianthrewthedishraghehadbeenusingintothesink,sendingsudsflyingintothe

air.HetoweledoffhishandsthenturnedtofaceEthan.“I’meighteenand,yes,IknowI’myoungbutit
doesn’t change the fact that I do care for Will.” Ian crossed his arms over his chest, letting his
fingernails dig into the sides of his chest where his hands lay tucked under his armpits. “I’m just
scaredtodraghimintowhateverisafterKelseyandme.It’snotfairtohim.”

“Ihavenodoubtyou’rematureenoughtoknowwhatyouwant,andIthinkit’sveryconsiderate

of you to take into account Will’s well being in all this.” Ethan shifted to lean against the counter.
“ThereasonIaskedyouragewasn’ttodemeanyouinanyway.Iwasjustthinkinghowwonderfulit
mustbetohavefoundyoursoulmateatsuchayoungage.”Ethanblewoutabreathandagrincurled
his upper lip. “Granted, Holden and I aren’t old, but I’d give anything to have just that much more
timetospendwithhim.Itmustbenicetohavethatoptionlaidoutbeforeyou.”

Ian sunk back against the kitchen counter. Ethan got him there. Wouldn’t it be selfish to let all

this time he could be spending with Will go to waste? Sure he had issues to deal with, but so did
everyoneelse.Maybewhoeverhadkilledtheirparentsdidn’tknowwhereIanandKelseywere,and
just maybe Devon’s friend Roderick could find whoever it was that killed them. It could happen.
EverythingcouldworkoutforthebestandIan,Will,andKelseycouldliveanormallife.

But what if it doesn’t go as planned?Ian choked out a breath. What if Will dies all because of

you?Iangaspedforbreath.Hefeltlikehewashyperventilating.

“Hey,now,it’sokay,Ian.”Ethansteppedtowardhim,pulledhimintoagentlehug,andrubbed

his hand up and down Ian’s back. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I do know you
don’t have to go through this alone. You have us and the Carsten family here to help, but you also
haveWill.”

IantriedtopushEthanawaybutfinallyrelentedandwrappedhisarmsaroundEthan’swaistand

criedintohischest.Hehatedtoshowweaknessbutthelastfewdayshadstartedtotaketheirtollon
him.Hewasscaredanddidn’tknowwhattodo.

“ButwhatifWillgetshurtbecauseofme?”IantightenedhisfistinthematerialofEthan’sshirt.
“Igetthat,Ireallydo,butwhatifsomethingweretohappentoyou,Ian?”Ethanpulledbacka

littletolookintoIan’sredswolleneyes.“HowdoyouthinkWillwouldfeel?”Iantriedtoopenhis
mouthtorespondbutcouldn’tformasingleword.“Willmightjustbeahuman,butletmetellyou
frommyexperience,beingjustamerehumanandall.”Ethanchuckled.“Westillfeelthatpulltoour
wolf mates. It’s an unbreakable bond that goes both ways, Ian. Just because you’re a wolf doesn’t
meanyou’retheonlyoneitaffects.Will’sprobablylosinghismindovernotknowingwhereyouare.
It’s hard for us as humans to understand, but deep down we recognize the love that is there. Don’t
cheatWilloutofthatlove.”

“I’m just so damn scared, Ethan.” Ian swiped his hands under his eyes. “I’m scared for Will,

scaredforKelsey,andafraidIwon’tbeabletoprotectthem.”Itwasaheavyburdentocarry,butthere
itwas.Ian’sfearswerelaidoutinfrontofhimforEthantopickapart.

“That’sthegreatthingaboutbeingpartofapack,Ian.”EthancuppedthesidesofIan’sheadand

gave him a little jostling shake. “You’re never alone. I don’t know what your father was running
from,butheknewthatifsomethingweretohappentohim,hewantedyoutocomehere.Asafeplace
whereyou’dhaveplentyofpeopleatyourbacktohelpyou.That’swhatapackis.”

“Iseverythingokayinhere?”Holdenaskedashecamethroughthebackdoor.
“Yep,”EthansaidwithoutturningtolookatHolden.“Ianwasjusttellingmehowhe’sgoingto

gocheckonWill.Isn’tthatright,Ian?”

ThegleaminEthan’swarmbrowneyesheldnoroomforhimtoargue,andIandidn’twantto.

HedesperatelywantedtoseeWillandmakesurehewasokay.Ithadonlybeenadaysincehe’dseen
Willlast,butitfeltlikealifetimeago.

“Yes,thatisifyouguysdon’tmindwatchingKelseyforalittlebit?”
“Noworries.”EthanusheredIanoutofthekitchentowardthefrontdoor.“She’sinsafehands

here,don’tyouworryaboutathing.”EthanwalkedIanoutthefrontdoor.HeheardHoldenlaughing
asthedoorshutbehindthem.“Here.”EthantossedIanasetofkeys.“Takemycar.”

Iancaughtthekeysintheairthenturnedtolookatthedarkgraymetalliccar.Itwaswaynicer

thanhisHondaAccordandmoreexpensive.“Ican’tdrivethis.”IantossedthekeysbackatEthanwho
justcaughtthemandthrewthembackatIan.

“Yes, you can.” Ethan opened the driver ’s side door. “Will’s address is already programmed

intotheGPS.”

“ButwhatifIgetaspeedingticket,orworse,inacaraccident?”
“You’llbefine.Justbreatheandrelax.”IanallowedEthantoshovehimintothedriver ’sseat.
Ian’s hands shook as he put the key into the ignition. The soft hum of the car helped ease his

nerves. He then looked down at his clothes. Ian had showered once he got to Ethan and Holden’s
houseandonlyhadonaT-shirtandapairofloosefittingknitshorts.Hetuggedonthehemofhis
shirt,debatingwhetherornottogoandchange.

“Youlookgreat,nowquitstalling.”Ethansmiledathim.“Willhasmynumbersocallifyou’re

goingtobelate.”

HenoddedhisheadashewatchedEthanwalkbackuptheporchsteps.Ethanwavedhishandat

Iantogetmoving.Ianputthecarintoreversethenturnedaroundandputitintodrive.Hedrovedown
thedrivewayandlistenedastheelectronicvoiceontheGPStoldhimtoturnright.

The drive to Silver Creek only felt like it took five minutes, even though Ian had purposely

drivenwayunderthespeedlimit.He’dneverbeensonervousbefore.Allthewhatifsranrampantin
hisbrain.WhatifWillrefusedtolethimin?WhatifWillfreakedoutanddidn’twanttobethemateto
awolfshifter?WhatifWilldidn’twanttobewithhim?

Ian pulled up in front of a cute little ranch-style home. The outside of the house had been

constructedofbrown-andgray-coloredbricksandcream-coloredtrimaroundthewindowsandthe
frontdoor.Theblindstothelargebaywindowinthefrontofthehousewereclosed.

He sat there for a good five minutes before he got out of the car. Ian hit the lock and slowly

made his way up the front steps. The walkway had flower beds going up either side. The smell of
freshflowersswamintheair.

Ianfinallyreachedthedoorandstoodtherestaringatitasifhethoughtitwouldsomehowblow

upandsendhimflyingbackonhisassifheknocked.Afterafewdeepbreaths,Ianraisedhishand

andknockedonthedoor.Whatdidhehavetobeafraidof?

ChapterEight

ThehospitalhadfinallyagreedtodischargeWillalittleafterseventhatevening.Willwasn’tthe

mostcooperativepatientandDr.Kinderwasmorethanhappytolethimgohome.

Holly had been allowed to take off long enough to drive Will home. He’d been given a

prescription for the pain and it recommended he not drive while taking the medicine. She got him
settledinthenlefttoreturntothehospital.

Will made sure the doors were all locked then headed to his bedroom and went straight in to

startabath.It’dtakenoverfiftystitchestopiecetogetherhisarmandabouttwentyonhisupperright
shoulder.Thatwastheworstofhiswounds.Everythingelsewasjustsuperficial,afewscrapesand
bruises.

SteamfloatedupoffthewaterandWilltookoffhisclothesandstuckhistoein.Hehissedouta

breathasthescaldingheatburnedhistoe.Slowlyheeasedintothetubandproppedhisrightarmup
ontheside.Willclosedhiseyesandletthewarmtheasehistiredmuscles.

Oncethewaterstartedtocooldown,Willgotoutofthetubandwrappedaplastictrashbagover

hisarm.CoveringhisshoulderwastrickybutWillwantedtotakeashower.Heremovedtheoverhead
shower nozzle and soaped up, which was hard to do left handed when he was right handed. It took
sometime,butWillfinallyfeltclean.

After he toweled off, he put on a pair of loose-fitting pajama bottoms and grabbed his

comforteroffhisbedtogoandlayonthecouch.Hewasn’treadytogotosleepandheknewifhe
crawledintohiscomfybed,thatwasexactlywhatwouldhappen.

Will had just gotten comfortable when he heard a knock on the front door. He glanced at the

clockandwonderedwho’dbestoppingbythislateatnight.

Willrolledoffthecouch,beingmindfulofhisrightarm,andheadedforthedoor.Helooked

through the peephole and couldn’t believe his eyes. As fast as he could, he turned the deadbolt and
pulledopenthedoor.

“Ian?” he asked in disbelief. Will thought he’d never see the man again. So many emotions

rippledthroughhistiredbody.

“Hey, Will.” Ian stood on his front porch. His lower lip was caught between his teeth and his

handswerejammedintohispockets.“MindifIcomein?”

WillopenedthedoorwiderandsteppedbacktoletIaninside.Whenhedidn’tmakeamoveto

gofurtherintothehouse,Willshutandlockedthedoorandledtheway.Heballeduphiscomforter
andtosseditinthesidechair,leavingtheonlyoptionforIantositnexttohimonthecouch.

HeshouldbemadandcallthepoliceonIanforditchinghishospitalbillandtakinghissisterout

of his care before she’d been properly discharged, but Will couldn’t seem to hold on to his anger.
RelieffloodedhischestatseeingIan’spaleblueeyes.AmancouldgetlostinthoseeyesandWillfelt
himselffallingjustalittlemorefortheyoungerman.

“Doesithurt?”
“Huh?”WilljerkedbackatthesoundofIan’svoiceandbumpedhisarmagainstthecouch.“Son

ofabitch.”Hehissedashisarmburnedwherethestitcheswere.

“Iguessthatanswersmyquestion.”IanhesitantlystretchedoutahandandtookholdofWill’s

fingers.Thetouchwassoftandgentle.

Will propped a pillow under his arm and adjusted his wrist so he could hold Ian’s hand more

firmly.Hestareddownattheirclaspedhands.Ian’sskinwassosmoothandsoft.Hisfingernailswere

trimmed short and clean. Will could spend all night gazing over every inch of Ian’s body, but he
neededsomeanswersfirst.

“Howdidyoufindme?”Willasked.
“Ethangavemeyouraddress.”AtWill’sblankstare,Ianelaborated.“EthanCompton.”
“YouknowEthan?”Willthoughtthatseemedquitethecoincidence.
“Yes.MysisterandIarestayingwithhimandhispartner,Holden.”
“Oh,that’sgood.EthanandHoldenaregoodpeople.How’sKelseyfeeling?”
“She’sreallygood,thankstoyou.”IanpulledhishandfreeofWill’sandscootedtotheedgeof

thecouch,thenrestedhiselbowsonhiskneesandlethisfacedropinhishands.

“Ian,what’sthematter?”WillwantedtogotohimbutwithhisrightsidefacingIan,itmadeit

difficulttotouchhimwithouthurtinghisarm,sohetriedtocalmIandownwithhiswords.“Didyou
comeheretoapologizeforleavingthehospitallikeyoudid?Ifyoudid,don’tworryaboutthat.Ican
takecareofit.”

“It’s not that,” Ian said in a low voice. After a few seconds, Ian turned back to Will. The rims

aroundhiseyeswereredandhelookedclosetotears.

“Thenwhatisit?”WillsobadlywantedtopullIanintohisarmsandkisshisworriesaway.He

wastooyoungtohavethathaggardlookonhisface.Theareabetweenhiseyebrowswascreasedand
pulleduptight.

“I was so scared when I heard you’d been hurt.” Ian wiped away the one tear that got away. “I

didn’tknowwhatI’ddoifIlostyou.”IanwenttohiskneesandmovedbetweenWill’slegstohughim
aroundthewaist.“IonlyjustfoundyouandIalmostletyouslipaway.”

Will laid his left arm over Ian’s back and rubbed in small circles between his shoulders. He

couldfeelthewetnessdripfromIan’seyesandrundownhisbarestomach.Ian’sbodyshookashe
cried.WillwasflatteredthatIancaredsomuchabouthimbuthefounditoddIanwouldreactinsuch
awayseeingastheyjustmetadayago.

But you feel the same away about him. Will’s brow pinched in thought. He did feel a strong

connectiontoIanandhadbeenhurttofindthemangonewhenhe’dgonebacktocheckonhimand
hissister.Butwhy?Willwasn’tsomelove-struckteenager.Buthecouldn’tdenyhowbadlyhewanted
Ian. To touch, to kiss, and to spend every minute of available time with him. Will knew it sounded
crazybuthewantedtogettoknowIanmorethanjustasanacquaintance.

“Shh,it’sokay,Ian.I’mnotgoinganywhere.Ipromise.”Willbentforwardandkissedthetopof

Ian’shead.HebreathedinthefreshcleanscentofhisshampooandWillfelthisbodyjolttolife.His
cocktwitchedandhewantedtocursethethinpajamapantshewaswearing.Iftheycarriedonlikethis,
IanwouldsoonfeeljusthowmuchWillwantedhim.

“ButyoumightnotonceItellyouwhatIcameheretosay.”Iansatupandusedhisshouldersto

wipeawayhistears.

“Idoubtit,sweetness.”WillranhisleftthumbunderIan’srighteye.
Iansatbackonhisheelsandleanedhisbackagainstthecoffeetable.Hiseyesweretintedpink

fromcryingbuthismouthwassetinathinline.Willdidn’tlikethislookfromIan.Heseemedtoo
serious.

“Ihavetoaskyouthis.”Iantookadeepbreath.“Whenyouwereattackedbythosewolvestoday,

didyounoticeanythingoddaboutit?”

Will sat back, a little surprised by Ian’s question. “Yeah, it was really big.” Will lifted his left

handuptothesideofhisface.“Anditseyeswerehumanlike.Theyhadaclaritytothem,almostasif
thewolfunderstoodeverythingIsaidtoit.Itwasalittlefreakytobehonestwithyou.”Evennowhe

foundhimselfwantingtowraphisarmsaroundhisbodytoprotecthimselffromanattack.

“There’s a reason for that.” Ian’s hands were balled up on his thighs and Will watched as his

knucklesturnedabrightwhitefromtheforce.“Itwasn’tjustanordinarywolf.”Ianlookedupathim.

“Whatdoyoumean?”IanhadWill’sfullattentionnow.He’dbeenthinkingabouttheattackand

the wolf that did it. Will thought it must be some sort of mutated type of wolf because dear lord,
wolvesdidn’tgetthatbig.

“Itwasawolfshifter,”Iansaidrealslow.“Partmanpartwolf.”
“No fucking way!” Will’s mouth hung open. Sure he knew something was off about that wolf

andthosemenwhocametoseehiminthehospital.Itallmadealittlemoresincenow.“Iknewit.”
Willsmackedhishanddownonthearmrestofthecouch.

“Youdid?”Ian’seyebrowsarcheduptohishairlineandhedidn’tlookconvinced.
“Wellnotthatwerewolveswerearealthingbutthatwolfwasn’tjustyourrun-of-the-millwolf.

ItdidseemalmosthumanlikeandnowIknowwhy.”Itwascrazy,Willknewit,butstillitmadesense,
sortof.

“Ican’tbelieveyou’retakingthissowell.”IanreachedoutandtouchedWill’sknee.
“Probably because it proves I’m not a fucking lunatic. I know what I saw and that wolf was

different.”Willrelaxedbackonthecouch,lettinghisheadfallback.

“You’rereactingbettertothisthanIexpected.”
Will nodded his head but kept his eyes shut. “I’ve spent more years in school than I cared to

reliveandstudiedthehumanbodyandknowitinsideandout.Sosure,thisshouldn’tmakesense,butI
knowwhatIsaw.”

“CanItellyousomethingelse?”IanaskedandWillwavedforhimtospititout.Nothingelse

couldshockhimnow.“I’mone,too.”

Exceptforthat.
Willsatupsofasthefeltdizzy.Theroomspunaroundhimandheraisedhishandtohisheadto

stoptheworldfromspinningaroundandaround.“Excuseme?Canyourepeatthat?”Itshockedhim
to hear the man he was attracted to was a dog half the time, but it didn’t disgust him. He still had
strongfeelingstowardIanandthefactthathecouldturnintoawolfdidn’tdiscouragehimatallfrom
wantingIan.

“I’m a wolf shifter and so is my sister. That’s the reason we left the hospital like we did. We

couldn’tletyoudiscoveroursecret.”

“So there’s more like you that live here in Silver Creek?” Ian nodded his head. Will started

compilingalistofpotentialwerewolfmenandwomensilentlyinhisbrain.Itcouldbeanybody.

“Will,I’mtrustingyouwithoursecret.NotmanyhumansknowaboutmykindbutIamtelling

you.”

“Why?”Willasked.“Whydidyouwantmetoknow?”Iandidn’thavetosharehissecretwith

Will,buthehad.ItmadeWillwonderwhattheyoungermanwantedfromhim.

AfteralongpauseIanfinallysaid,“Becauseyou’remymate.”
“I’myourwhat?”HebarelyheardwhatIanhadsaidbutitsoundedlikemate.
Ianmovedeversoslowlyforward.HismovementsseemedsofluidasheglidedclosertoWill

as if floating on air, or stalking his prey. Will shook that thought from his head. Ian wouldn’t hurt
him.Hecouldn’tsayhowheknewthat,hejustdid.

“You’remymate.”IanranhisfingersalongWill’sinnerthighs,upthegroovesofhisabs,then

acrosshischest,grazinghisnipples.“Amateisthatonespecialpersonthatcompletesoursoul.Once
wefindthatperson,westaywiththem.Protectandlovethemuntilourlastbreath.”Ianleanedforward

andpressedhislipstothecenterofWill’schest.“Andyouarethatpersonforme,Will.”

Whatcouldhesaytothat?Willfoundhimselfatalossforwordsatthemoment.ThebombIan

droppedaboutbeingawerewolf,andthattheyweresoulmates,shovedallrationalthoughtfromhis
brain.Heshouldbefreakingout,butinanoddwayhewasrelievedbecausenowheknewthisman
wastiedtohimlikeabuttononastring.

“Please,saysomething?”IanaskedwhenWillremainedsilent.
WillsatupandcuppedthesideofIan’sfacewithhislefthand.“SothismatethingmeansIgetto

keepyou,right?”

“Onlyifyouwantto.”
“Then there’s nothing left to be said.” Will closed the small distance between them and kissed

Ian’smouth.

Thesoft,supplelipspartedasWillpressedhistongueforward,demandingentrance.Ianranhis

nails down Will’s sides and caused him to squirm a little in his seat and he deepened the kiss. He
suckedandnippedatIan’smouthandcursedhisbandagedarm.HewantedtoholdIanwithbotharms
anddraghimintohislap.

“Thisalmostseemstoogoodtobetrue,”IanwhisperedagainstWill’slips.
“Don’tquestionit.”WillbitatIan’sfullbottomlip.“Justkeepkissingme.”
IanletoutadeepgrowlthenshiftedtorainkissesalongWill’sjawline.Willtiltedhisheadto

theside,givingIanfullaccesstowhateverhewanted.

ThelittlevoiceinWill’sbrainwasscreamingforhimtothinkrealisticallyaboutallthis.Toask

questionsbeforeleapingoffthecliffintotheunknown,unabletoreturn.ButWillignoredit.Forthe
firsttimeinhislife,hefeltwhatitmeanttoloveanotherpersonsocompletelyandwithoutquestion.
Willthoughtlovelikethisonlyexistedinthemovies,make-believefairytaleschildrenweretoldas
bedtimestories,butonly,forWill,ithadcometrue.

IanlickedatraildownWill’sneckandlightlypushedonhisshouldersuntilWillrestedhisback

againstthecouch.InthispositionWill’scockstoodup,stretchingthefabrictightoverhishardened
shaft. Ian didn’t say anything, just kept teasing little kisses down his chest. He stopped to flick his
tongueover Will’s rightnipple. The tightbud pebbled almost painfullyas Ian tuggedon it with his
teeth.Willarchedhishipsupoffthecouch,tryingtogetfrictiononhiscock.

“Relax,Will,”Iansaidinasoft,eventone,alittlebreathless.“Justenjoyit,okay.”
Will nodded his head as he met Ian’s eyes. His breath got caught in his throat at the glowing

quality that lit up his lover ’s eyes. He’d never seen such a bright blue. It reminded him of waves
crashingintotheshore,threateningtopullhimbackouttosea.

IanmovedtotortureWill’sleftnipple,leavinghimpantingformore.Willworkedthefingers

ofhislefthandthroughIan’ssoft,satinyhairandurgedhimtogolower.FinallyIangotthepointand
kissedandlickeddownhisstomach.IanstoppedtoswirlhistonguearoundWill’snavel,thenusedhis
fingerstotickletheskinrightabovethewaistbandofhispants.Aftersuckingupamarkalonghiship
bone,IanpattedWill’ssideforhimtoliftupsohecouldpulldownhispants.

“Icouldlookatyouforever.”IanwrappedhiswarmfingersaroundWill’sthicklength.
“Ihopeyoudomorethanjustlook.”WillwinkedatIan.Hethenranhisfingerdownthesideof

Ian’scheektotracearoundhismouth.IanturnedhisheadtosuckWill’sfingerbetweenhislips.He
felt the moan vibrate from Ian’s mouth as he sucked and pulled on the single finger. Will’s cock
twitchedatthethoughtofhavingthosesweetlipswrappedaroundhim.

Asifreadinghismind,IanpulledoffWill’sfingerandmovedtoliftWill’sdicktohismouth

and sucked around the crown. His tongue tickled Will as he licked the circumference of the flared

head.WilllosthisbreathasIanstartedtomovehisheadupanddown,takinghimfurtherwitheach
pass.StarsflashedbehindhiseyesasIanstartedtofondlehisballs.Thedualsensationshadhisback
goingstiffandhiscockpulsing,preparingforrelease.

IanmovedhisheaddownlowerandswallowedaroundWill’slengthandhisfingerstuggedat

Will’sballs.ThatwasallittooktosendWilltumblingovertheedgeofsweetrelief.Hecamewith
Ian’s name on his lips. Will’s hips jerked forward as he emptied his cream down Ian’s throat. Ian
greedilydrankhisjuicesdown.

Once every last drop had been sucked from his body, Will slumped against the couch. Ian

continuedtolickhimclean.WhenhewasdoneIanlaidhisheadonWill’sthighandranafingertipup
anddownWill’ssofteningcock.

WillcombedhisfingersthroughIan’shair,movingitsohecouldgazeintoIan’seyes.“Come

uphere.”WilltuggedonthesilkystrandstogetIanmoving.

IanstoodupandpositionedhimselfoverWill’slap.WillusedhishandonthebackofIan’shead

toguidehimdownforaslow,sensualkissthatallowedhimtotastehiscumonIan’slips.

AhappysighpassedhislipsasWillpulledbackfromIan.Thefeelingofbeingcompleteseeped

intohisbones.

Ian shifted closer and his hardened cock nudged Will in the stomach. Will couldn’t wait to

explore all of Ian’s fit body, but more than anything he wanted to make love to him. To feel every
rippleandtugasIan’sbodyacceptedWillinsidehim.

“Would you like me to take care of that for you?” Will brushed the back of his hand over the

thickbulgeinIan’spants.

Iansatupandthesmileonhisfacewassowidehisbright,whiteteethnearlyglowedinthedim

lightening.“Iwouldloveyouto.”Iansuckedthesideofhislowerlipintohismouthandnibbledonit.

“Whatisit,sweetness?”WillputhishandonIan’shipandgavehimalittleshake.“Tellmewhat

youneedandI’llgiveittoyou.”

“Iwantyoutomakelovetome.”

ChapterNine

Ian nearly swallowed his tongue when Will answered the door in nothing but a pair of loose-

fittingpajamabottomsthatweredamnnearseethrough.Hishairlookedtobedamp,asifhehadjust
gottenoutoftheshower.ThefreshscentofhissoaphitIanlikeawave.Droolpooledinhismouthas
helethiseyeseatupeverysingleinchofexposedskin.Willstoodafewinchestallerthanhimand
hadbroadshouldersandathinwaistwithnarrowhips.Helookedlikeamodelinamagazine.Oneof
the black-and-white photographs that seemed to capture the perfect angle of the model’s face. That
waswhatWilllookedliketoIanrightnow.

The rose-colored nipples drew Ian’s attention and he couldn’t lift his eyes to meet Will’s. Ian

knew they needed to talk, but more than anything he wanted to get his hands and mouth on Will’s
body.

ButthesightofWill’sbandagearmhitIanlikeabucketofcoldwater.Willhadbeenattacked

earlierthatdayandafterIantoldhimthetruthandthathe,too,wasawolfshifter,Willmightnotcare
toseehimagainandIanwouldn’tblamehim.

Thank god he had been wrong, Ian thought as Will led him down the darkened hallway to his

bedroom. Ian’s cock ached for release after getting his first taste of Will. His cum had tasted sweet
andtangyandIanwouldn’tmindhavinganothertasteofhissexymate.

Once in Will’s room, Will turned to face him. Ian didn’t say a word, just stepped into Will’s

personalspaceandwoundhisarmslowonWill’ships,lettinghishandsdroplowertosqueezeWill’s
firmasscheeksineachhand.IannuzzledtheskinrightunderWill’sleftear,breathinginhisscent.

Will’s right arm hung loose at his side and his left hand had sneaked up to grab at Ian’s hair,

pullinghimcloser.TheslightstingofthepullmadeIanhungerforWill’skiss.Ianliftedhischinand
Willgavehimwhathewanted.

The kiss was hard and demanding and Ian gave himself over to the sensation. Teeth bumped

againstteethaseachmantriedtotakecontrol.Ianwassoturnedonhethoughthemightcuminhis
shortswithoutbeingtouched.

“Bed,now,”Willgrittedout.HetookastepbackfromIanandusedhisonegoodhandtoshove

his pants down. “Fuck!” He cursed when he went for the sides of Ian’s shorts, forgetting about his
rightarm.

“Here, let me do it.” Ian’s eyes dropped to take in Will’s cock as it stood up toward his navel

fromathatchofwell-trimmedhair.

Willlookedlikehewantedtoarguebutsoonnoddedhisheadandclimbedonthebed.AsIan

removedfirsthisshoesthenhisshirtandshorts,hewatchedasWillleanedtowardhisnightstandto
pulloutamedium-sizedtubeoflubeandacondom.

“We don’t need that,” Ian said as he crawled up the bed to straddle Will’s thighs. The light

layeringofhairtickledattheundersideofIan’sasscheeks.

“Youmightbeavirgin,butI’mnot,”Willanswered,asifthatsettledeverything.
Ianwantedtolaughandhadtobitehisliptokeepfromdoingjustthat.Willthoughthewasa

virgin.IanhadnewsforWill.Avirgincouldn’tsuckdickasgoodashim.

“Uh, I’m not a virgin.” Will narrowed his eyes at Ian as if he were upset by that small

confession. “The thing is, me being a wolf shifter means I can’t catch any human diseases.” Ian
reachedforthesmallfoilpackageandhelditup.“Sowedon’tneedtousethisunlessyoureallywant
to.”

WillreachedforIan’swristandtuggedhimdowntohischest.HeslantedhismouthoverIan’s

and kissed him hard. Will plunged his tongue deep into Ian’s mouth and Ian sucked on the smooth
musclelikehehaddonetoWill’sdick.

“Wehavesomethingstotalkaboutwhenwe’refinishedhere,”Willsaidashereleasedhishold

onIanandtossedthelubeupathim.“Iwantyoutogetyourselfreadyforme.”Willmadeacircle
motionwithhisfinger.“TurnaroundsoIcanwatch.”

AflushcreptupIan’sneckasheturnedaround.Heflippedopenthecapandpouredthecoolgel

intohishand.IanwidenedhisthighsoverWill’shipsandleanedforward.Hereacheddownbetween
his legs and painted the lube over his entrance. Ian lightly pressed on his tight bud, then slowly
workedafingerinsidehim.Hegaspedattheinvasion.Hischannelwastightandgrippedathisfinger
as he pushed further inside. He wasn’t a virgin, but it had been awhile since he’d bottomed and he
couldn’twaittohaveeverybitofWill’ssevenandahalfinchesburieddeepinsidehim.

Ian pulled out his finger, then added another. He fucked his fingers and his moans seemed to

bounceoffthewalls.Ianjerkedandlosthisrhythmwhenanotherfingerslippedinbesidehisown.He
lookedoverhisshouldertoseeWillstaringathisasswithhisleftarmstretchedouttowardhim.Ian
angledhishipsandscootedclosertoWilltomakeiteasierforhimtoreach.

“Oh,god,Will.”IangroanedandhisheadfellbackonhisshouldersasWillcurledhisfinger

forwardtoprodathissweetspot.

“Turnaround,sweetness.”WillpulledhisfingeroutofIan’sass.
Ian turned around on the bed and grabbed the lube. He drizzled it along the length of Will’s

cock,thensmeareditinwithhishand.Will’sbodytensedasIanslowlyjackedhislengthupanddown.

“Come on, sweetness.” Will pushed Ian’s hand away. “Let’s go for a ride,” he said in a low,

gravellyvoice.

IanreachedbetweenthemtoholdWill’sthickcockupward.Heslowlyloweredhisassuntilthe

blunt tip tapped at his back door. Ian took a deep breath and sat deeper onto the smooth rod that
demandedentranceintohisbody.

WillusedhislefthandtoguideIandown,squeezinghissidesohardIanknewthere’dbebruises

theretomorrow.Ianheldhisbreathashepresseddownandthefatheadforcedhissmallslittoopen.
Will held still as Ian gasped for breath. After the initial burn wore off Ian started to move up then
down,workingtheslickcockdeeperintohisbody.

Thesharpintakesofbreathandloudmoaningfilledtheroom.Ianworkedhisassupanddown

on Will with each stroke. Pain bled into pleasure as Ian rode Will’s cock. He gasped for breath,
feelinglikehejustcouldn’tgetenough.Theflared,mushroom-shapedheadgrazedoverhisprostate
asWillthrusthishipsupoffthebed.Ianfellforward,restinghishandsoneithersideofWill’shead.
Willsatupandkissedhimhard.

As his orgasm built all sounds seemed to go silent in his head. All he could hear was the

poundingofhisheart.

“Oh,fuck,Ian.”Willgrunted,hisfacepinchedtight.“You’resotight.I’mgettingclose.”
Iandidn’tstophismovements.Heraisedhisassupandthenwentdownhard,takingWilleven

deeper. They moved perfectly together. As Ian would come down Will would push upward, pulling
groansfrombothofthem.

ThefeelofWill’shandonhisthrobbingcockhadIanshoutinguptotheceiling.Hisballsdrew

uptight,hardlikestonesgettingreadytoshoothisjizzalloverWill’shand.

“Harder,Will,”Iancriedout.“Harder!”hedemandedinahigh-pitchedhowl.
WillranthepalmofhishandoverthetipofIan’sdick,usinghisownjuicestoeasetheupand

downglide.Ianclenchedhiseyestightasanelectricsparkpulsedfromthebaseofhiscockoutthe
top.RopeafterropeofcumslashedoverWill’sbody.HisassmusclesrippledoverWill’sstraining
lengthandwithonemorehardupwardthrustWillcamedeepinsideIan’sslickchannel.

IancollapsedontopofWill,tuckinghisfaceintothespacewhereWill’sneckandshouldermet.

Hekissedthesweatyflesh,takingeverythingin.Thesmells,thetaste,thewayWill’shandsfeltonhis
body.ItwasamomentIanwouldneverforget.

When their breathing slowed down and went back to normal Ian rolled off of Will. Will’s

softeningcockslidouteasily.IancouldfeelWill’scumleakfromhisstretchedholebuthelaidonhis
side,innorushtowipeitaway.ItmadehimfeelwarminsideknowingthathenotonlyhadWillto
holdinhisarmsbutthathealsohadpartofWilldeepinsidehisbody.

Ian traced his fingertips over Will’s chest through the light matting of chest hair that grew

betweenhispecs.Thegigglehe’dbeenholdingbackslippedout.

“What?”Willshiftedtolookathim,lettinghisbandagedarmlayonhiship.
“Notbadforavirgin,huh?”Ianchuckled.“Ican’tbelieveyouthoughtthat.Whatvirginsucks

cocklikethat?”

“Yes, the blow job was fantastic but what was I supposed to think?” Will asked. “You’re only

eighteenyearsold,forheaven’ssake.”

“Timesaredifferentfromwhenyougrewup.Kidsoftodayliketoexperiment.”
“Areyoucallingmeold?”Willraisedaneyebrowathim.
“Well,let’sfaceit.”Ianrolledtolieonhisbackandputhisarmsbehindhishead.Oncehegot

comfortable,heglancedoveratWill.“Youareolder,”heteased.

“Old?”Ianwasn’texpectingitwhenWillpouncedontopofhim.WillnudgedIan’slegsapart

andIangaspedasWill’shardcockpressedinsidehim.“I’llshowyouold.”

IanwrappedhisarmsaroundWill’sneckandhislegsoverhiships.Theymadeloveagain,only

thistimeslowandsweet,untiltheywerebothleftpanting.Will’sbodystilledoverhisandashefilled
Ian’s hole up with another warm load of his cum, the pulsing sent Ian over the edge and he came
withouteventouchinghimself.Itwasafirstforhim.Theypriedthemselvesapartandsnuggledunder
thecovers.

“I’mgladyoucametoSilverCreek,”WillsaidashecombedhisfingersthroughIan’shair.“I

guessIshouldask.Howlongareyouherefor?WontyourparentsbeexpectingyouandKelseyback
home?”

Ian sat up and looked down into Will’s eyes. “They’re dead.” The high of making love to his

mate drifted away after he spoke those words. “That’s why Kelsey and I are here. We came to
Nehalemlookingforhelpfromthepackthere.Ourparentsweremurdered.”

“Ohmygod,Ian.”Willpulledhimcloserandkissedhischeeksthenhislips.“Doyouknowby

who?Arethepoliceinvolved?”

“We’re shifters, Will. We can’t really involve the authorities.” Ian wrapped his arms around

Will’sneck,takingcomfortfromhismate.“ButHoldenandEthan’sfriendsaregoingtohelpus.”

“That’sgoodbutalsoknowI’mhereforyou.Anythingyouneed,don’thesitatetoask.”
IanshiftedtogetabetterlookatWill’shandsomeface.“HowdidIgetsoluckytofindyou?”
“Webothgotlucky,Ian.”WillslantedhislipsoverIan’sandIanlethimkisshimdeeply.
Itdidn’ttakelongbeforeIanfellasleeptothehypnoticsoundsofWill’sbreathing.Hisstrong

armlayoverIan’swaistandIandriftedoff.Hefeltsafeandcaredfor.Aftertheeventsoverthepast
fewdaysIanwasn’tsurehe’deverfeellikethisagain.Likehewasn’taloneintheworld.

****

“What didn’t you understand about calling me if you were going to be late coming home?”

EthanlecturedIanandWillassoonastheysteppedthroughthefrontdoor.

“Ethan, it’s all my fault,” Will said, taking the blame for Ian not calling the previous night. “I

tied him to the bed and told him I’d tickle him until he passed out if he moved a muscle.” Will
shrugged.“Asyoucansee,itcouldn’tbehelped.”

“Smartass,”Ethangrumbledashewalkedtowardthekitchen.IanandWillfollowedbehindhim.
“Where’sKelsey?”Ianaskedasheheadedforthedoor.Willcouldheartheworryinhislover ’s

tone.KelseywasIan’soneweakness.

“Oh, she’s over at Carson’s house.” Holden stood up from the table and put his dishes in the

sink. “Carson and Kamden called just after breakfast asking if she could play. They all seem to be
gettingalongreallywell.”

“Oh,okay.”IansatintheseatWillpulledoutforhim.“It’sgoodthatshe’smakingfriends.”
“Dude,whatareyoustaringat?”HoldennarrowedhiseyesatWill.
Willtiltedhisheadfromsidetoside,bitingbackhissmile.“IguessI’mnotallthatsurprised

really.”WillpointedafingeratHolden.“You’reoverlyhairy,yougrowlwaymorethananaverage
persondoes,andyoukindofsmelllikeadog.”Willscruncheduphisnose.

“Fuckyou!”Holdenthrewthedishtowelhe’dbeenusingtodryhishandsatWill’shead.“And

I’mawolf,notadog,youjackass.”

WillstartedtolaughandreachedforIan’shand,holdingitinhislap.Eversincethey’dwoken

uphecouldn’tkeephishandsorhislipsoffIan.Helikedknowinghewasalwaysclose.

“Youseemtobetakingthisallprettywell.”EthanhandedWill,thenIan,acupofcoffee.
“WhatchoicedoIhave?”Willtookasipofhiscoffee,thensetthecupdown.“ThemanIwant

to be with is a wolf shifter.” He looked over at Ian, who nodded his head. Saying wolf shifter just
soundedfunny.Willpreferredthetermwerewolf.Madehimthinkofthathotactorwhoportrayeda
werewolf in the movie Twilight. “Plus I was attacked by one.” He held up his arm. “There’s no
denying what I saw. That wolf wasn’t normal by any means. The way it looked at me was as if it
enjoyedscaringme.”

After they woke up, made love again, then showered, Ian had explained more about the wolf

shiftingworldtoWill.Helearnedthatshifterswerebornandthatabitefromonewouldnotturnhim
intoawolf.Thattherewereothertypesofshiftersandtherewerehunterswhohuntedshiftersdown
andkilledthem.ButIansaidthathadchangedsome.Somehunterswereworkingwiththedifferent
speciesofshifterstoprotectnotjusthumansbutothershiftersaswell.ItboggledWill’smindbutit
madesense.Theworldatlargewasn’treadytodiscoverthatthethingsthatfrightenedtheminbooks
andonTVwerereal.

“Yeah,” Holden sighed. “We haven’t had any leads on the wolf that attacked you, Will.” He

rubbed his hand under his chin. “We haven’t had any wolf attacks in or around Nehalem, so this is
newterritoryforus.It’salittledisturbingthatanotherpackmightbemovinginonourland.”

“Thatisalittlescary.”WilltightenedhisgriponIan’shand.
Everyoneseemedtonodtheirheadsinsilentagreement.Ifthatwolfthatattackedhimwasstill

ontheloosethentheyallshouldbeworried.

ChapterTen

“Hello,ladies!”WilllookeduptoseeSkylerwalkthroughthebackdoor.
Skyler was one of Carson’s dads. Skyler ’s mate was Carson’s biological father and they lived

not far from Holden and Ethan. They shared the same property. Will had met Skyler on a few
occasions.Theguyseemedtoalwaysbeinagoodmoodandhadamouthonhimthatwouldmakea
sailorblush.

“Hey,Sky,what’sgoingon?”Holdenstooduptohugtheman.
“Thekidswerebustingballsaboutwantingtogoswimming.”Skylerrolledhiseyesasifitput

himout,buteveryoneknewhe’ddoanythingforhisson.SkylerploppeddowninthechairHolden
hadvacatedanddidadoubletakeasifhejustnoticedIanandWillsittingthere.“Soyoumustbethe
bigbrotherMs.Kelseykeepsgushingabout.”SkylerreachedouthishandandIanshookit.“Ohand,
Will,alwaysapleasure.”

“Skyler,nicetoseeyouaswell.”Willwavedathim.
“Iheardabouttheattack.”Skylerpointedtohisbandage-coveredarm.“Hesuregotyougood.”
“I’lllive,”Willsaid,andwatchedasIanturnedaway.Willhatedthathisloverfeltguiltyabout

theattack.He’dexplainedtoIanthattherewasnothinghecouldhavedonetopreventit.Shithappened
whethertheylikeditornot.ButIansaidthatsinceWillwashismateheshouldhavebeenwatching
over him. Will gently pointed out that if he was watching him then who would have been watching
overKelsey?ThatquietedIanup.

WillliftedhishandtorestonIan’sneckandmassagedtheknottedmuscles.Ianleanedintohis

touchandreachedovertoresthiswarmhandonWill’sthigh.

“Ah,howsweetisthat?”Skylerclappedhishandstogether.“Kelseytoldmethatyoutwowere

matesbutthatyouhadn’tmanneduptotellWillyet.”SkylergaveIanapointedlook.Hiseyesroamed
over Ian’s face and Will felt Ian fidget in his chair. “Damn but you are young. Will, it looks like
you’rerobbingthecradlewiththisone.”

Holdensputteredwateralloverthecounterashechokedonhislaugher.EthannudgedSkylerin

thearm.

“What?”Skyleraskedlookingallinnocent.“AllI’msayingishelookslikeababy.”
“I’m eighteen.” Ian’s face had gone bright red. “I’ll be nineteen in two months, so there’s

nothingillegalaboutusbeingtogether.”

“Oh, baby, I wasn’t implying that at all.” Skyler patted Ian’s hand. “I’m just fucking with the

gooddoctorhere.He’salittleuptightattimesandheneedsagoodkickintheasstodislodgethat
crowbarhe’sgotstuckinthere.”SkylerwinkedatWill.

“Just because I wouldn’t write you a prescription for Viagra doesn’t mean I’m a stick in the

mud.Itwouldhavebeenunethical.”

“Viagra?”Holdenasked.“You’reashifter,Sky,itwouldn’thaveworkedonyou.”
“Yeah,Iknow!”Skylerrolledhiseyes.“ButitwouldhaveonNoah.Icouldhaveslippedalittle

intohisfoodandbam,sexytimeforme.”Skylerwaggledhiseyebrows.

“You’rescaryattimes.Youknowthat?”Holdenshookhisheadbutcouldn’thidethesmileon

hisface.

“I’mgoingtogosayhitoKelsey.”IanstoodupandpausedashebentovertogiveWillakiss.

WilltuggedonthefrontofIan’sshirt,bringinghisfacedowntohis,andkissedhimonthelips,then
lethimgo.HewatchedasIanslippedoutthebackdoor.

“You’resoinlovewithhim.”Skylersangthewordsout.
Willdidn’tsayanythingashewatchedasIanranupbehindKelseyandscaredher.Thelittlegirl

spunaroundandjumpedintoherbrother ’sarms.Therewassomuchlovebetweenthemand,justlike
forIan,WillwoulddoanythingtokeepKelseysafe.Afterlearningabouthercondition,Willmadea
promisetoIanthathe’dtreatanyillnessKelseycontracted.Ithadtobehardonthelittlegirltobea
shifteryetstillbesusceptibletohumanillness.

“SowhatifIam?”WilltorehiseyesfromIanandhadabriefmomentofshockthathehadjust

admittedthatoutloud.

Thephoneonthekitchenwallrang,breakingthemomentofsilencethatstretchedoutbetween

thefourofthem.

Ethancoughedtoclearhisthroat.“I’llgrabthat.”
“Iknowitseemssuddenbut,fuck!”Willbroughthisleftelbowuptorestonthetableandsunk

his fingers into his hair. “I can’t picture my life without him or how I’d managed this long without
having him by my side.” He sat up and looked between Holden and Skyler ’s knowing eyes. “Is that
normaloramIjustlosingmymind?”

“Nah,it’snormal.”Skylerwavedoffhisconcern.“It’sloveatfirstsight,baby.Nomatterhow

hardyoutrytorunfromit,youcan’tescapeit.JustaskEthan.”

Justthen,Ethancamebackintothekitchen.Hisskinhadgonepaleandhiseyesseemedglassy.
“Eth,what’sthematter?”Holdenjumpedfromthechairandrantohismate.
“Thatwastheadoptionagency.Ourdaughterisbeingborntoday.Hermotherwasjustbrought

intothehospitalinlabor.”

“Really!”HoldenhuggedEthan.
“CalvinsaidtohoponthenextplantoNewYork.We’remeetingourlittlegirltonight.”
“You guys are adopting a baby?” Skyler hopped out of his chair. “Why didn’t you say

anything?”

“Wedidn’twanttogetanyone’shopesup,”HoldenexplainedashemovedtoEthan’sside,his

armthrownoverhisshoulders.“Itcouldhavetakenyearsbutwepassedalltherequiredtestsandmet
withasocialworker.Trustus,wearejustassurprisedasyou.”

“That’samazing,guys.”WillstoodupandofferedEthanthenHoldenhishand.“I’mtrulyhappy

foryouboth.”

“I’mgoingtobeanuncle.”Skylerclappedhishandstohischest.Will,Ethan,andHoldengave

Skyler a funny look. “Just because we aren’t blood relatives doesn’t change the fact that we are
brothers.Dumbass,”Skylersaidunderhisbreath.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” Holden pulled Skyler into a hug and kissed the top of his

head.

While Ethan made flight reservations, Holden proceeded to pack their bags, and Skyler went

outsidetowatchthekids.

“Weshouldn’tbegonelong,”Holdensaidashetossedclothesintothesuitcase.“Doyouthink

you’llbeallright,Ian?Ifnot,youcanstayoverattheCarstenhouse.They’dlovetohaveyou.”

“Oryoucanstaywithme.”Willhadremainedsilentashestoodleaningagainstthedoor.“OrI

canstayherewithyouguys.I’mstillonleaveuntilmyarmgetsbettersoit’snotaproblemifyou
wantmetostay,orifyoudon’tIunderstand.”

“IthinkI’dlikeyoutostay.”IanturnedtolookatHolden.“IsitokaywithyouguysifWillstays

withKelsandI?”

“Sure.” Holden nodded his head. He stopped in motion as he opened a dresser drawer. “Just

don’thavesexinmybed,okay?”

Ian’sfaceflushedwithheatandWillchuckled.
“Ithinkwecanmanagetoavoidthat,”WillreassuredHolden.
An hour later Holden and Ethan were pulling out of the garage and heading down the road.

Ethan left his car for Ian to use and made sure both Ian and Will had all the emergency contact
numbers.

“Howexcitingisthat?”Iansaidinawistfultone.“They’rehavingababy.”
“Yeah,thathastobeprettyexciting.”WilltookholdofIan’shandandledhimbackuptheporch

steps.“Doyoueverthinkaboutthat?”

“Havingkids?”Ianasked,andWillnoddedhishead.Ianletoutaheavysigh.“Maybesomeday.

RightnowIwanttofocusoncollegeandgettingKelseyraisedbeforeIpilemoreontomyplate.”

“Makessense,butsomeday,yeah?”Willhadneverreallythoughtaboutkidsbefore.Heworked

longhoursandtobehonest,helivedforhisjob.ButeversinceIanwalkedintohislife,everythinghe
thought he knew and wanted changed. He’d love to have a little girl or boy that had Ian’s pale blue
eyesandlightbrownhair.

“Definitely.”IanloopedhisarmsaroundWill’sneckandkissedhimonthelips.
JustasthekissstartedtodeepenSkylerpokedhisheadoutthedoor.
“DoIneedtorunandgetthehose?”
“Skyler,”WillgrumbledasIansteppedoutofhisembrace.
“I’mjustmessingwithyou.ButIhavetorun.Calebcalledandhe’spickingKamdenupwithin

thehourandIneedtogetdinnerstarted.Kelsey’sstilloutbythepool.”Skylershookhishead.“That
stubbornlittlethingistryingtodoadoublesomersault-typeflipintheair.Shesaidshewon’tstop
untilshegetsit.”

“We’llgocheckonher.”WillheldouthisgoodhandtoSkyler.“Thanksforinvitinghertoplay

today.”

“Ohmygod.”SkylerlaughedasheshookWill’shand.“Yousoundjustlikeaparent.”
Before Will could respond, Skyler leaped off the top porch step and opened the door for the

boysstandingbesideit.HestoodstalkstillashewatchedSkylerdriveaway.

“He’sright,yaknow.”IanbumpedhisshoulderintoWill’s.“Youtotallysoundedlikeadadjust

aminuteago.”

The realization gave Will a moment of pause. His first initial response was to panic, but that

quicklyfaded.KelseywasIan’ssisterandIanwashismate.ThatwordstillfeltforeigntoWillbuthe
understooditsmeaning.AndwiththelovehefeltforIanalsoexpandedtoincludeKelsey.

“Let’ssaybrotherandnotparent.”WillgaveIanapeckonthelips.“I’mnotoldenoughtobe

herdad.”

“Whateveryousay,daddy.”IandartedthroughthedoorasWillreachedforhim.
TheyfoundKelseyoutonthedivingboard.She’dgetmidwaythroughthesecondrollthenfall

intothewater.Heryoungfacewasscrunchedupinangerasshesmackedherhandagainstthesurface.

“Whycan’tIgetit?”
“Firstoff,you’retryingtoohard,andsecond,you’renotjumpinghighenoughintheair.”Will

walkedovertotheedgeofthepool,kickedoffhisshoesandsatdown,loweringhisfeetintothecool
water.

“Iam?”KelseylookedfromWilltothedivingboard.
“Yep,andyouneedtotuckyourlegsinclosertoyourchest.”
Kelsey swam back to the ladder and climbed out of the pool. No matter how many times Will

hadseenEthanandHolden’spool,itstillamazedhimhowbigitwas.Alargerectanglethathadsix
lanesforswimminglapsandwasthirteenfeetdeep.Offtothesideasmaller-sizesquaresat.Which
WillnowassumedEthanandHoldenhadconstructeditwiththehopesofhavingchildrenoneday.

It took about four times before Kelsey got it right. Will kept his voice calm and helped coach

her through it. Ian sat quietly and let Will help Kelsey. Ian put his hands behind him and kicked his
legsgentlyinthewaterasWillandKelseytalked.

“Yes!”Will’shandsshotupintheairasKelseycamedownintheperfecttuckthenstraightened

herbodyouttodiveintothewater.Itwasbeautiful.

“Didyouseeit?”Kelseyswamovertotheedgeofthepool.
“Thatwasawesome,Kels.”Iangaveherahighfive.“IcanseeyoubecominganOlympicdiver

someday.”

“Yeah?”KelseylookedfromherbothertoWill.“Whatdoyouthink,Will?Wasitgood?”
“Girl,itwasbetterthangood.Itwasamazing.”
Kelsey pulled herself up and out of the water, rushed over to Will, and gave him a hug. “I

couldn’thavedoneitwithoutyourhelp.Thanks.”Shekissedhimonthecheek.

Will’sheartpoundedinhischestwithhappiness.Hehadn’tspentmuchtimearoundchildrenbut

thisonelittlegirlseemedtofillaspaceinhislifehehadn’trealizedwasmissing.

ChapterEleven

Later that day, Will drove Ian and Kelsey back to Silver Creek. He packed a bag because he

insistedtheystayatEthanandHolden’shousesincetheyhadapool.HewantedKelseytobeableto
practiceherflipsasmuchasshewantedto.AftertheyleftWill’shouse,hetookIanandKelseyout
fordinner.

EveryminuteIanspentwithWillseemedtoflyby.Theyhadyettohaveanyarguments,which

Ianknewwouldn’tlastlong.Allcouplesfought,butitwasworthitjusttomakeup.

Makeupsex.Sex.Ianclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.Allhecouldseemtothinkabout

wasanakedWillandallthedifferentwaystheystillhadyettotrymakinglove.

Holdencalledlaterthatevening.Hesaidthemotherwasstillinlaborandthey’dcalltomorrow

tocheckin.Devonalsocalledtomakesureeverythingwasokayatthehouse.Iantoldhimtheyhadn’t
seenanythingunusualandDevonsaidtocallifthatchanged.

Ian found Will and Kelsey in the living room watching TV. He smiled as Will asked Kelsey

question after question about the show Austin and Ally and he truly seemed interested. Ian found
himselflovingWillalittlebitmore.

“Timeforbed,squirt.”IanleanedoverthecouchnexttoKelsey.
“Tenmoreminutes,”shebegged.“It’salmostover.”
Ian agreed and sat on the arm of the couch as Kelsey and Will finished watching their show.

Whenitwasover,IanshutofftheTVandcheckedthedoors.

“So are you like my brother now, too?” Kelsey asked Will as he stood next to Ian in the

doorway.

“I…” Will tapped his hand on the side of his thigh. “Uh…I guess so. If that’s cool with you,

Kelsey,”Willrushedtosay.

“Doyoureallylovemybrother?”
Ian tightened his hold on the door as his knees knocked together. He suddenly prayed for the

floortoopenupandswallowhimwhole.Onlyhiskidsisterwouldaskthat.

Will squeezed Ian’s hand as he passed him to sit on the edge of Kelsey’s bed. “I do,” Will

admittedwithoutasinglehesitation.“Iknowit’ssuddenandyouhaveeveryreasontodoubtme,butI
doloveyourbrother.”

“Doyoupinkysweartoneverbreakhisheart?”Sheheldouthersmallfingerandarchedabrow

atWill.

“I swear.” Will wrapped his pinky finger around hers. “I also swear to be here for you, too. I

haven’tbeenagoodbigbrothertomybrother,buthopefullyyoucanhelpmewiththat.Sowhatdo
yousay?AmIworthytobeyourbigbrotherintraining?”

“Absolutely!”KelseysatupandhuggedWillaroundtheneck.Iancameforwardandtuckedher

backinandkissedherforehead.

“Goodnight,squirt.”
“Night.”
“Soyouloveme,doyou?”IanaskedoncehehadKelsey’sdoorshut.Agrintuggedathislips.
“I do.” Will grabbed the front of Ian’s shirts and yanked him toward him. “Granted, I hadn’t

plannedontellingyoulikethat,butthereyouhaveit.”

“Ihavemorethanthat.”IanlaidhishandsonWill’schest.“Ihaveyou.”
“Thatyoudo.”WillsmiledagainstIan’slipsashekissedhim.“Soisthereanythingyouwantto

saytome?”

Ian could see the hopeful look in Will’s eyes and couldn’t resist. “Not really.” Ian shook his

head.“Youreadyforbed?”IanrusheddownthehallwayandWillchasedafterhim.Onceinsidehelet
Willkisshim.“Iloveyou,too.”IanglancedupthroughhiseyelashesatWill.

“Iknow.”Willkissedhimtenderlyonemoretimethensmackedhimontheassashewenttosit

onthebedtotakeoffhisshoes.

Theroomonlyhadaqueen-sizedbedbutIanthoughtanythingbiggerwouldhavebeenawaste.

He’dsleptgluedtoWill’ssidetheothernightandplannedtodothesametonight.

“Youhaveabrother?”Ianaskedasheshutthedoortohisbedroom.
“Yep.”Willpulledhisshirtoverhishead.“He’ssixyearsyoungerthanme.Iblametheagegap

forthedistancebetweenus.Wejustnevergotalong.Ourparentswerealwaysoffdoingsomesortof
charityeventorvacationingabroad.AveryandIjustneverseemedtoclick.NotlikeyouandKelsey.”

“Maybe that will change.” Ian shrugged. He couldn’t imagine not being close to his sister, but

everyfamilywasdifferent.HopefullyintimeWillcouldreconnectwithhisbrother.

“Let’snottalkaboutmyfamilyanymore.”WillwalkedovertoIanandcrowdedhimagainstthe

wall.HenuzzledhisnoseagainstIan’sneckthenworkedhiswayuptocoverIan’slipswithhisown.

IangroanedintothekissandsnakedhisarmsoverWill’sshouldersandlethismatetakecontrol

ofhismouth.WillshovedIan’sshirtuphischestandIanreacheddownandpulleditupandoverhis
head,lettingitfalltothefloor.

“So beautiful,” Will whispered as he licked his lips. Will ground his erect cock into Ian’s and

bent a little at the waist to suck on Ian’s hard nipples. “God I need to touch you.” Will pushed Ian’s
shortsdown,underwearandall,thenfreedhisowncock.

Ianarchedoffthewallastheirheatedfleshtouched.WillcapturedIan’smouthandusedhisleft

handtowraparoundboththeirhardshafts.Willmovedupanddown,brushingovertheweepingtips,
usingtheirpre-cumaslube.

ThepressureinIan’sballsstartedtobuildandheclenchedhiseyesshutandpulledawayfrom

Will’s searching lips. The tingling in his gums warned him his teeth had started to lengthen. In the
darklastnighthe’dbeenabletohidehischangingformfromWill,butnowwiththeoverheadlight
onitwasn’tpossible.HisnailsgrewandhelightlyscrapedthemupanddownWill’sback.Ianfelthis
lipsbulgeashisteethpressedagainstthemandturnedawaywhenWilltriedtokisshim.

“What’sthematter,sweetness?”Ianshookhishead,afraidtoopenhismouth.“Ian,lookatme.”
Ian let Will guide his face to his. He slowly opened his eyes and the point of one his canines

slippedpasthistightlysealedlips.

Will’s eyes roamed over his face. “Don’t ever try to hide from me.” Will pressed his lips to

Ian’s, flicking out his tongue to lick the tip of Ian’s elongated tooth. “I know what you are and it
doesn’tdisgustmeorscareme.”

“Ijustdon’twanttobeareminderofwhatattackedyou,”Ianadmitted.Hisbiggestfearisthat

Willwouldchangehismindandnotwanttobewithhimoncehesawhiminhiswolfform.

“Sweetness,thatisonethingyoudon’thavetoworryabout.”Willcantedhisheadtothesideand

hisbrowfurrowed.“Unlessyougorabidandtrytobiteme,thenImighthavetotakeyourassout.”
WillstartedtolaughbutIanfeltsick.

“Wolf shifters do like to bite their mates.” Ian tried to pull away from Will, hurt that his mate

didn’twanthimtobitehimever.“Itletsotherwolvesknowyou’retaken.”

“Ian,stop.”WillputhisarmupIan’schesttokeephimfrommoving.“Ididn’tknowthat,butI

stillthinkI’dlikeyourbiteahellofalotmorethanthesickbastardwhodidthistome.”Willheldup

hisarm.“Ian,baby,rememberthisisallnewtome.Youhavetobepatient.”

“Ijustdon’twantyoutoleaveme.”Ateardrippedfromhiseye.
“Notevergoingtohappen.”WillclosedthedistancebetweenthemandkissedIan.
Ian’steethdidn’tgetinthewaylikehethoughttheywould.EverytimeWilllickedathiscanines,

Ian’sdicktwitchedfromthewetsensation.

Willloweredhishandbacktowraparoundtheircombinedlengths.Theslow,up-and-downjerk

became faster and faster. Sweat covered their bodies and the smacking sound of flesh against flesh
filledtheroom.Ian’sheadfellbackagainstthewallwithathudashisorgasmspiraledforward.

“Will.”Ian’svoicesoundedgarbledashislipspulledbackfromhisteeth.Henailshadgrown

sharpandthelittlepointsdugintoWill’smuscularshoulders.Itseemedthesmallbiteofpainspurred
WillonandhemovedhishandfasterandIanthrusthishipsintothetightgrip.

Ajoltofelectricityshotuphisspineandbouncedoffhisnerveendingsbeforefindingitsway

outthroughthetipofIan’scock.AshespilledhiscreamyjuicesoverWill’shand,Iancouldn’tstop
himself.HelickedapathalongtheoppositeshoulderWillhadbeenattackedon.Willtiltedhishead
further to the side, giving Ian more room, and as carefully as Ian could, he sunk his teeth into the
meatyflesh.

“Fuck,”Willhissed,hishipsjerkingoutofcontrol.
Wet heat splashed between them and the spicy smell of Will’s cum had another small orgasm

tricklingoutofIan’sbody.

Ian pulled his teeth free from Will and wrapped his arms around Will’s waist. He layered soft

kisses along the mark he’d left and rubbed his nose into his sweaty neck, wanting to be covered in
Will’sscent.

“Thatwashot.”Willchuckled.“Ifallyourbitesfeellikethat,youcansinkthosebabiesintome

anytimeyouwant.”

“Oh my goodness, I’ve created a monster.” Ian pushed Will from him, snatched up his shirt

fromthefloor,andwipedthecoolingcumfromhischestandcock,thendidthesameforWill.

“I’myourmonster.”WilltackledIantothebed.
Ian shifted until he was on his back with Will hovering over him. “And don’t you forget that,

mister.”

After a little more kissing, Will got up and turned out the light. Ian lay on his side and Will

curledinclosetohim,spooninghimfrombehind.

AshestartedtodriftofftosleepIanthoughtheheardawolfhowlinginthedistance.Itsounded

sofarawaythatitcouldhavejustbeenthewind.Ianwastootiredtoworryaboutitandhedidn’thear
itagainsohelethimselfsinkintoWill’swarmthandfellasleep.

ChapterTwelve

Afewdayslatertheygotgoodnewsandbadnews.WillhadansweredthephonewhenHolden

called to tell them the adoption fell through. The mother had changed her mind at the last minute.
Holdensounded tired andclose to tearson the line, butWill didn’t push.Will couldn’t imagine the
heartachethepairweresufferingthrough.Theyplannedtotakethenextflighthome.

ThegoodnewscamefromRoderick.Heworkedforthehunter ’scouncilandhehadtheability

toclearuptheopencaseofarsononIanandKelsey’shome,gettheirparentsdeclareddead,andhave
themissingpersonreportstakendownonthetwo.WillwonderedjusthowmuchpowerRoderickhad
ifhecouldmanageallthatwithoutredflagspoppingupallovertheplace,buthedidn’tquestionit.

WithallthatclearedupIanwasfreetoenrollintothecollegeinSilverCreekandKelseyinto

elementary school. Will had gotten the number for the elementary school from Skyler, made
arrangementstogetherrecordstransferredtothem,andagreedtocomebywithIanwho,alongwith
Will,wasnowherlegalguardians,tosignallthenecessarypaperwork.Willwasbarelyabletohold
backhistearswhenIanincludedhiminonthat.Theywerebecomingarealfamily.

“Why don’t we all just drive up to Silver Creek together?” Ian asked as he set his bag by the

frontdoor.“IcangoenrollandyouandKelscouldgobacktoyourhouse.”

Ian and Kelsey had agreed to move in with Will. They had only come to that decision this

morning.Ianhadbeenfightingit,notwantingtoliveoffofWill.Willwantedtobophisloverinthe
headforthinkingsuchastupidthought.TheyweretogetherforbetterorworseandWillwasmore
thanhappytosharehislife,love,home,andhischeckingaccountwithIan.

“Firstoff.”WillpulledIancloseforakiss.“It’sourhouseandsecond,Kelseywantedtoswim

foralittlewhile.Onceshegetstiredout,we’llheadhome.”

“Home.”IansmiledupathimthenroseuponhistoestobrushhislipsoverWill’s.“Ilovethe

soundofthat.”

“Youbettergetgoing.”WillturnedIantowardthedoor.“You’vewaitedlongenoughnowthere

willbelines,somoveit.”

“Fine,I’mgoing.”Iangrabbedthefolderwithallthenoteshe’dmadeontheclasseshewanted

totake.HealsohadacheckWillhadgivenhimtopayforhisclasses.

Money wasn’t a concern for Will and it took several times of explaining that to Ian to get it

throughhisthickskull.Willhadbeengivencontrolofhistrustfundattwenty-oneandhisjobatthe
hospitalpaidnicely.

“Later,Kels!”Ianshoutedfromthefrontdoor.
“Bye!”sheyelledback.
“Loveyou,sweetness.”WillcuppedhishandsoverIan’scheekandkissedhim.“Becarefuland

I’llseeyouathome.”

“Can’t wait.” Ian hustled down the steps but stopped to turn around at the last one. “Almost

forgot.”HejoggedupthestepsandjumpeduptokissWill’scheek.“Loveyou,too.”

WillstoodwithagoofysmileonhisfaceashewatchedIandriveoff.Itstillfeltlikeadream

that he’d met the man of his dreams and fallen in love all in the matter of a week. For once life
seemedtohaveshineddownonhimandprovedtoWillthatlifewasn’tallaboutbeinglonely.Thatit
wasokaytoloveotherpeoplewithoutthefearofbeinghurtorletdown.

“William,youreadytogooutside?”Kelseyasked.
“William?”Will’sfacescrunchedupandheshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso,mylittlechicky.

Onlymymotherisallowedtocallmethatandit’sonlywhenI’mintrouble.”Heflickedherlightly
onthenose.

“HowaboutBigWilly?”sheaskedoverhershoulderassheheadedoutthebackdoor.
“HowabouttheonthefirstdayofschoolIwalkyouinsideandstarttocryasIhugyougood-

bye.I’llgoonandonabouthowI’mgoingtomissmylittlebaby.”Willlaughedatthedisgruntled
lookonherprettyface.

“Youwouldn’tdare!”
“Tryme,sis.”Willsnatchedhertowelfromherhandandpushedherintothepool.
Willlaughedasshecamesputteringupfromthewater.Sheswamtotheedgeandclimbedout.

Sheran toward himand wrapped herarms around his waist.Water dripped offher and Will’s shirt
andshortsquicklybecamesoaked.Willputonearmoverhershouldersandwiththeotherhecombed
thewethairoffofherface.

“Kels,what’swrong?”Hekneltinfrontofher,panickedonwhattodo.
“Youcalledmesis.”Kelseydoveinforanotherhug,nearlystranglingWilltodeath.
“Wellyouaremysister,Kelsey.YouandIanaremyfamilynowandnothingwilleverchange

that.”

“Promise?”sheaskedashewipedawayhertears.
“Pinkyswearpromise.”Willheldouthisfingeranditdidthetrick.Kelseywrappedherfinger

aroundhisandahugesmilespreadoverherface.Herblueeyessparkledintheafternoonsunlight.

The sun beat down on them and Will wished for the millionth time that he could jump in the

pooltocooloff,butduetohissticheshecouldonlygoinuptohiswaist.Onlyfewmoredaysandhe
couldgetthemwet.

Kelseyswamlapafterlap,seemingtonevergettired.Willhadtocontributethattothewolfin

her.Shemightbeabletocatchthecommoncoldbutshehadplentyofenergytosurpassanyother
childherage.

Will got a text from Ian saying it was taking longer than he expected and that he missed Will.

Will loved getting messages like that. It was nice to know that someone actually thought about him
duringtheday.Hesentonebacksayingtotakehistimeandthathelovedhim,too.

KelseyfinallygottiredoutandtheybothchangedtheirclothesandheadedbacktoSilverCreek.
“I’m hungry.” Kelsey sat forward from the back seat to pop her head between the driver and

passengerseats.“What’sfordinnertonight?”

“I made a reservation at the steak house in town for seven. We’re going to celebrate Ian

enrollingincollege.”

“Sweet.”Kelseyfloppedbackinherseat.“Ianwillreallylikethat,Will.”
“Youthink?”Helookedintherearviewmirrorather.Gettingherconfirmationseemedvitalto

Will.SheknewIanbetterthananyoneelse.

“Helovesyou,Will.Everythingyoudomakeshimhappy.”Sheblewoutabreath.“Trustme.”
Willpulledintohisdrivewaywithasmileonhisface.Hehitthebuttonforthegaragedoorand

waiteduntilitrolledup.

“Ifyouwant,Kels,IdobelieveIhavesomecookiesinthepantryandmilkinthefridgeifyou

wanttohaveasmallsnacknow.”Willcaughthereyeintherearviewmirror.“Justdon’ttellIan.”

“Mylipsaresealed,bigbrother.”Kelseythrewopenthedoorandranforthedoor.
Willshookhisheadashewalkedaroundtothebackofhiscartoopenthetrunkandpullout

theirbags.Onlyaweekago,he’dbeencominghomefromthehospitaltoanemptyhouseandonly
hisleathercouchtogreethim.Butnow?Nowhehadboyfriendandanadorablekidsister.Willgave

thankstowhateverentitythathadseenitfittobringthesepeopleintohislife.

“Will!”
ThesoundofKelsey’sscreechingcryhadhimdroppingthebagsandrunningforthedoor.
“Kelsey!”heshoutedashestumbledintothelivingroom.
Standing in the center of the room was a very large man with a shaved head and deep brown

skin. He had his lips pulled back over his teeth. Teeth that were deadly sharp and very long. The
stranger had his large hand wrapped around Kelsey’s neck. Will glanced down to see a thin line of
bloodrunningdownherneckfromwheretheman’sclawspiercedherskin.Realterrorcloudedher
eyesandWillfelthelpless.Thiswasn’tanordinaryman.Hewasawolfshifter.

“Abouttimeyouarrived.”
WillturnedhisattentiontowardthewomaninthereclinerseatedbehindthemanholdingKelsey.

Hehadn’tnoticedherwhenhefirstcameintothehouse.Sheworeablackbutton-downblouse,black
tightpants,andknee-highboots.Herlightbrownwavyhairwaspulledtothesideinalooseponytail.
Byhisfirstimpressionofher,shelookedlikesomesortofbusinesswoman,buttheredlipstickand
shinyrednailpolishonhernailscombinedwiththeevilgrincurlingherupperlipbroughtassassin
to Will’s mind. But underneath the hard eyes and painted-on makeup, there was something very
familiarabouther.

“Whoareyouandwhatthehellareyoudoinginourhome?”Willdidhisbesttomaskthefear

inhisvoice.

“Ohlistentohim,Sal.”TheladylaughedandsodidthemonsterofthemanholdingKelsey.The

womanuncrossedherlonglegsandstoodupfromthechair.ShewalkedovertoKelsey.“Doesthe
humanthinkhecantakeuson?I’mshakinginmyboots.”Thelaughterdiedonherlipsandshestared
daggersatWill.

“Idon’tknowwhoyouareorwhatyouwant,buttakewhateveryouwant,justpleaselethergo.”

Will’shandsshookasheedgedclosertoKelsey,tryingtoconveywithhiseyesthateverythingwas
goingtobeokay.Hejustprayedhewasn’tlyingtoher.

“Trust me, Will Watterson, you have nothing of value that I want in this measly house.” The

woman grabbed a chunk of Kelsey hair, thrusting her head to the side. Kelsey let out a sharp yelp,
tearsstreamingdownhercheeks.“ButthereissomeonethatyoulovethatdoesbelongtomeandI’ve
cometocollecthim.”

“Him?”Willasked.
“Myson,”thewomanhissedoutthroughclenchedteeth.
Willtriedtoprocesswhatshewassaying.Ianhadsaidhisbiologicalmotherhaddied,buthere

stoodthiswomanclaimingtobeher.SuddenlyallofwhatIanhadtoldhimaboutmovingaroundalot
asachildanddiscoveringhisfatherhadchangedhislastnamemadesense.Ifthiswomanwasinfact
Ian’s mother, from what he’d seen of her so far, maybe Ian’s dad had been justified in running off
withhisyoungson.

“Now,Mr.Watterson.”Thewomanpointedtothecouch.“Haveaseat.”
Willwalkedaroundthewoman,nevertakinghiseyesoffofKelsey.Herchintrembledasshe

tried to fight back her tears. Once he was seated, the woman let go of Kelsey’s hair and the man
releasedhisholdonherneck.KelseyrantohimandWillwrappedhisarmsaroundherandheldher
close.

“Whoareyou?”Willaskedonemoretime.
“Sasha.”Awidegrinlitupherface.“Ian’smother.”

****

OnceIanfinishedregisteringforhisclasses,hestoppedbythecampusbookstore.Thelineto

buybookshadbeenjustaslongasthelinetosignupforclasses,buthewaited.Hewaseagertoget
hisbooksandthumbthroughthem.Forthefirsttimeinthepastweek,hefinallyfeltlikethingswere
gettingbacktonormal.

Ian hustled to his car and headed for Will’s house. No, it’s your house, too. Ian smiled as he

rememberedwhatWillhadsaid.HowmuchluckiercouldIanhavegotten?Willtreatedbothhimand
Kelseyasifthey’dbeenfamilyforyearsandwasmorethanwillingtosharehishomeandlifewith
them.

When the house came into view, Ian turned up the drive and got out of the car, carrying his

paperwork and bag of books. He typed in the garage code and dipped under the door as it rose up.
Onceatthedoor,Ianhitthebuttontodropthedoorbackintoplace.

“Hello!”Iancalledout.“Will,Kelsey,I’mhome.”Iansangoutthewords.Thiswouldbetheir

firstnightasafamilyatWill’s.Aburstofexcitementunfurledinhisbelly.

Ian found it weird when no one answered. He knew they were here because Will’s car was

parked in the garage. Ian hit the light switch in the hallway as he made his way toward the living
room.Thesightthatmethimtherehadhisheartstoppinginhischest.

AwomansatnexttoKelseyonthecouch,herarmwrappedaroundKelsey’sshoulders.Nextto

themwereWillandalargeman.ThemanhadaholdofWill’sbandagedarm.Iancouldseethefresh
bloodseepingthroughthewhitegauze.Allthoughtsofwhothiswomanwasvanishedatthesightof
WillandKelseybeingheldagainsttheirwill.

“Ian,”Willwhispered.
“What’sgoingonhere?”Iantookastepintotheroomandallthefearforhismateandsister

turnedintorage.Hishacklesbegantoriseandhisteethstartedtoslidefromhisgums.Apowerhe’d
neverfeltbeforeshotthroughhisbodyatseeinghisfamilytreatedlikethis.

“Sal, look at his eyes,” the woman said to the man hurting Will. “I told you I was right about

him.”

Ian wanted to know what she was referring to but that wasn’t as important as why she was in

theirhome.“Whothehellareyouandwhyareyourestrainingmyfamilylikethis?”

“Family?”Thewomanshookherheadandstoodup,bringingKelseywithher.“Thisisnotyour

truefamily,Ian.”

“Ian,”Kelseywhimperedasthewomanshookherlikearagdoll.
“Stopit!”heshouted.“You’rehurtingher.”
“Please,Ian,whydoyoucaresomuchforadefectivelittlewolf?”Thewomanmovedherhand

toKelsey’sneckanddughernailsintoherskin.Iantookamenacingstepforwardbuttheladyheldup
herfingerandshookitathim.“ComeanycloserandI’llsnaphernecklikeatwig.”

Iancametoanabruptstop.Hishandsballedintofistsandhesobadlywantedtotearthewoman

toshreds.“Whatdoyouwant?Youcanhavewhateveritis,justletthemgo.”Ianwasn’tstupid.This
womanandmanwereobviouslyhereforsomething.

“It’snotanit.It’sawho.”ThewomantiltedherheadtothesideandstaredintoIan’seyes.Her

eyecolorwasthesameshadeofblueashisown.Paleandmilkyintherightlight.

“Idon’tunderstand.”IanlookedfromKelseytoWill.
Willhadtearsinhiseyesandhemouthedthewordsorrytohim.
“Ian,I’myourmother,andI’vecometotakeyoubackhomewithme.”Shereachedoutahand

towardIan.“You’vebeengonefartoolong,butnowI’vefoundyouandwecanbetogetheragain.”

Mother?Ian’smindbegantoswirlwithsomanyquestions.Thepictureinhisdad’slockbox,the

womaninthephotograph.Thiswomanlookedalittleolderbutshewasadeadringer.Hereyes,her
cream-colored skin, and her delicate features did have a similarity to his own, but if she was his
mother,whywouldshedothistoWillandKelsey?

“Iknowthismustseemsostrangeforyoubutit’sthetruth.Yourfatherstoleyoufrommeand

everytimeIgotcloseenoughtotakeyouback,he’dsnatchyouaway.”Kelseycriedoutasthewoman
claiming to be his mother tightened her hold around Kelsey’s neck. “What kind of man takes a
woman’schildfromher?”

Ianrefusedtobelievehisfatherhadillintentionswhenheranoffwithhim.Itwasapparentto

Ianthatsomethingwasdefinitelyoffabouthismother.“Maybehediditformyowngood.”Ianraised
his hand toward Kelsey. “Look how you’re treating my sister. No mother would do that to another
child.”

“She’snotyoursister,”thewomanscreamedsoloudIanflinched.
“Justbecausewedon’tsharethesamemotherdoesn’tdiscountthefactthatsheismysister.”Ian

tooka deep breath,trying to calmhis nerves. Getting angrywouldn’t solve athing. “Just please let
her go.” He looked over at his mate. “And Will, too. Please, I beg of you. I don’t know what took
placebetweenyouandmyfather,butWillandKelseyhavenothingtodowithit.”

“Ian,no.”Willtriedtostandupbutthebeastofamansittingnexttohimyankedhimbackdown

tothecouch.

“I’lldowhateveryouwant,justpleaseletthemgounharmed.”
“Ian,”Kelseycriedoutassheshookherheadfrantically.“Don’tdoit.”
“YouknowIdon’thavetodoasyouask.”Hismothernarrowedhereyesathim.“Icouldkill

them,thenyou’dhavenoreasontoevercomebackhereorsearchforthem.”

“IfyoudothatthanI’llkillmyself,”Iansaidwithnohesitationinhisvoice.IfWillandKelsey

weredeadthenhe’dwanttobedeadtoo.Withoutthemtherewasnoreasonforliving.Ianglaredat
hismother,refusingtobreakeyecontactwithher.

“You get that stubborn streak from me.” The woman laughed. “Okay, Sal, we’re going to let

themlive.”

“Sasha,Ihadbeenlookingforwardtofinishingthejobonthisone.”ThemanholdingWillused

hisotherhandtofistWill’shairandwrenchhisheadtotheside,exposinghisneck.“Hisbloodtasted
sosweet.”

“You.”IanstartedtowardthebastardresponsibleforWill’sinjuries.Theneedtoriphisthroat

outhadhimseeingred.“I’llkillyou.”

SashathrewherhandouttostopIan.“Enough,Sal.Stopantagonizingmyson.”Shelookedback

toIan.“I’llleavethemhereunharmedbutyouhavetocomewithmeandpromisenevertocomeback
for them.” Sasha arched an eyebrow at him. “Because if you do, I’ll make sure their deaths are
painfullyslow.Doyouunderstandme?”

“Perfectly.” A low growl rumbled out of his chest as he stared at the man next to Will. Some

way,somehow,he’dkillthatpieceofshit.

“Ouch,”KelseycriedoutandIanturnedhisattentionbacktoherandwatchedasshecrumbledto

thefloor.

“Whatdidyoudo?”IanwenttohiskneesandbrushedKelsey’shairoffherforehead.
“It’s only a sedative.” Sasha recapped the needle and tossed it toward her purse sitting on the

floor.“She’llwakeupinafewhours.”

IanliftedKelseyintohisarmsandlaidheronthecouch.SalstoodupandbythewayWillfell

intothesideofthecouch,he’dgivenhismatethesameshot.

“Will,canyouhearme?”IanplacedagentlekissonWill’slips.Willdidn’tmove.“Pleasetake

good care of Kelsey. She’s going to need you more than ever now.” A tear escaped his eye. “And
knowthatIloveyoumorethananything.Pleasedon’tforgetme.”

“Let’sgo,Ian,”Sashasnapped.
IankissedWill’slipsonemoretime,thenstoodup.Hewipedawayhistearsandturnedtoface

thebitchthathadcausedallthis.Withoutaword,hefollowedheroutthedoorwithSalbringingup
therear.TokeepWillandKelseysafe,he’dgowiththeseanimalsbuthesworetohimselfthatone
dayhe’dfindawaytoreturntohisfamily.

****

Will came to with a start. Sweat had soaked through his T-shirt and his breathing came out

erratic.Hesatup,hisarmprotestingwhenheputpressureonit.

TheroomwascompletelydarkandWillreachedforthelampandflippedtheswitch.Helooked

aroundtheroom,thenfeltsomethingshiftagainsthisleg.

“Ohmygod,Kelsey.”Willtriedtostandupbuthislegswouldn’tholdhimandhehadtocrawl

overtoher.Helaidhistremblingfingersonherneckandfeltforapulse.Hesighedinreliefatthe
steadythump-thumpunderhisfingertips.

Willslumpedbackagainstthecouchandlookedaroundtheroom.Hisheadachedandheraised

hishandstocaresshisfingersoverthesidesofhishead.Whathadhappenedfeltlikeanightmareand
hesuckedinadeepbreathaseverythingcamerushingbacktohim.

Themanwhohadattackedhim,andSasha,Ian’slonglostpsychoticmother,waitingforhimand

Kelseyastheycameintothehouse.ThenIanleavingwiththem.Hehadn’twantedtogobuthediditto
keepWillandKelseysafe.

“Will.” Kelsey’s soft whisper had Will going to her side. “It wasn’t a dream,” she said as she

lookedaroundtheroomanddidn’tseeIananywhere.“Ian’sgone.”

WillpulledKelseyintohislapandrockedherbackandforth.Hewantedtotellhereverything

wasgoingtobeallright,buthedidn’twanttolie.TheyhadnoideawhereSashahadtakenIan.Until
todaytheydidn’tevenknowthewomanwasstillalive.ButWillknewonethingforsure.Salhadbeen
thewolftoattackhim.

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Kelseylookedupathimwithwideeyes.
WillfishedhiscellphoneoutofhispocketandsearchedforDevon’snumber.Thiswasawolf

shiftermatterandheprayedDevonandhispackcouldhelpthem.

ChapterThirteen

“You killed them, didn’t you?” Ian sat quietly on the plane that flew him to god only knew

where,tryingtosortoutthedetailsofwhathe’dlearned.Sashaclaimedthathisfatherhadtakenhim
awayfromherandafterseeingherinactiontodayhehadtobelievehisfatherhadgoodreasonsto.

“Who,dear?”Sashaclosedthesmallcompactshehadbeenusingtotouchuphermakeup.“You

havetobemorespecific.”

“Mymomanddad,”hesnappedather.Hehadnodoubtsshewasacoldbloodedkiller,buthe

didn’tappreciateherplayingdumbwithhim.

Sasha turned in her seat and didn’t give any warning before she smacked Ian across the face.

Theforceofitrattledhisteethbutheheldstronganddidn’tallowhimselftofallover.

“Don’tevercallthatwomanyourmother.Shewasnothing.”Sasha’sbodyshookasshespoke.

“I’myourmotherandJTstolethatrightfromme.”

“Soyoukilledhim?”
“Heleftmelittlechoiceinthematter.”Sashaseemedtocalmdown.Shefingercombedherhair

behindherear.“Hehadtopayforhissins.”

“You’recrazy.”Ianswalloweddownhisemotions,notwantingtoshowanysignofweaknessin

frontofSasha.Hehadn’tgrownupinapackanddidn’tfollowpacklaw.Tohim,Sashakilledhisdad
andKellyincoldbloodandinreturn,sheneededtodie.

“I’mnotcrazy,son.I’manalpha,IwasJT’salpha.Hedidn’tjusttakeasonfromhismotherbut

theheirtothepack.”Iansnappedhisheadinherdirection.“That’sright,Ian.You’reanalphaandyou
aretobemyreplacementoneday.”

“That’snottrue.I’dknowifIwas.”Wouldn’the?Ian’sdaddidn’ttalkmuchabouthispastand

claimedhedidn’tknowmuchaboutpacklifeeither.

“But it is true. See, I was born to two alphas and my parents had arranged your father and I’s

coupling.It’snotaguarantee,buttypicallytwoalphascanproduceanother.Yourfather,”shesaidina
disgustedtone,herfacepinchedinhatred.“Hedidn’tlikepacklifeanddoingthehardtasksrequired
ofus.JTwasweak.Hecouldn’thandlewhatneededtobedoneinthenameofthepack.”Shebarked
out a sharp laugh. “I just didn’t know he had the courage to take off with you in tow. It was only
becausehewasanalphathathehadstayedhiddenforsolong.Butovertheyearshegotsloppy.That
womanmadehimgrowsoftandthat’showIwasabletofindhim.”

“Youdidn’thavetokillthem.”Ian’svoicebegantoriseandhecouldfeelhisshiftcomingon.

Herolledhisneckonhisshoulders,feelingthesnapandpopofbone.

“ButIdid.Heneverwouldhavegivenyouup,soItookthechoiceoutofhishands.You’remy

sonandyouhavealegacytofulfill.”

“Have you ever thought maybe I wouldn’t want any of this?” He motioned around the small

airplane.“ThatmaybeIdon’tevenwanttoknowyou?”

“LikeIsaid,Ian,youdon’thaveachoice.”Sashaturnedawayfromhimanddidn’tsayanother

word.

Ian sat staring out the small round window as the world moved underneath him. The houses

looked like dots from this high up and everything felt so out of reach. Ian had never felt so lost
before.Notevenafterfindinghisparents’deadbodies.Sashahadtakenawayhisparents,hissister,
Will, and his freedom. He was a prisoner now. All those years of wishing he’d known his mother
vanishedintheblinkofaneye.Hismotherwasamonsterthathewishedhadstayeddead.

Afewhourslatertheplanemadeitsdescentandtheylandedatasmallairstrip.Alimowaited

for them as they emerged from the plane. Ian looked around him but nothing was familiar to him.
Nighthadsetinandthestarstwinkledoverhead,buttherewasnothingtoindicatewhattownorstate
theywerein.

The chauffer opened the door and Ian followed Sasha into the car. She told the man to drive

themhomeandthecarstartedandheadedoutofthesmallairport.

Theydroveforwhatfeltlikehoursuntilthelimopulleduptoasetofblackirongates.Hesaid

somethingintotheintercomandthegatesslidopen.

Ian looked out the window at the huge house. It was painted white with black trim along the

windowsandthefrontdoorstoodoutinastarkblackaswell.Thesmelloffreshlycutgrasshithis
noseandIanwiggledit,wardingoffasneeze.

The limo came to a stop and the chauffer opened the door for them to get out. Ian glanced

aroundthewell-manicuredyard,lookingforanyweaknessesinthesecurityaroundthelargehouse.
Hecouldsmellotherwolvesinthedistanceandthetallgatesurroundedtheentireproperty.

Ianlethisheadfalldowntoresthischinonhischest.Itdidn’tmatterifhecouldescapeornot.

Sashasaidshe’dkillWillandKelseyifhetriedtoleaveandhebelievedher.

“Homesweethome.”Sashasmiledwildlyassheheldherarmsouttohersides,showingoffthe

eleganceoftheentryway.Alargestaircasesatinthecenteroftheroomandwounduptothesecond
level.Black-and-white-checkeredmarbleflooringledtothestairs.Thewallswereallpaintedabright
whiteandframedabstractpaintingshungfromthewalls.Itfeltmorelikeamuseumthanahome,cold
andlonely.“Come,Ian,Ihaveyourroomwaitingforyou.”

With little other choice, Ian followed her up the stairs. Once at the top, she turned right and

walkeddowntothelastdoorontheright.SheopenedthedoorandthefirstthingIanthoughtwhenhe
steppedinsidewasthathewasinachild’sroom,exceptfortheking-sizedbedinthecenteronthefar
wall.Thewallswerepaintedasoftblue.Toyscrowedontheshelvesbuiltintothewalls.Therugthat
layonthehardwoodfloorwasdesignedasifitwereatraintrack.

“Ididn’thavethehearttochangeit.”Sashafaceseemedtosoftenasshegazedaroundtheroom.

SomethinglikelongingcameoverhereyesbutjustasquicklyasIansawit,itdisappeared.“Onceyou
aremoresettled,Icancallmyinteriordecoratorandyoucanmakechangestoyourroomasyousee
fit.”SashawalkedovertostandinfrontofIan.Shereachedoutandcuppedhercool,smoothfingers
over his cheeks. He had to refuse the urge to pull away. “I’ve missed you, Ian, and it pleases me to
haveyoubackunderthesameroofasme,whereyoubelong.”

Ian clenched his eyes shut as Sasha brushed a kiss over his cheek. She then turned and left the

room.

Ianspuninaslowcircle,takingeverythingin.Theroomshowcasedeverythingachildwould

wantbutitheldnothingbutdespairandsadnessforIan.Heshutoffthelightandwalkedovertothe
bed.Withouttakinghisshoesoff,Iancurledupontheedge.Oncehisheadhitthepillow,tearsstarted
tofalllikeraindropsfromhiseyes.Hebroughthishanduptocoverhismouthtokeepthescreams
fromleavinghislips.

Hecriedforthesenselessdeathofhisparents.HecriedforbeingtakenfromWillandKelsey

andhecriedbecausehedidn’tknowwhatelsetodo.Hishandsweretied.Therewasnooneinthis
housethatwouldhelphim.

Ian felt like he was on a rollercoaster, hitting so many highs and lows that he feared his heart

would just give out from the stress. What should have been the best year of his life, going off to
college,startingthatnextstageinhislife,hadbeenrippedawayfromhim.Itwasn’tfair.

Ashissobbingsubsided,Ianmadeavow.Onewayoranotherhe’dfindawaybacktoWilland

Kelsey.Theonlydisturbingthingaboutitwasitmeantkillinghismother.

****

The next morning Ian woke up with the sun warming his face. He stretched and smiled at the

thoughtofanewday.OninstincthereachedforWillbutonlyfoundemptyspace.

“Damnit!”Iansatupandbangedhisfistonthemattress.Hehadhopedhe’dwakeuptodiscover

everythingthathappenedthenightbeforewasadream,butnosuchluck.

Iangotoutofthebedandwalkedtowardthedoor.Hetriedtheknobanditturned.Heopenedit

andsteppedoutintothehallway.SoundscomingfromthefirstfloorhadIanheadinginthatdirection.

“You must be Ian.” The sound of a man’s voice stopped Ian in his tracks. He turned, ready to

attack.Kneesbent,fistsraised,andasnarlonhisface.“Hey,takeiteasy.”Theyoungmanheldhis
handsupinself-defense.“I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.”

“Who are you?” His voice came out sounding thick and gravely as his teeth shifted to fill his

mouth.

“MynameisKyle.”HesmiledatIan.“Ilivehere,too.”Hesaiditasifitwereagoodthing.Ian

pitiedthepoorfool.

KyleheldahandouttohimbutIanjuststaredatit.Heslowlylookedupfromthehand,takingin

Kyle’sthinbody,lightblueeyes,andlightbrownhair,longontopjustlikehisown.Kyle’snosewas
alittlewiderthanIan’sandhisjawmoresquare.Besidesthosefewdifferences,Iancouldhavesworn
hewaslookingintoamirror.Ianarchedaneyebrowashetriedtomakesenseofallthis.

“Prettyweird,right?”Kyledrewbackhishandandrockedbackandforthonhisheels.
“Whatis?”IancrossedhisarmsoverhischestandglaredoveratKyle.“ThefactthatI’vebeen

broughthereagainstmywillorthatyouandIlookalmostexactlyalike?”

“Uh.” Kyle ran a hand through the back of his hair, sending the soft strands spilling over his

forehead.“Iwasreferringtouslookingalike.Nottheotherthing.”Kyleshiftedhisgazehurriedly
fromIan’s.“Areyouhungry?”Kylepointedtothestairs.“Iwasjustgoingdowntohavebreakfast.
Caretojoinme?”

Ian shrugged and waved a hand in front of him. He followed Kyle down the stairs. Neither of

themsaidaword.KyleledIantothekitcheninthebackofthehouse.SittingatthetablewasSasha,
sippingfromablackmug.Whenshesawthem,shelookedupandsmiledatbothofthem.

“Ian,Iseeyou’vemetKyle.”SashastoodupandrushedovertogiveKyleahugthenreached

for him, but Ian took a step back. “I guess it’s still too soon for that.” Sasha clasped her hands
together.ForthefirsttimesinceIanhadmether,shelookeduncertainofherself.

“Is he my brother?” Ian pointed to Kyle. He couldn’t help but be curious. The guy looked so

muchlikehim.

“AsmuchasIwish,no.”Sashatookherseatbackatthetable.“IfoundKylewhenhewasonly

threeyearsold.HisfamilyhadbeenslaughteredbyhuntersandItookhimin.SoIguessinaway,he
ismyson.”

Kyletookaplatefilledwitheggs,bacon,andtoasttothetableandsatnexttoSasha.
“IthinkofSashaasmymother.”Kyleshrugged.“Ican’tremembermyfamilyandshe’sbeenso

goodtome.Shetookmeinandgavemeahome.She’sgottenmethebesttutors,spoilsmereally,and
kissedallmybumpsandscrapeswhenIwasakidhellbentonbecomingaprofessionalskateboarder.
Wolfshifterornot,I’vegotplentyofscarsfromthateraofmylife.”KyleandSashabothshareda

smile.

Ian glanced between Kyle and Sasha. The picture Kyle painted of this crazed woman did not

matchupwithhowshetreatedWill,Kelsey,andhimself.IanhadnodoubthesawSasha’struecolors
theothernightandhefeltsorryforKyle.Thepoorkidwaslivinginafantasyworld.

“Sweetheart,wouldyoulikesomebreakfast?”Sashapushedherchairback,startingtogetup.
“Icangetitmyself,”Iangrumbledashewentovertothestove.Nomatterhowmuchhewanted

to refuse taking anything from her, starving himself wouldn’t be a smart idea. He had to keep his
strengthup.Ifheplannedongettingoutofhere,hehadtobeonhistoes.

After he ate, Ian went back up to his room. In the walk-in closet he found an assortment of

clothes, jeans, shorts, sweats, T-shirts, polo shirts, and on the other side was an array of shoes in
differentcolorsandsizes.IanfoundapairofjeansandadarkgreenT-shirtthatwerehissize.Since
he’dbeenwearingflipflops,IanfoundapairofNikesinhissize.Hetooktheclothestothebathroom
andshowered.

Ianwanderedaroundhisroom,tryingtocomeupwithaplan.IfheleftwithoutSasha’sconsent,

whichhedidn’tthinkhe’deverdo,she’dkillWillandKelsey.Butifhecouldsomehowmanageto
killSasha,hecouldforeverbefreeofherandgetvengeanceforhermurderinghisdadandKelly.

Butyou’renotakiller,Ian.
“Fuck!”Ianhatedhowhisconsciencewasright.HecouldnomorehurtSashathanafly.
Ian’sfatherhadtaughthimtobepatientandkindtoothers,evenwhensomeonedeservedtobe

hated.Evennow,inthesituationIanfoundhimselfin,hedidn’twanttoresorttoviolence.Hedidn’t
wanttobesomethinghisfatherwouldn’tbeproudof,orenduplikeSasha.

Going to stand by the window, Ian looked out onto the expanse of the backyard, the grass a

bright green, and the trees rustled in the wind. Out in the center of the yard was a garden. Flowers
crowdedtogetheronthegroundinshadesofpink,purple,redand,orange.Awaterfountainsatinthe
centerwithbenchesalongsideit.Ianhadtoadmititwasbeautiful,butitwasn’thome.He’dneverfeel
atpeaceinthismonstrosityofahouse.

Iantrainedhiseyesonthesurroundingwoodsbeyondthewell-keptyard.Hesawlargewolves

patrolling the property lines. They were like gargoyles that sat on the rooftops on some of the
buildings he’d seen pictures of in magazines. The protectors. But in Ian’s case, they were prison
guards.

Later that evening he went down for dinner. Kyle had knocked on his door and invited him

along.Iandidn’ttalkmuchandignoredSashaeverytimeshetriedtostartupaconversationwithhim.
Hedidn’twanttobehereandhesureashellwasn’tgoingtomakebeingherkeptprisonereasyon
her.Shehadkidnappedhim,takinghimagainsthiswillfromthepeopleheloved.Andshecommitted
theultimatesinofallbykillinghisparents.

Ianhadbeenallowedtowalkaboutthehousefreely,buteverydoorhadakeypadentry.Eventhe

doorsleadingoutofthehouse.Thewindowshadcensorsonthemsoifheweretoopenone,analarm
wouldsoundandsendSalrunningafterhim.Thehousemighthavebeenelegantandpicturesque,but
itwasnobetterthanbeingheldinacell.ThisprisonhaddeliciousfoodandIanhadaccesstobooks,
television, video games, and even to an indoor pool. But all that glitters isn’t gold, and Ian felt no
betterthananinmatesittingondeathrow.

As Ian lay in bed that night, he stared at the overhead fan as it spun in endless circles on the

ceiling.HewonderedwhatWillandKelseyweredoingrightnow.Ofallthethingsheimaginedthem
doing,heprayedthattheydidn’tcomelookingforhim.

Ian rolled onto his side and punched his pillow, trying his best to get comfortable. Just as he

startedtonodoff,ahigh-pitched,squealingcryjerkedhimbackawake.Ianrubbedahandoverhis
eyesandstrainedhisearstoseeifhecouldhearitagain,butheneverdid.Hebrushedifoffashis
overactiveimagination.Sofarhe’donlyseenSal,Kyle,andSasharoamingaboutthehouse.

****

ThenextdayIanwokeup,showered,andgotdressedfortheday.Todayhechosealoose-fitting

pairofgymshortsandaT-shirt,socks,andshoes.Whenhewentintothekitchenhewassurpriseto
onlyseeKylesittingatthetable.Kylewavedathimasheyawned.Hehadbagsunderhiseyesandhe
lookedlikehehadn’tgottenmuchsleep.

“Where’sthebitchthismorning?”Ianaskedashepulledoutaboxofcerealandheadedtothe

table.

“Whymustyoucallherthat?”Kylelethisspoondroptothetable.Itclankedagainsttheceramic

bowl.“Ifyougaveherhalfthechance,you’llseeshe’snotthatbad.”

“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”IangrabbedthebottomofhischairandturnedittofaceKyle.

Thewoodenlegsmadeascreechingsoundashemovedit.“Doyouhaveanyideawhatthatmonster
hasdonetome?”Hisvoicemayhavebeenjustaboveawhisperbuteachworddrippedwithvenom.

Kyle’seyeswentwideandhisfacefadedofallcolor.Iancouldsmellhisfear.
“Sh–she’sagoodperson.If…”
“Don’t even say if I give her a chance.” Ian slammed his hand down on the table and Kyle

jumpedinhisseat.“Youhavenoideawhatshe’scapableof.Shekilledmyfatherandstepmotherand
threatenedtokillmylittlesisterandmymate.Doesthatsoundlikesomethingasanepersonwould
do?”

“I don’t have to sit here and listen to this.” Kyle pushed his chair back and stood up. “Just

because you don’t appreciate everything she’s done for you doesn’t mean you have to spread lies
abouther.”

“Excuse me? Lies?” Ian shook his head in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Ian had

learned the previous day that Kyle was only seventeen and he had to think he was a very naive
seventeen-year-oldboy.“Doesitnotbotheryouthatwecan’tleavethehouse?Thattherearelockson
everysingledoorandwindow?Thatdoesn’tbotheryouintheleast?”

“It’stokeepussafe,”Kylewhispered.“AndIdogooutside.SashaandSaltakemeforwalks.”
“Walks?”Ianarchedaneyebrowathim.“Whatareyou,theirpet?Kyle,Iunderstandthisisall

you know but people don’t keep the people they love from experiencing life or from leaving the
house.Thisisinsane!”

“Sasha’sgoodtome.Ilikeithere.”KyledefendedSashaonceagain.
“Becauseit’sallyoufuckingknow,Kyle.Don’tyouhaveambitions?Thingsyoudesireoutside

thesefourwalls?”

IttookamomentandaKylehunghisheaddowninshame.“I’dliketolearntodrive.”
Ian sat forward. He could barely hear Kyle. “Drive? That’s a reasonable request. Got any

more?”

“Idon’tknow.”Kyleshylyliftedoneshoulder.“Maybegotocollegesomewhereotherthanhere

inIdaho.”

Idaho.Ianfinallyknewwhereshe’dtakenhim.Butlittlegooditdidhim.
“Wherewouldyouliketogo?IwassettostartcollegeinthefallatOhioState.”Ianletasmall

smile come over his face. “But after the death of my parents and meeting Will, I choose to go to

HemsworthCollege.IhadjustenrolledandboughtallmybooksthenightSashatookmefrommy
family.”Thesmilefellfromhisfaceandtearsburnedatthebackofhiseyes.“Itwassupposedtobe
myfreshstart.”AsinglehottearfelldownhischeekandhetwitchedwhenhefeltKyleresthishand
onhisshoulder.

“Sashalovesyou,Ian.I’msureifyouexplainedtoheraboutyourmateandyourdesiretogoto

collegeatHemsworth,I’msureshe’llseereasonandletyougo.”Kylesoundedsosureofhimself
Ianhatedtoriptheblindfoldoffhe’dbeenwearingforthepastfourteenyears.Ifthekidonlyknew
whatkindofmonsterhe’dbeenlivingwith.“I’vegotnewsforheraswell.”Kyle’seyesbeameddown
at him. “I’ve been accepted at the University of Georgia, early admission, too. My tutor helped me
apply but promised not to tell Sasha. She even had all the papers mailed to her house. I wanted to
surpriseSashawiththenews.”

ThesparkleinKyle’seyesremindedIanofthepersonheusedtobe,whichwasn’tthatlongago.

As he stared into Kyle’s excited eyes something hit him. “Does your tutor come every day?” In the
twodaysIanhadbeeninthishouse,hehadn’tseenanyoneotherthantheusual.

“Usuallybutshehashadtocancelthepastfewsessions.”Kylepickeduphisbowlandcarriedit

tothesink.

“Isthatnormalforher?”Ianhadabadfeelingaboutthepoortutor.
“No,butSashasaidSophiaisillandwouldbebacksoon.”
Ianjustbetshewassick,morelikedead.Buthewasn’tgoingtosaythattoKylejustyet.
“Ian,yourmotherwouldlikeawordwithyou,”Salsaidfromtheentryofthekitchen.Hisbig,

hulkingframefilledtheentirespace.Ianhatedtheguyandoncehefoundhisweakness,he’dexploitit
andkillSalonceandforall.

IansaidbyetoKyle,whostoodatthesinksmilinglikeafool,excitedaboutalifehe’dneverget

to live. For some reason Ian knew that Sasha had no plans of letting Kyle go anywhere and if his
suspicionsweretrue,poorSophiawasdead.

ChapterFourteen

“There’smybeautifulboy.”SashawalkedaroundherdesktokissIan’scheek.Heturnedhisface

awayfromher.“Iseeyou’restillupset.”

“Pleasetell me howlong is suitableto mourn the lossof one’s parents,and being taken from

mysisterandmate?Aday?Week?”

“Have a seat.” She pointed her long pointer finger at the chair in front of her desk. “We have

somethingstodiscuss.”

Whenhedidn’tbudge,Salpushedhimfrombehind.Ianstumbledforwardandcaughthimself

onthebackofthechairbeforehefelltohisface.Ianrightedhimselfthensatinthechair.“There’s
nothingIwanttosaytoyouorthatIwanttohearfromyou.Yougotmeherebutthatdoesn’tmeanI
havetolikeitorpretendeverything’sokay.”

“Sal, you may go.” She waved the large man out the door. Once the door was shut she turned

back to Ian. “I understand you miss your father, sister, and this Will fellow, but you need to really
moveon.Youcandowaybetterthanthosemisfits.”

“Youareapieceofwork,yaknowthat?”Iansatbackinhischairandcrossedonelegoverthe

other,ankleoverknee.

“I’mjustarealisticpersonwhohashighexpectationsofothers.Forexample,yourfatherwasa

coward, running when things got tough. That woman he married couldn’t even shift. An
embarrassmenttootherwolfshifters.Andthatsisterofyours?Goodgrief,she’llprobablydiefrom
thecommoncold.”Ian’sfingerscurledaroundthearmsofthechair,hisnailsdiggingintothewood.
“Andthatmanyoucallamate?He’sajoke.Youcandomuchbetterthanahuman.Idon’tmindthat
you’regaybutwecanatleastfindyouapropermate.IwasthinkingKyleandyouwouldgetalong
quitenicely.”HerredlipscurledupasifKyletakingWill’splaceansweredalltheworld’sproblems.

“Listenhere,crazytown.”Ianscootedtotheedgeofhisseatandnarrowedhiseyesather.“My

father was a great man. He raised me to be a good and caring person. Not a heartless monster like
you.KellywastheonlymotherIeverknewandIlovedherwithallmyheartandshedidn’thavea
selfishboneinherbody.”Iantookadeepbreathandtightenedhisfist.“Sure,Kelseyisdifferentthan
othershifters,butthatdoesn’tmakeherlessofawolf.”IanstoodupandleanedoverSasha’sdesk,
hands planted on the smooth wood surface. “And let’s be clear on one thing, shall we? I love Will.
Nothing you say or do will ever change that. Love isn’t an emotion you can just turn off and on.
Will’smymateandI’dratherdiealonelymanthantakeanotherlover.”

Sasha’sfaceflushedpinkandherjawgroundtogether,makingahorriblesound.“Don’tyouget

it,Ian?Yourlifeisdifferentnow,sogetusedtoitbecauseifyoudon’t,I’llmakethoseyoucarefor
suffer.”Sashaturnedherattentionbacktothecomputeronherdesk.“SoIsuggestyougetonwiththe
programhere.”

“Ihateyou.”Ianswipedhishandsoverherdesk,sendingthepapers,pens,andapictureframe

offthesurfacetolandonthefloor.“Iwishyouweredead.”

“Wellwecan’talwaysgetwhatwewishfor.”Shesmiledupathim.
Ianpushedawayfromherdeskandheadedforthedoor.Neverinhislifehadheeverwantedto

hitawoman,butSashawasnowoman.Shewasamachine.

“I have to know one thing,” Ian asked. “Why didn’t you let Sal kill Will when he had the

chance?”NotthathewantedthattohappenbutwhywouldsheletWillliveifshehatedIanbeingwith
him?

“Because we knew he’d lead us to you.” Sasha stopped typing. “Ian, I knew that you and that

child”—shesaidchildasifitdisgustedhertoevenmentionKelsey—“werestayinginthewoods,butI
didn’twanttoinfringeonanotherpack’sterritoryandIthoughtitbesttokeepmyexistencehidden.
So I had you watched, from arriving in upstate New York, to getting your camping supplies and
headingtoNehalem.Thenwhenyoutookthatchildtothehospital,rightdowntothekissyoushared
withMr.Watterson.ButevenifIhadn’twitnessedyoukissingthatman,Icouldsmellyouonhim.It
madeitsosimpletofindhiminthewoods,andasmuchasIwantedtokillhim,Iheldoff.Isawthe
wayyoulookedathimandIdidn’twanttotakethatawayfromyou.”Sashasmiledsweetlyathim.
“See,I’mnotallbadnow,amI?”

“Youlethimliveonlytotakehimawayfromme.”Ianshookhisheadandhecouldfeeltears

poolinthecornersofhiseyes.“I’llneverbegratefultoyouforthat.”

“WouldyouhaveratherIkilledhim?”
“No,Iwouldhaveratheryoujustleftusaloneandletusliveourlivesinpeace.”
“I’vespentthepastseventeenandhalfyearswithoutyouandthatendsnow.You’remysonand

youbelongwithme.”Sashabangedherhanddownonthecornerofthedesk,breakingoffapieceof
thewood.

“Youmighthavemehereinyourhouse,butI’llneverloveyou.Anychanceofthatdiedright

alongwithmydadandKelly.Youmightaswellbedead,Sasha,becauseIcouldcarelessifyoulived
ordied.”

“I’msorryyoufeelthatway,son,butthisisyourlifenow.Getusedtoit.”WithoutgivingIan

secondglanceshedismissedhim.

Ianopenedthedoorandashesteppedoutoftheroom,areflectioninthemirrordownthehall

caughthiseye.Kylestoodagainstthewall,peekingaroundthecorner,thinkinghewasoutofsight.
IanhatedhimselffordoingthisbuthehadtoshowKylewhatamonsterSashatrulywas.

“Onemorething,Sasha,”IansaidloudlyenoughforKyletoheareveryword.
“Yes,dear?”Sashagavehimherfullattention.“AndwoulditkillyoutocallmeMother?”
Ianignoredthatquestion.Itwouldonlystartupanotherargument.Ianstoodinthedoorwayas

hespoke.“WhathappenedtoKyle’stutor?Hetoldmeshehadn’tbeenaroundinawhile.Ifshequit,
maybeIcouldhelpKylewithhisstudies?”IanhopedSashadidn’tpickuponhowhisvoicequivered
whenhespoke.

“Ohthatsillygirl.”Sasharolledhereyes.“ShestartedtoputideasinKyle’sheadandIcouldn’t

havethat.”

“Sowhatdidyoudo?”Iantriedtoswallowaroundthelumpinhisthroat.
“I made sure she lost her head, dear,” Sasha said with a smile, like what she just confessed to

wasn’tacrime.

“Youkilledher?”
“Yes.”IanheardKyle’swhimperfromwherehestood.“Now,dear,doyouneedanythingelse?”

Ianshookhisheadno.“Okay,offyougothen.Ihaveworktodo.”

IanshutthedoorbehindhimandwalkeddownthehallwaytowardKyle.HefoundKyleslumped

againstthewall,cryinghugetears.

“Youheardthat,Itakeit?”IanwrappedanarmaroundKyle’sfrailshoulders.
“ShekilledSophia?Why?”Kyle’svoicecrackedashespoke.Hisbodybegantoshakeastears

ranlikeariverdownhisface.

“Like I told you, Kyle, she’s a monster. You can’t trust her.” Ian comforted his new friend

because,likeitornot,Kylewasjustasmuchaprisonerinthishouseasheandtheyneededeachother

iftheyeverhopedtoescape.

KylenoddedhisheadandleanedintoIan’sside.Ianpattedhisbackandledhimdownthehallto

thestairs.HehelpedKyletohisroomandsatontheedgeofthebedashetuckedKylein.Kylemight
onlybeayearyoungerthanIan,butheseemedsomuchyounger.Ianhadlearnedearlyonthatlife
was a struggle at times and things didn’t always go as planned but Kyle had lived a pampered life.
SashahadgiventhemaneverythingheeverwantedandalsomadeittowhereKyleneverquestioned
her.

AsIanlookedaroundKyle’sroom,aframedpictureonhisdressercaughthiseye.Ianstoodup

togetabetterlook.ItwasaphotographofKyle,Sasha,andatinybaby.Thepicturecouldbebuta
monthorsoold.Kylelookedthesameashedidnow,onlyhishairalittlelonger.

“Kyle,who’sthis?”IancarriedthepictureovertowhereKylelaidonthebed.
Kylerolledoverandsniffled.“That’smeandSasha.”
“Iknowthat.Who’sthebaby?”
“That’sLucas.”Kylesatupandwipedhishandsunderhiseyes.“Yourbrother.”
“Mybrother?”Ian’swholebodywentlimpandhedroppedthepictureonthebedandflopped

downonthesoftmattress.

“Shehasn’ttoldyou.”Ianshookhishead.“Maybeshewantedittobeasurprise.She’salways

doingfunthingslikethat.”AghostofsmileshowedonKyle’slips.

“Kyle,stopit,”Iansnapped.“Youheardherdownthere.She’snotagoodperson.Stoptryingto

convince yourself she is.” Ian clasped his shaking hands together. “You said Lucas is my brother.”
Kylenoddedagain.“How?”

“Hewasbornaboutamonthago.Sashawantedtohaveanotherbabyandthoughtit’dbenicefor

youandItohaveabrothertolookoutfor.Makeusastrongerfamily.”

“SoitwasLucasIheardcryingtheothernight.”
“Yes.Sashakeepshiminherpartofthehouse.Hehardlyevercries.”
“Doyouknowwhohisfatheris?”Ianasked.
“No.” Kyle threw the covers off his body and scooted next to Ian. “She said he was killed by

hunters.”

Ianletoutachuckle.“Sheprobablykilledhimtoo,Kyle.Don’tunderestimateher.”
KyleremainedquietforalongtimeandIandidn’tmind.Hismindswamwitheverythinghe’d

learned and didn’t have a clue how to make this better. And to learn he had an infant brother
frightenedhimtothecore.Hecouldn’tleavethatbabyinSasha’scaretoraise.

“Whatarewegoingtodo,Ian?”Kyleaskedasheentwinedtheirhands.
“Idon’tknowyet,Kyle,butI’llthinkofsomething.”IanpulledKylecloseandrestedhishead

ontopofKyle’s.KyleneededhimnowandIanwasn’tgoingtolethimdown.Whenhefoundawayto
getoutofhere,he’dtakeKyleandLucaswithhim.Theonlyquestionremainedwaswhen.

ChapterFifteen

Ithadbeentwenty-onedayssinceIanhadbeentakenandhewasnoclosertofindingawayto

escapethanhewasthefirstday.Itwasbeginningtofeelhopeless.

Everydaystartedthesame,shower,breakfast,thenhangoutwithKyleuntillunch,thendinner.

SashahadyettomentionLucastohimandIantoldKylenottosayawordabouthimknowing.The
lessSashathoughttheybothknew,thebetter.

On day five Kyle brought up the idea for Ian to start being nice to Sasha. That maybe if she

thoughtshecouldtrustIan,she’dallowhimmorefreedom.Ianlikedtheideabuthatedthathe’dhave
tobecordialtothatbitch.Butifithelpedthemfindawayoutofthishouse,he’ddoit.

Ianstartedoffslowlybyansweringherquestionswhensheasked,thenallowedhertogivehim

hugsandkisses.Foraruthlesskiller,shesuredidliketoshowaffectiontohim.Ianassumeditwasto
makeupforlosttimeandifthat’swhatheneededtodotogainherconfidence,he’ddoit.

Asthedayswentby,Ianhadtoswallowdownthebilethatroseinhisthroateachandeverytime

he had to spend time with Sasha. She was definitely buying his act and it helped that Kyle played
along.ItwaskillinghimandKyleboth,allthepretending.KylehadtakentosleepinginIan’sroom,
cryinghimselftosleepeverynight.SashajustassumedthatIanhadgrownfondofKyleandhehad,
butnotinthewayshewashoping.KylehadbecomelikeabrothertoIanandassuchhewantedto
protecthim.

“Boys!”Sashacalledout.“Whereareyou?”
IanandKylewereinthefamilyroom.Iansatononesideofthelargeleathercouchwatching

TVwhileKylesatontheotherreadingabook.Theyspentmoretimealonetogethertohelpfuelthe
notionthattheywerebecomingacoupletoSasha.

“Ohthereyouare.”SashasaunteredintotheroomandbentdowntokissthetopofIan’shead,

thenKyle’s.“Howaremyloveliesdoingtoday?”

“Great,Mom,”Ianansweredwithapracticedsmile.He’dbecomequitegoodatfakingthesmile

andthewords.

“IlovehearingyoucallmeMom,”Sashasquealed,thenbenttokisshischeek.“Ifeellikewe’re

abecomingarealfamily.”KyletookSasha’shandasshereachedforhim.

“Weare.”Iansqueezedtheremoteinhishandtokeepfromchokingonhiswords.“It’sanice

feeling.”

“That’s what I’ve been dying to hear.” She ran her finger down the side of Ian’s face. “Well I

havesomethingtoaskmytwofavoriteboys.”Sashaclappedherhandstogether.“It’llbeafullmoon
tonightandIwaswantingtoseeifyoubothwouldliketojoinmeandtherestofthepackforarun?”
SashaturnedeagereyestoIan.“Thiswillbeyourpacktorunoneday,Ian.Ireallywantthemtomeet
you and hopefully someday soon I can introduce you and Kyle as a couple. So what do you say,
boys?”

And just like that the sky opened up and shined a light down on him. This could be Kyle and

Ian’swayout.IancaughttheexcitedgleaminKyle’seyesandthefranticwayheshookhishead.

“We’dbehonoredtojoinyouandthepack.”IangrinnedatKylewhosmiledback.
“Ourpack,son.”Sashapattedhischeek.“AndI’mfinallygladtohaveyouapartofit.”
Ianheldhissmileuntilshelefttheroom.Onceshewasgone,hewipedawaytheredlipstickthat

shealwaysleftonhischeek.

“Ican’tbelieveit.”Kylesatonhisknees,bouncingupanddownonthecouch.“Thiscouldbe

ourchance.”

“Yep.”IansmiledoveratKyle.Hehadn’ttoldKylethatbreakingfreeofSasha’scontrolwould

ultimatelymeanherdeath.Iandidn’tknowifhehaditinhimtokillanotherhumanbeing,wolfshifter
of not. Over the past few weeks his desire to get back to Kelsey and Will wound tighter in his
stomach.Hewasathisbreakingpointandfelthe’ddojustaboutanythingtogetbacktothem.

Afterdinner,IanandKylefollowedSashaoutthebackdoor.Sheledthemtowardthebeautiful

flower garden that sat in the center of the large yard. A warm breeze blew over Ian’s skin and the
floralscentofallthedifferentcombinationsfilledhissenses.Ianfeltanelectricityintheair.Itgave
himhope.

Iangavehisheadalittleshake,tryingtostayfocusedonthesituationathand.Standingaboutin

differentstagesofundresswereabouttwentyorsowolves.Afewwomenbutmostlymen.Theyall
seemedtohaveahardedginessaboutthemthathadIanalittlefrightened.Sashahadsaidhewasan
alpha,butitdidn’tmeanhefeltthatway.Thewolvesstandingaroundthewaterfountainlookedmean
andtough.Iandidn’tdoubtthatanyoneofthemcouldkickhisassandevenkillhim.

“Good evening, Argent Pack.” Sasha held her hands out wide as if enveloping all the wolves

standingaroundherinherembrace.“I’dliketointroducemyson,IanArgent.”Iancastasideways
glanceather.Hewantedtocorrectheronwhathislastnamewas,butgrabbedhishandandgavea
slightshaketohishead.“HewillonedaybethealphaofthispackandIknowhe’lldoanexcellent
jobofit,”Sashacarriedon,singinghispraisesasifshe’dknownIanhiswholelife.

IankeptaholdofKyle’shandasthewolvestookturnssizinghimup.Theirstaresheldsomany

questionsintheirdarkdepthsbutnotaoneofthemsaidawordorquestionedSashaaboutherlong-
lostson.

“Tonightwetoastthemoontonewbeginningandfamily.”Sashaheldherarmsuptothesky,the

fullmoonshininghighaboveherlikeaspotlight.

Achorusofhowlsfilledthestillnightair.Sashabegantoremoveherclothesandmotionedfor

IanandKyletodothesame.Oncetheywereundressed,IanpulledKylecloseenoughtowhisperin
hisear.

“Stayclose.Don’tletthemseparateus.”
“What’stheplan?”KylewoundhisarmsaroundIan’sneckandspokethewordsagainsthisear.
“Stillworkingonit.”IangaveKyleastiffsmilewhenhepulledbackwithalookofshockon

hisface.“Trustme.”Iandidn’twanttoadmithisplanconsistedofmurderingSasha.Evenafterallthe
badthingsKylenowknewSashahaddone,themanstillwouldfeelguiltyandIancouldn’ttakethe
chanceKylewouldstophim.Asitwas,Ianwasn’tsurehecouldgothroughwithit,buthehadtotry.

Kyle nodded his head. Ian followed behind Sasha as the pack made its way to the edge of the

yardwheretheflat,grassygroundmettheflourishoftreesleadingintothewoods.

IancaughtsightofSalwherehestoodatthefaredgeofthecrowd.Thetall,muscularmanstood

witha confidence thatdared anyone tochallenge him. Sal’s darkeyes sought outIan’s and the man
smirked.ThatwasonewolfIandidn’tfeelbadaboutkilling.

Sasharaisedherhand,silencingtheotherwolves.Sheturnedherheadfromsidetosideonher

shoulders,lettingherneckpop.Shethenletherheadfallbacktostareupatthedarkskyandreleased
anear-piercinghowl.

Ianwatchedastheotherwolvesbegantoshiftandquicklyfollowed.Therewasthestretchand

crack of bone as it molded to the thicker, shorter bones of his wolf. Ian wasn’t a large man and
typicallyhiswolfwasaveragesize,butashisbodyshiftedhefelthimselfgrowinglarger.Helooked
overtoseeSashainwolfformwatching.Hermouthhungopen,hereyesoozingprideasIanbecame

a wolf. Light brown fur spread out over his skin and Ian’s breath came out in sharp intakes as his
bodyrebuiltitself.Inamatterofsecondshestoodonfourlegs,slightlydisorientated.Heshookhis
body,achillworkingitselfoverhisskin.

Sashaletoutasharpbarkandthewolvestookoff.
AwetsnoutbrushedintohissideandIanturnedtoseeKylecrouchednexttohim.Ianraisedhis

pawandpatteditonKyle’shead,asiftosaynottoworry,andthentookoffwithKylerightonhis
heels.

ThewolvesranclosetogetherinaV-formation.Sashastoodatthecenteroutintheveryfront.

IanandKylebroughtuptherear.Lookingfromsidetoside,IankepttrackofwhereSalwas,too.

Theyranforwhatfeltlikehours,pulledintightlytogether.Itwasalmostasiftheywereheading

towardasingledestination.

Iansoonfoundouthewasright.
AfterrunningformilesandmilesSashasloweddowntoatrot,thenasswiftlyasshehadshifted

intoawolf,shebecamehumanagain.

“DownthathillistheBrensonPack.They’verefusedtoselltheirlandtome,sotonightwefeast

ontheirfleshandtakewhatisrightfullyours.”Thewolvessangoutachorusofagreement.

Ianpawed at theground, terrified forwhat was about tohappen. Kyle leanedinto his side. Ian

couldfeelhissmallbodytrembling.

“Son,”SashacalledouttoIan.“Tonightyouproveyourloyaltytothepack.”
AllittookforIantoshiftbacktohishumanformwastothinkit.Hisbodycrackedandpopped

back into place. He stood up and walked over to Sasha. “Mother, why are we going to kill these
wolves?”

“Thispackrefusestomoveontoanotherterritory.ThisisArgentlandandIrefusetoletthem

stayhere.”Shelookedoverhershoulder.“It’safoulmixofwolfshiftersandhumansdownoverthat
ridge. I’ve asked them nicely to move on but they refuse. I even offered a substantial amount of
moneyandtheystillrefuse.Theyneedtobetaughtalessonandifafewoftheirsdiethensobeit.”
Sasha grabbed Ian by the shoulders. “No one refuses an Argent’s request. Now let’s go. Show me
you’restrongertheyyourfathereverwas.”Sashaturnedtofacethepack.“Wolves,spreadout.Take
downasmanyasyoucan.Showthemwe’reserious.”Sashashiftedbacktowolfform,letoutasingle
howl,andthepacktookoff.

Ianstoodstill,feetstucktothegroundasifbyconcreteblocks.Hecouldn’tbelievetheexcited

gleamhesawinhereyes.Shewantedtohurtthispack.Evenkillsomeofthem.Allforwhat?Because
the pack was made up of wolf shifters and humans? Sasha was such an elitist. Innocent children,
women,andmenweredownthereabouttobeattackedbyanangrypackofwolvesallfornothing.Ian
couldn’tlivewiththat.

Kyle came up to him and let out a soft whimper. Ian looked down at him then out toward the

clearingjustbeyondthetrees.Hehadtostopthis.

“Kyle,Ineedyoutostayuphere.Ican’triskyougettinghurt.”
KylebarkedhisdislikeofthatrequestbutIanshookitoff.Helethisshiftrolloverhisskinand

wenttohisknees.Oncebackinhiswolfbody,heturnedhiseyestowardKyle.Hebarkedoncethen
tookoff.

ForthefirsttimesinceheheardSashaspoutoffthenonsenseabouthimbeinganalphadidhe

reallyfeellikeone.Thepowerpulsinginhismuscleshelpedhimrunfasterandleaphighertocover
more ground. He glanced over his shoulder and gave Kyle a warning growl. The stubborn wolf
trottedalongatasafedistancebehindhim.Iandidn’twantKyletoleavethecoveroftrees.Ifanything

happenedtohim,Ianwouldneverbeabletoforgivehimself.

Thesharpsnarlsandpain-lacedyelpsbrokethroughthesilence,lettingIanknowhismotherand

theothershaddescendedontheotherpackofwolves.

Iandughisclawsharderintothemoistground,kickingupdirtashepushedharder.
Iancameuponahumanwomantryingtodefendherchild.Thechildwasinmidshift.Thewolf

snarledasitsnappedatheruntilhecaughtachunkofherarm,tearingthefleshfromthebone.She
screamedinagonyasshefelltotheground.Thesmallpupsnarledatthelargerwolfstandinginfront
ofhismother.Thewolfstalkedcloser,teethbared,readyingtoattack.

Justatthewolflungedforthepup,Ianleaptintotheairandsoared.Thewindfannedoverhis

face,carryingthescentofbloodandfear.Ianlandedonthewolf’sbackanditletoutasharpcryof
painashisteethtoreintoitsneck.ThewolftriedtothrowIanoff,buthewastoobig.Ianclamped
downharderuntilheheardthesnapofboneandthewolfwentlimpbeneathhim.

Ian released his grip and shoved the dead wolf to the side. Lowering his head, Ian took a step

closertothepup.Theboy’smotherlaidonthegroundwithonearmtoherchesttheotheraroundthe
pup,stillinherweakenedstatetryingtoprotectherchild.Ianheldhereyesandgaveaslownod.She
musthaveunderstoodthathewasn’theretohurtherandsighedinreliefandstartedtocry.

MoresoundsofdistresspulledIanfromthemotherandchildandhetookoff.Herantowarda

smallhouseandsoundsoffightingcamefromthebackofthehome.Ianmadehiswayaroundand
sawalargeblackwolfwithagraywolf’sneckinbetweenhisheavyjaws.Theblackwolfshookhis
headwithsuchforcethegraywolf’sheadtorefromitsbody.Itsheadhungtotheside,bonesexposed
andbloodrushingfromitsbody.

Ianletoutasharphowl.Theblackwolfdroppeditskillandstareddark,beadyeyesatIan.Sal.

Ianwouldknowthoseeyesanywhere.Herewashischancetotakehimout.Inwolfform,Ianstood
tallerthanSalandhischestwasbroader.Hefeltlikehisoddsweregoodagainstthesickbastard.Ian
chargedforwardandSalrantomeethimhalfway.Theycametogetherinatangleofclaws,tearingat
eachother ’ssidesandteethsnappingwildly.

SalshiftedleftandsunkhisteethintoIan’sbackleftleg.Thewarmthofbloodoozeddownhis

fur. Ian refused to cower in defeat. He swiped out a paw and his sharp nails ran the length of Sal’s
side, ripping open his flesh. Sal howled in pain. Ian circled the downed wolf, his teeth pulled back,
exposinghissharpteeth.

The wounded wolf tried to climb to his feet but Ian used his larger size to shove him down

again.SalgrowledathimandsnappedhisjawsatIanbutnevergotcloseenoughtotouchhim.

Ian circled Sal one more time, savoring the look of fear on the wolf’s face. It was what Sal

deservedforattackingWillthewayhehad.KnowingthatSaltookpleasureinhurtingothersmadeup
Ian’smindforhim.Salneededtodie.Therewasnowayaroundthat.

In a motion so fast it took Ian off guard, Sal jumped to his feet and lunged at Ian’s shoulder,

sinkinghisteethinsodeepIanheardthescrapeofboneasSalclampeddownharder.Ianrolledtohis
backandpushedatSal’schestbuteverytimehepushedSalfurtherbackmoreofhisskinandmuscle
rippedfromhisbody.

Iancouldfeelthebloodrunfromtheopenwoundanddidtheonlythingthatcametohismind.

HewrappedhisfrontlegsaroundSal’sback,pullinghimcloserasraisedhislowerlegs,pawsflexed
back, and dug them into Sal’s soft belly. Ian could feel the skin give way as his claws tore Sal’s
midsectionwideopen.ThegriponIan’sshoulderloosenedandSal’sbodywentlimp.Ianshovedthe
wolfoffhimandboundedtohisfeet.ThelightinSal’seyesslowlyfadedoutintonothingnessandIan
feltnothingfortheman.

“Ian,whatareyoudoing?”
Ianturnedaround,winchingashisshoulderwoundpulledtight.Sashastoodcompletelynaked

and covered in blood and Ian knew not a single drop was hers. No, Sasha was too skilled to let
another person or wolf overpower her, but Ian was willing to try. For his family’s sake he’d do
anything.

Iansnarledatthewomanwhogavehimlife.Heclawedatthegroundinfrontofhim,earslying

flatagainsthishead.Hechallengedher.

“Shiftbacknow,”Sashascreamedsoloudallothersoundsweredrownedoutbyhere.
ItwasasifIancouldn’tcontrolitbuthisbodygrewandstretched,hisfurrecedingbackinhis

pores.Whenhisshiftwascompletehekneeledonthegroundcoveredindirtandblood.

“Why?”shebellowed.
“BecauseI’llneverbelikeyou.”Ianstoodtohisfeet.Hisrightshoulderburnedlikefirewith

painbutheignoredit.“Sal.”Iannudgedatthedeadwolf.“Deservedtodie.Surehedidn’tkillWill,
buthewantedto,andI’msuretherehavebeenothershehasslaughtered.”

“I don’t understand.” Sasha looked up from Sal’s body. “We were getting along. We were

becomingafamily.”

“We’llneverbeafamily,Sasha,”Ianspat.“Thedayyougunneddownmydadandmother,you

lostallchanceofthateverhappening.Iwishyouweredead.”

Sasha’sfacewentfromoneofhurtandsadnesstopurerage.Herblueeyesstartedtoglowand

Iancouldfeeltheangercomingoffherinwaves.

“Ihadhopedyouweresincereinyourclaimsofwantingtobemyson.”Shestalkedcloserto

Ian.“ButnowIcanseeyouarenobetterthanyourworthlessfather.Agoodfornothingcowardwho
can’tdowhatneedstobedone.”

“Really,Sasha?”Ianstraightenedhisback,refusingtoshowanysignsofpainonhisface.“What

needed to be done here tonight? Huh? Look around, you crazy bitch. You wanted to slaughter an
entirepack,includingthechildren,forwhat?Becausetheywouldn’tmovefurtherawayfromyou.”
Ian shook his head in disgust. “No, you wanted to kill these people tonight because it’s what makes
youtick.Youenjoywatchingotherssuffer.You’rearabiddogthatneedstobeputdown.”

“Isthatright,son.”Sasha’shandmovedsofastIanneversawitcoming.Hernailsswipedacross

hisface.Bloodeasedthroughtheopencutonhischeek,drippingdownhisface.Shediditagainto
hisothercheek.Iansawhisbloodflythroughtheairtohittheground.Warmthrandownhisfaceto
hisneckandoverhischest.“Youarenothingwithoutme.”

Ian’sheadsnappedupandhereachedouttowraphisfingersaroundSasha’sthinneck.Hefelt

herpulsequickenunderhisfingertips.“Seethat’swhereyou’rewrong.I’mbetteroffwithoutyouand
Ihaveeverything,inspiteofhavingyouforamother.”IanshovedSashaawayfromhim.Shelanded
onthegroundwithathud.

The sounds of low, menacing growls finally caught Ian’s attention. He glanced up to see his

mother ’spackencirclinghimbuttheydidn’tmoveforward.No,theyjuststoodthereandwatched.

“Ifyouwon’tjoinmethenI’llendyou.”
IanturnedintimetoseeSashashiftinmidair.Heraisedhishandsupinself-defensebutbefore

shecouldreachhim,aloneshotrangoutandSashacrumbledtotheground.

IanlookedinthedirectionofthegunshottoseeKylestandingonthebackporchofthehouse

they were at. An elderly woman stood behind him, nodding her head. Kyle lowered the rifle and
stepped off the steps, moving to where Sasha lay on the ground. She gasped for breath and blood
bubbledupfromtheholeinherchest.

“Kyle?”Sasha’svoicewasweak.
“Kyle,stayback.”IansteppedinfrontofKyle.“Kyleknowsthetruthaboutyouandwhatkindof

personyoureallyare.Youdon’tgettherighttospeaktohim.”

“You both betrayed me.” Sasha started to cough and blood seeped out of her mouth. Wet

wheezingsoundswerepulledfromherbodyasshetriedtobreath.

“No,Sasha,youbetrayedus,”Iansaid.
“My pack will never follow either of you.” Sasha coughed up another mouthful of blood.

“They’llavengeme.”

Ian looked at the gathering wolves. “Is she right?” he asked the pack. “Do any of you want to

riskyourlifeforher?”Notasinglewolfmadeamovetoattack.IansquatteddownnexttoSashaand
whisperedforonlyhertohear,“Ithinktheyarefinallyhappytobefreeofyou,Sasha.You’regoing
todieallaloneandnotasinglepersonwillcare.Takeyourlastbreathknowingthat.”

IanstoodupandwatchedasSashatookherlastbreath.Herlifelesseyesstaredupatthenight

skyandIandidn’tfeelasingleemotiononewayoranotheraboutthiswoman.

“Areyouthenewalpha?”TheladywhohadsteppedoutontheporchwithKyleasked.
“No.”IanputhisarmaroundKyle’sshoulderandwalkeduptothewoman.“Idon’tthinkI’mcut

outforthejob.”

“I understand.” The woman nodded her head in approval. “But we owe you a great deal of

thanks.”

Iantiltedhisheadinconfusion.Hismotherhadorderedthemassacreofthispack.Howcould

shewanttothankhim?

“That woman you saved in the woods is her daughter and that pup is her grandson,” Kyle

answered.“AfteryoukilledthatwolfIcameuptothemandhelpedthembacktothishouse.”

“Butstill.”Ianshookhishead.
“Youngman,theonlywolveslostheretonightwerefromyourpack.”Shepointedovertothe

gray wolf on the ground. “That wolf was one of your own. He stopped that big one from breaking
downmydoor.”

“Weallaren’tlikeher.”IanturnedtoseeamanstandingamongstSasha’spack.“I,forone,was

againstthisattack.Mostofuswere.Theoneswhoweren’tareeitherdeadortookoff.Oncewesaw
youfightingSalwefoughtbacktohelpthesepeople.Sashawasaruthlessalphaandmostofuswere
frightened into obeying her.” The man looked over to the other wolves that had remained. Their
headshungdowntowardthegroundinshame.

“That’sgoodtoknow.”Iangavethemanasmallsmile.Relieffloodedhischesttoknowthatall

themembersofSasha’spackweren’tkillingmachines.

“Whatdowedonow?”themanasked.
“Help these people clean up the mess and bury the dead.” He glanced toward Sasha’s body.

“Thenyou’refreetodoasyouwish…”

“Peyton,myname’sPeyton.”ThewolfsmiledatIan.“Thankyou,Ian.Youhelpedsetusfree.”
Iantookalonglookatthemanbeforehim.Hecouldn’tbemucholderthanhimself.Long,wavy

blondhair,smooth,leanbody,anddeepgreeneyesstaredathim.Therewasawearinesstothoseeyes
thatspokevolumestoIanthatthismanhadlivedahardlife.

“Nothanksneeded,Peyton.”
WithKylebyhisside,theyheadedbacktowardthewoods.Theyneededtogetbacktothehouse

andgetLucas.ThenIanwasgoingtocallhome.Hehadafamilywaitingonhim.

ChapterSixteen

“Herroomsaredownthisway.”Kylewalkedatafastclipdownthelonghallway.Itwasasifhe

wereafraidSashawasgoingtojumpoutatthematanymoment.Thatwasonethingneitherofthem
hadtoworryabouteveragain.

Ianfollowedclosebehindhim.Coveredinbloodanddirt,IanfeltsillygoingtofindLucaslike

this,buthedidn’tknowwhothisnannywasorifshe’dtakeoffwiththebaby.

Theycametoastopinfrontofasetofwoodendoubledoors.Kyleraisedhishandtoknockbut

Iangentlypushedhimoutofthewayandopenedthedoor.

“Whoareyou?”Awomansittinginarockingchairheldtheinfanttoherchest,protectinghim

fromthem.Ianwantedtolaughoutloudatthat.“Kyle?”ShegaveKyleaconcernedlook.He,too,was
coveredindirtandsweatandsomeofIan’sblood.

“I’m Ian.” He stepped into the room closer to the lady. She was older, with graying hair and

wrinkledskin.Ianknewhecouldtakeherifsheputupafight.“I’mLucas’sbrother.”

“Katrina,it’sokay,”Kylesaidtoher.“He’stellingthetruth.He’sIanTanner,theguyI’vetold

youabout.”

“Youtoldheraboutme?”Ian’smouthfellopeninsurprise.
“Yes,Katrinawasmynannygrowingup,andmyfriend.She’salsotheonethatsuggestedInot

bringyoutoseeLucas.That’swhyIneverofferedtobringyoutoseehim.Sashawouldhavebeen
abletosmellhimonyou.”

“Don’tbemadatKyle,Ian.”Katrinastoodupfromtherockingchair.“Yourmotherwasn’tthe

kindest of souls to be gifted with children.” She held out the small bundle to Ian. “I was also your
nanny,Ian.”Ianlookedatherwithwideeyes,handsshakingashetookLucasintohisarms.“Iwas
alsotheonewhohelpedyourfatherescapewithyou.”

Ian’s throat couldn’t form words. He looked down at his brother and the small face was so

perfect,fromhisbuttonnoseandrosycheeks,downtohisheart-shapedlips.Tearsfilledhiseyes.

“Idon’trememberyou,”hesaidashegentlyrockedthebabyinhisarms.
“Ohheavens,dear,Iwouldn’texpectyouto.”ShereachedoutanoldweatherhandtotouchIan’s

cheek. “As your grandmother, I gave up my right to you so that you could have a better life away
fromSasha.”

“You’remygrandmother?”IantightenedhisholdonLucas.Thebabymadeacooingsoundand

smiled.

“Yes,dear.Unlikeyourmother,Ihaveaheartandcanseethebiggerpicture.Kidsshouldn’tbe

raisedaroundsuchhatred.”KatrinaturnedsadeyestoKyle.“Whenshebroughtyouback,therewas
nooneIcouldtrusttotakeyouofftoabetterlife.Andtobehonest,Kyle,Idon’treallybelievemy
daughter ’sstoryofjusthappeninguponyou.YoulookedsomuchlikeIanwouldhaveatthatage.My
dearboy,Ithinkshekilledyourfamilyjusttohaveyou.”

“Ohmygod.”Kylebroughthishandsuptocoverhismouthashecried.
KatrinapulledKyleintoherarmsandrubbedahandupanddownhisback.“Inevergotthefull

storyoutofherbutforyearsafterwardsIblamedmyself.Ifhadn’tsentIanaway,shewouldn’thave
donesomethingsoextremetoreplacethechildshelost.”

“It’snotyourfault,Kat.”KylecriedintoKatrina’sshoulder.
“It’sniceofyoutosaythat,butitdoesn’tlifttheguiltIputsquarelyonmyshoulders.You’rethe

onlyreasonIneverpackedupandleftthishouse.Kyle,youmightnotbemygrandchildbyblood,but

youareinmyheart.”

“This is all so insane.” Ian moved to lay Lucas down in a bassinet then sat down on the king-

sizedbednexttoit.

KatrinasatinthechairnexttothebedandKylesatbesideIan.IanputhisarmaroundKyleand

huggedhimclose.Hisonlyfriendinthishousehadhiswholelifechangedbecauseofhim.Ian,like
Katrina,feltguiltyforwhathadhappenedtoKyle’sfamily.

“Itis,Ian,butmaybeIcanshedsomelightonthisforyou.”
KatrinaexplainedhowshehadbeenforcedtomarrySasha’sfather,Quinton.Shedidn’twantto,

butkeepingthepurebloodlinesandthepossibilityofproducingafuturealphahadKatrina’sfamily
threateningtokillherifshedidn’tfollowthroughwiththemarriage.LifewithQuintonhadn’tbeen
toobadinthebeginning,butshesoonlearnednottoangerhimbecausehe’dgointorages.Countless
lives had been slaughtered in Quinton’s need to eliminate any threats to his pack and Sasha soon
learnedfromherfatherwhatitwasliketobeamonster.

“Sashahadbeenfourteenwhenshekilledherfirstwolfshifter.Iwouldn’thavebelieveditifI

hadn’tseenitwithmyowntwoeyes.”Katrinawipedatearoffhercheekthathadescaped.“Sixyears
later Quinton had arranged Sasha’s and John’s marriage. Sasha and John seemed really happy
together. I thought the best chance for that happiness to continue was if her father was no longer
around.SowhenSashaandJohnleftontheirhoneymoonIkilledQuinton.Wewentoffhuntingone
night and he never came back. The pack believed me when I said we’d been attacked. I wasn’t an
aggressivealphalikemyhusbandanddaughter.Butasthingsinlifego,thingsdidn’tturnedoutthe
wayI’dhoped.Sashacamebackfromherhoneymoonenragedoverherfather ’sdeath.Itchangedher
andIslowlywatchedherturnintothemonsterherfatherhadbeen.”

“That’s so sad, Katrina.” Ian reached out for her hand. “I’m sorry you had to go through all

that.”

“Itwasn’tthemostideallife,butitwasmylifeandImadethebestofitasIcould.”Shegave

himasmallsmile.“AndIdon’tregrethavingyouthreeboysinmylife.”KatrinatookholdofKyle’s
hand.“Youaremyfamilyandifyouboysturnouttobeupstandingcitizens,thenallisn’tlost.”

“Youdon’thavetoworryaboutthat,”Ianassuredher.“I’llneverbelikeher.”
“Meeither,”Kyleagreed.
“Thatwarmsmyheart,boys.”Thebabysneezedanddrewtheirattention.“Thequestionisnow

whatdowedoaboutLucas.Icancontinuetocareforhimbutheneedstohaveyoungparentstokeep
upwithhimandI’mnotgettinganyyounger.”

BothKyleandKatrinalookedatIan.“Who?Me?”
“Yousaidyouhaveamate.”Kylelookedhopeful.“Youguyscanraisehimtogether.”
“NotthatIdon’twanttobeclosetoLucas,butI’monlyeighteenyearsold.IjustfoundWilland

I’malreadytakingcareofKelsey.”Iangotuptopacethefloor.“Schoolstartsinafewweeks.Idon’t
havetimetotakecareofababyfulltime.”

Ianranahandthroughhishair.HefeltterriblefornotagreeingtotakeinLucas,buthislittle

brotherdeservedmorethanIanhadtoofferatthisstageinhislife.Hehimselfwasstillakid.Ifonly
thereweresomeoneheknewclosetohimthatcouldtakecareofLucas.

“That’sit!”Ianslappedthepalmofhishandtohisforehead.
“What,dear?”Katrinaasked.
“KyleandIbotharestaringcollegethisfall.”
“Iam?”Kyle’svoicebrokeashespoke.
“Youwillbe.”IanrestedahandonKyle’sshoulder.“WecancalltheUniversityofGeorgiaand

geteverythingsetupsoyoucango.It’snottoolate.”

“You got in?” Katrina’s eyes shined with happiness at Kyle’s enthusiastic nod. “That’s

wonderful,mydearboy.Whateverthecost,I’llpayforit.You,too,Ian.I’vegotmoremoneythanI
knowwhattodowith.”

“Iappreciatetheofferbutmymateinsistsoncoveringmycollegetuition.He’sadoctor,”Ian

explainedtokeepKatrinafromofferingagain.“NowbacktowhatIwasthinkingaboutLucas.”Ian
tookadeepbreathandprayedKatrinaandKyleagreedwithhisidea.“Iknowthesetwomen.They
tookKelseyandmeinwhenweneededaplacetostay.TheyarewantingtoadoptababyandIthink
they’dmakegreatparentsforLucas.”

“Wouldtheystillletusseehim?”Kyleasked.
“I have no doubt they would.” Ian looked over at Katrina. “And I bet they’d love to have you

closebyjustincasetheyrunintoanytrouble.”

“I’dbehonored.”KatrinasqueezedIan’shand.
An hour later of talking with his grandmother, Ian was still getting used to saying his

grandmother,Ianwenttohisroom.HewalkedKyletohisfirstandtoldhimtostartpacking.Oncehe
madethecalltoWillhedidn’tdoubthismateandtheirfriendswouldcomeouttogetthem.He’dbe
goinghomewithtwobrothersandagrandmother.Forallthathe’dlost,Ianwasstartingtofeellike
theheavensweretryingtorightthatwrong.

IansatdownonhisbedandusedthephoneKatrinagavehimtocallhome.

ChapterSeventeen

Willcouldn’teatorsleep.EverytimeheclosedhiseyeshesawIan’ssmilingface.Hislightblue

eyesshiningwithloveandhissofttouchonhisskin.Willfeltlikehewasgoingcrazy.

IthadbeenthreeweekssinceIanhadbeentakenfromhimandtheonlythingkeepinghimfrom

totallylosinghismindwasKelsey.ShewasaconstantreminderofwhathepromisedtoIan.Tokeep
hersafeandloveher,andWilldid.ShewasallhehadleftofIanandhe’dprotectherwithlastbreath.

Afterhe’dwokenthatfatefulday,hephonedDevon.Devon,Roderick,andPhilliprushedtohis

house.Theygotincontactwithallthehuntersinthecouncilandmadecallstootherwolfpacks.Itwas
ascloseastheycouldgettoanAmberAlertfortheshifterworld.

The only thing Will was able to give them had been a description of Sasha and Sal and their

names.Itdidn’thelp.ItwasasifSashawasaghostandwhiskedIanofftoanotherplanet.

Devonsaidthescenthehadpickedupfrominsidehishousestoppedattheedgeofhisdriveway.

Ian’scaptorshadtakenhimbycar,cuttingoffanyleadtheymighthavehadtohim.

Willhadreturnedtoworkaweekagoandhehadarrangedhisschedulesohewouldbeableto

behomewithKelseyasmuchaspossible.Whenhewasn’tableto,EthanandHoldenhelpedout.Will
feltbadforhavingtorelyonthem,seeingastheyhadsufferedalossoftheirown.Thebabytheyhad
hoped to adopt didn’t pan out and the little girl that was supposed to be their daughter was only a
memorynow.WheneverWilltriedtogivethemanouttonothelpoutwithKelsey,they’dbrushedoff
Will’swords.TheysaidbeingaroundKelseyhelpedtaketheirmindsoffthings.Bothmenhadgrown
quitefondofIanandKelseyintheshorttimetheyspenttogether.TheywerealsoWill’sbestfriends,
sohewasn’tthatsurprisedthatEthanandHoldenhadhisbackwheneverheneededthem.

“Hey,Kels,didyoubrushyourteeth?”WillwalkedintoKelsey’sroomandsatontheedgeof

herbed.

AfterthatfirstweekofnonewsaboutIan,WillfoundwaystokeepKelseybusy.Theydecorated

the spare bedroom. They painted the walls and bought new furniture to decorate it. He’d taken her
shopping,signedherupforthelocalswimteam,andarrangedplaydateswithCarsonandKamdenas
oftenaspossible.

But as he looked at her now lying in bed pretending to read a book, Will saw the dark bags

underhereyesandthepalecolorofherskin.Shemissedherbrotherandtherewasn’tadamnthing
Willcoulddotobringhimback.

“DoIhaveto?”shewhined,buthesawaghostofasmileonherface.
“Yes you do, you goofball. You don’t want cavities do you?” Will reached for her hands and

pulledhertoherfeet.Heswattedherlightlyonthebuttashepassedby.Hechuckledwhensheglared
athimoverhershoulder.

ThesoundofhiscellphoneringinghadWillrunningtowardthekitchenwherehe’dleftit.He

andKelseyhadlistenedtomusicastheymadedinnerandhehadforgottentoputitbackinhispocket.

“Hello!”Willwasoutofbreathashereachedthephonebeforevoicemailpickedup.
“Will,”saidasoftvoice.Thesoundofsnifflingmadeascratchingsoundovertheline.
“Whoisthis?”Willasked.
“It’sme,Ian.”
Willalmostdroppedthephoneinthesink.Hishandsbegantoshakeandhecouldn’tgetairpast

thelumpthathadformedinhisthroat.“Ian.”

“Ohgod,Will,I’vemissedyousomuch,”Iancriedout.

“Me,too,sweetness,me,too.”Willswipedatthetearsrunningdownhisfaceandslidwithhis

backtothecabinettositonthefloor.

“How’sKelsey?”
“She’s doing okay but she’ll be better once she hears your voice.” Will’s breaths came out

choppyashestartedtocry.“Whereareyou?”

“Idaho. I promise to explain everything to you but I want to do it face to face.” A shaky gasp

cameoverthelineasIanbreathed.“Iwanttocomehome,Will.”

“I want that, too, sweetness.” Will got up and got a pen and a piece of paper to jot down the

address Ian gave him and the location. Will would give all this information to Roderick. He had
connectionstobringIanbackhome.

“CanItalktoKelsey?”Ianasked.
“Ofcourseyoucan.”Willpulledthephoneawayfromhisfaceandshoutedforher.“Iloveyou,

Ian.I’mgoingtocallandmakethearrangementstocomegetyou.I’llcallyoubackatthisnumber.”

Willsaidahastygood-byeandhandedthephonetoKelseywhenshewalkedintotheroom.
“Whoisit?”sheasked,eyebrowsarcheduptoherhairline.
“Justtakethephone,Kels.”Willsmileddownather.
“Hello.”
TearsfilledhiseyesasKelseyscreamedintothephoneatthesoundofherbrother ’svoice.He

hadn’trealizedhowmuchhemissedhersmile.

WhileKelseytalkedtoIan,WillphonedthenumberRoderickgavehimfromthehouseline.
“Roderick,here.”
“Roderick,WillWatterson.”
“Hey,Will,whatcanIhelpyouwith?”
“IknowwhereIanis.Hecalledandgavemeanaddress.”
“Noshit.”Rodericksoundedsurprised..
“Canyouarrangeaplanetogoandgethim,please?”
“Like you even have to ask.” Roderick took down the address and the number Ian was calling

from.“ForsafetyreasonsIcan’ttakeyouorKelseywithme.”

“Iunderstand,Roderick.Ifyoucan,justbringhimbacktous,that’sallthatmatters.”Anditwas.

WillwoulddowhateverRoderickaskedifhecouldgetIanhometohiminonepiece.

It took a few minutes, but Will wrangled Kelsey off the phone. The sooner Roderick spoke to

Ian,thesoonerhe’dbebackhometothem.

“I’msoexcitedIdon’tthinkIcansleep.”Kelseyjumpedupanddown,herhandsclaspedtightly

together.

“Meeither,Kels,butyoudohaveswimpracticetomorrow,sowhydon’twebothgetreadyfor

bed.We’vegotabigdayaheadofustomorrow.”WillputhishandsonKelsey’sshouldersandguided
herdownthehallway.

“Howcanyouexpectmetogotosleep,letalonegotopracticetomorrow?”Shelookedupat

him.

“Becauseifwedon’tstaybusy,we’llgocrazywaitingforhim.”Willpulledtheblanketsbackso

Kelseycouldgetin.

“Goodpoint.”KelseyletWilltuckherinandkissedhischeekbeforehestoodup.“Iloveyou,

Will.”Shegaveahalfshrug.“Andthanksfortakingcareofme.”

“Whatarebigbrothersfor?”Willbrushedakissonthetopofherheadandturnedoffherlight

asheleftherroom.

Aloneinhisroom,Willcouldn’tseemtosettledown.Bythistimetomorrow,Ianwouldbeback

home,intheirhouse,andintheirbed.Justafewhoursago,Willwouldhavethoughtitonlyapipe
dreamtowishforsomethinglikethis,buthestartedtothinkdreamsdidhaveawayofcomingtrue.

****

“Are you sure they’ll like me?” Kyle fidgeted with the hem of his shirt as they waited for the

airplanetomakeitsfinaldescent.

“Theywillloveyou.”Iannudgedhiminthearm.“You’reagreatguyandyou’refamily.”
“Youconsideringmefamilydoesn’tmeantheywill,”Kylemumbledunderhisbreath.
“Fortheloveofeverythingthatisholywillyoustopit?”Rodericksaidinahushedwhisper.He

heldLucasinhisarmsandthelittleguyhadjustfallenasleep.“Kyle,I’magoodjudgeofcharacter.
Beingahunter,that’swhatmakesmegoodatmyjob.AndIcanclearlyseethatyou’reasweetkid.So
calmdownandrelax.”

“He’s right, Kyle.” Katrina patted his hand. “And if you don’t like them, you only have to see

themonholidaysandwhileyou’reonsummervacation.”

“Grandma!”Ianshoutedather,whichwokeupLucas,whostartedtocry.
“Yourturn,bigbrother.”RoderickhandedLucasovertohim.
Lucas’stinyfaceturnedbeetredashescreamedoutthewoundedanimalcryallbabiesseemed

tomake.HaditbeenanyotherbabyitwouldhaveannoyedthehelloutofIan,butthiswashisbaby
brother,soeverythinghedidputasmileonIan’sface.

“It’s okay, little guy.” Ian patted his hand lightly on Lucas’s bottom. “We’re almost home.” He

couldn’thelpgrinninglikeafoolwhenhesaidhome.

AfterIantalkedwithWillandKelseyonthephone,Roderickcalledhim.Hearrangedtoflyup

first thing in the morning and collect not only him, but also Lucas, Kyle, and Katrina. Katrina and
Kyleagreedtoleavethehomethey’dsharedwithSasha.Katrinasaidalotofbadmemoriesclungto
thehouseandshewouldn’tmissitonebit.She’dcalledarealtortoputthehouseonthemarket.She’d
still have to make a few trips back and forth until the house sold, but other than that, Katrina had
washedherhandsofit.

KylewasenrolledattheUniversityofGeorgiaandwouldhavetoflydowntogetsettledina

fewweeks.Hewasnervous,butthegoodkindofnervousness.IantoldKyletocallhimasoftenashe
wantedandtonotbeastranger.SilverCreekwasnowhometoallofthem.Katrinawasgoingtobuy
ahouse,andtoldKyleshefullyexpectedhimtomakeregularvisits.

Iancouldn’tbelievehoweverythingwasjustfallingintoplace.EvenwithbabyLucas.Ianhadn’t

told Holden or Ethan about the baby or that he had hopes of them adopting his infant brother. Ian
wantedittobeasurprise,butnowashelookeddownatthecryingbaby,hestartedtothinkheshould
haveaskedthemfirst.Takingcareofababywasalotofwork.HewonderedifEthanandHoldenhad
realizedthat.

The plane touched down and came to a stop. The bumpy landing seemed to cheer Lucas up

becausenowhewasgigglingupatIan.Thelightblueofhiseyesseemedtoswirlwithamixtureof
darkandlightbluesthatmesmerizedIan.

“Youreadyforthis?”Roderickaskedasheunbuckledhisbeltandstoodup.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” Ian kissed the top of Lucas’s head and

stoodup.

Roderick and a few of his men exited the plane first, then Katrina. As Ian took the first step

down,henoticedKylepressedagainstthewallbehindhim.

“Kyle,there’snothingtobeafraidof.”HeshiftedLucasinhisarmssohecouldreachoutfor

Kyle’s hand. “We’re family and family never leaves anyone behind. You’re my brother and I can’t
waittointroduceyoutoWillandKelsey.TheywillloveyoujustasmuchasIdo.Trustme,you’ll
like it here.” Ian smiled when Kyle took his hand. Together they walked down the stairs until they
stoodonsolidground.

“Ian!”
IanhandedLucastoKatrinaasherantowardWillandKelsey.HecaughtKelseyinmidairand

heldhertight.WillcameupbehindKelseyandwrappedhisarmsaroundKelseyandIan.Tearswet
hiseyesandhecouldn’tstopthechorusesofIloveyoufromspillingoutofhismouth.Hekissedthe
sideofKelsey’shead,breathinginthescentofchlorine.HelaughedknowingthatWillhadcontinued
totakeherswimming.

“Welcomehome,sweetness.”WillputhishandonthebackofIan’sheadandpulledhimclose

forakiss.

Ianhummedhishappinessintothesweetkiss.Itwasperfect,justlikehismate.
Kelseyimmediatelystartedtoaskamillionquestions.Willlaughedandshruggedhisshoulders

ashepulledKelseyagainsthisside.

“She’s excited to see her bother. What can I say?” Will stared lovingly at Ian and it took Ian’s

breathaway.

“Glad to see you back where you belong.” Holden grabbed Ian’s hand and gave him a hearty

shake.

“Thanks, Holden.” Ian nodded his head toward Ethan as he came up to stand beside his mate.

“Ethan.”

“Whoarethey?”KelseypointedtowhereKatrinaandKylestood.
“Theyarepartofourfamily.”HewrappedanarmaroundKelsey’sshouldersandtookWill’s

hand.“Comeon,youguys,too,”hesaidtoEthanandHolden.“I’dlikeyouguystomeetKatrinaand
Kyle.”IantookLucasfromKatrina.HethenwalkedovertostandinfrontofEthanandHolden.“And
thislittleguyisLucas.He’smybrother.”IanheldLucasoutforEthantoholdandEthanheldLucasas
ifhewerethemostpreciousthingintheworld.“IknowIshouldhaveaskedyoubeforethisandI’m
notrealsureifyouhadyourhopessetonagirlbut”—IanglancedoveratKatrinawhosmiledand
noddedherhead—“IwaskindofhopingyoumightwanttoadoptLucas.”

“Areyouserious?”Holdengasped.
“I’mtooyoungtoraiseachildthissmall.”IanglancedoveratWill.“AndWillandIjustfound

eachotherandneedsometimealonebeforewethinkabouthavingkids.Plus,KyleandIbothstart
collegeinthefallandKatrinaistoooldtotakecareofLucasfulltime.Iknowthismightbesudden
butpleasedon’tfeellikeyouhavetodothis.Ijustthoughtyoutwowerewantingtohaveababyof
yourownandIwanttobeabletoseeLucasgrowup.”HethumbedoverhisshouldertoKatrina.“And
mygrandmotherhasofferedtohelpwithanythingyoumightneed.ShetookcareofmewhenIwasa
babyandshehelpedraiseKyle.”

Holden and Ethan stared at each other. Tears fell from Ethan’s eyes and he nodded his head.

“We’dbehonoredtohaveLucas.”Ethanraisedhisshouldertowipehiseyesoffon.“And,yes,we’ll
needallthehelpwecanget.”

“It’saloteasierthanyouthink,”Katrinasaidasshewalkedoverandhandedthediaperbagto

Holden.

“Soishemybrother,too?”Kelseyasked.ShestoodholdingWill’shandandIancouldseehow

closethetwohadgottenwhilehewasaway.Theyweretrulylikebrotherandsister.

“Well,Kels.”IankneltdowntoKelsey’seyelevel.“Here’sthething.LucasandIsharethesame

mother.I’mnotsurewhohisfatheris.Kylehere.”HepointeduptoKylewhostoodwithhishands
rammedinhispocketsandfaceflushedred.“Hewasraisedbymymotherbutwe’renotsurewhohis
parents were, but I consider him my brother. And Katrina, she is my grandmother. She was my
mother ’smother.”

“Igetthat.”Kelseynoddedherhead,lookingfromLucas,KatrinaandsettlingonKyle.“Butcan

theybelikemyfamily,too?”

“Ofcourse,mysweetgirl.”KatrinapushedIanoutofthewayandofferedherhandtoKelsey.“I

always wanted a granddaughter and if you’re looking for a grams then I’m your lady.” Katrina
grabbed the side of Kyle’s shirt and pulled him toward their small group. “And Kyle here needs a
littlesistertohelpkeephimonhistoes.”

“Awesome!” Kelsey’s face lit up and she gave Katrina a hug and then wrapped her thin arms

aroundKyle’swaist.

Kylethrewhisarmsupintheairandhisbodywentstiff.Ittookamomentbutheloweredhis

armsandhuggedKelseyback.HesmiledashelookedtoIan,thentoKatrina.

“Grandma, Kyle.” Ian entwined his hand with Will’s and pulled him forward. “I’d like you to

meetWill.He’smymate.”IanlookedoveratWillandsmiled.

“Oh,thedoctor.”Katrinashookhishand.“I’veheardsomuchaboutyou.”
“Allgood,Ihope.”Will’scheeksturnedpink.Helookedalittlenervous.
“Verygood,butstill.”KatrinaheldupherfingerandpointeditatWillandnarrowedhereyes.

“Youbettertreathimgood.Imightbeold,butI’mstillanalpha.”WillgulpedloudlyandIan,Kyle,
andKelseystartedtolaugh.“Welcometothefamily,Will.”KatrinachuckledasshepulledWillinfor
ahug.

Ian hadn’t noticed Devon and the rest of the pack standing back by the parking lot until they

rushedforward.TheyofferedhugsandcongratulationstoHoldenandEthan.Iancouldn’tremember
ahappierday.Theyallhadsufferedsomuchsadness,everysingleoneofthem.Itwashightimethe
heavensshineddownonthem.

ChapterEighteen

Thedayhadgonebyinawhirlwindofemotionsandsurprise.Astheywereleavingtheairport

Will and Kelsey invited everyone back to their house. That morning Will and Kelsey woke up and
decided to clean house then go shopping. They bought sandwich trays, cookies, chips, and drinks.
Theyhadevenmadeawelcomehomesign.

Ianhadn’ttoldWillasinglethingaboutwhohe’dbebringingbackwithhim.Hewasn’tangry,

no,hewashappyforIanandKelsey.Theylosttheirmotherandfatherand,notthatKatrina,Kyle,and
Lucaswouldtaketheirplaces,butitwasgoodtohavefamily.

Once back at their house, Devon and the rest of the Nehalem pack filled their house. Will had

neverhadthismanypeopleinhishomebeforeandhopedtheyallfit.Itwasatightsqueeze,butthey
madeitwork.Alotofpeoplehadgoneoutsidetoenjoythewarmweatherwhiletheyate.

IansatatthediningroomtableandexplainedtoWillandtheothersaboutwhathadtakenplace

in the past three weeks. It was a story that caused great anger in Will, and sadness. But luckily this
storyhadahappyending.

“Thatwasanicethingyoudidforthem,”WillsaidashewalkedupbehindIanandwrappedhis

arms around his waist. He rested his chin on Ian’s shoulder as they looked out at Holden and Ian
loadingbabyLucasupintheircartogohome.

“It was the right thing to do.” Ian put his hands over Will’s where they lay on his stomach. “I

didn’tthinkwewerereadytohaveababyfulltime.Especiallywithmeinschool,youworkingfull
time,andwedohaveKelseytoraise.”IanturnedhisheadtokissWill’scheek.

“Icouldn’tagreewithyoumore.”WilltightenedhisholdonIan.Herubbedhisnosealongthe

softskinofhisneckandstartedtokissthesmootharea.Allthebloodinhisbodyrusheddowntofill
hiscockandhepressedthehardnessagainstIan’sass.“God,I’vemissedyou.”

IanturnedinhisarmsandwoundhisarmsaroundWill’sneckandlifteduptokisshimonthe

mouth.WillopenedwidewhenIan’stongueproddedathislips.Hegroanedintothekissasheheld
Ianclosetohishardeningbody.

“Ian,Will!”AtthesoundofKelsey’svoice,theyjumpedapart.
“Inhere,Kels,”Ianansweredher.
KelseycameintothefrontroomfollowedbyKatrina.“Whatchaguysdoing?”
“Oh nothing.” Will shook his head and moved to stand behind a chair to hide his growing

arousal.

“Will,wouldyoumindifIborrowedyourcar?”Katrinaaskedandgavehimaknowinglook.

“I’d like to take Kelsey for some ice cream and look around town. One of your friends, Shane, I
believewashisname,toldmeabouthislittlecafé.I’dliketostopbyandcheckitout.”Sheshothima
winkandWillcouldhavekissedthewoman.

“Absolutely,youcanborrowmycar.”Hedugthekeysfromhispocketandhandedthemoverto

her.

“Kyle!” Katrina called out and Kyle walked in from the back yard. “Kelsey here is going to

showusaroundtown.”

“Sweet!”KylefollowedKelseytothegarage.
“Boys, I can’t promise I can keep them out for more than a couple hours. So don’t dawdle.”

KatrinakissedIanthenWillonthecheekthenheadedoutthedoor.

“Okay, that was totally weird.” Ian’s brow furrowed as he looked toward the door his sister,

grandmother,andbrotherjustleftthrough.

“Whocareswhatitis.”WillgrabbedaholdofIan’swristandyankedhimdownthehallwayto

theirbedroom.“Let’sjustbegratefultoyourgrandmother.”Willshutandlockedthedoorjustincase
andreachedforthehemofIan’sshirtandpulleditoverhishead.

“Someone’salittleanxious.”IangiggledasWilllickedandnippedoverhiscollar,walkinghim

backwardstowardthebed.

“Youhavenoidea.”
Iantoppledontothebedwhenthebacksofhislegshitthemattress.Willfollowedhimdownand

capturedhismouthinasmolderingkiss.HeforcedhistonguedeepintoIan’smouthandtastedhim
thoroughly.He’dmissedthissomuch.HishandsroamedalloverIan’sbodybutstillneededmore.

“Theseneedtogo.”WillsatbackonhisheelsandunbuckledIan’sshortsandtuggedthemalong

withhisboxersdownhislegsandtossedthemtothefloor.

Will caressed his fingertips up and down Ian’s thighs as he took in the sight of his lover. His

skinglowedinthenaturallightcominginthroughthewindowandhiscockjuttedupfromatrimmed
patchofhairtolayreachingforhisbellybutton.Adropofpre-cumglistenedatthetip.Withagrowl
vibrating from his chest, Will dropped down between Ian’s spread thighs and swallowed down his
throbbinglength.

“Fuckme!”IanshoutedasWillworkedhismouthupanddownhisthickshaft.
Thesalty-sweettastedroveWillcrazywithneedandhehollowedouthischeeks,suckingIanin

deeper.HeusedonehandtosqueezeandtugatIan’sballsandwiththeotheronehetickledthesoftof
histaint,goingbackfurthertorubhisthumboverIan’stightpucker.

“Oh,god,Will.”Ianpanted.“I’vemissedthissomuch.”IantunneledhisfingersintoWill’shair

andheldhimdownonhiscock.

WillworkedhistonguealongthesideofIan’sshaft,tracingthepulsingveins.Hebroughtthe

fingers of the hand, teasing Ian’s hole to his mouth, soaking them in his spit. He then trailed the
wetnessdownhiscrackuntilhereachedhisprize.WillgentlypushedtwofingersdeepinsideIan.Ian
screamed and arched his back and before Will knew it, a flood of salty cum filled his mouth. He
gulpeddownIan’ssweetjuiceandcontinuedtofingerfuckhisass.

“I need you to fuck my like now.” Ian sat up, dislodging Will from his cock and pushing his

hand away from his ass. He went for the fastening of Will’s pants but Ian couldn’t seem to get his
fingers to work. He growled in frustration then sliced his nails through Will’s khaki shorts. They
materialquicklyfellawayfromhisbody.“SorryaboutthatbutIneedyousobadly,”Iansaidwithan
innocentlittlegrinonhisface.

That one look did strange things to Will’s balls and he fell forward, caging Ian between his

arms.HisstiffcockpressedupintoIan’sass,tappingathisbackdoor.Ianranhisclawsupanddown
hisback,scoringtheskin,whichWillhadnodoubtwouldleavebrightredmarksintheirwake.

IanreacheddowntopositionWill’scockathisopening,tryingtoforceWillinside.Heindulged

Ianforabriefmoment,paintingtheweepingheadoverhistwitchinghole.IanpusheddownatWill
angledupwardandtheblunttipbreachedtheopening.IanletoutahoarsecryandWillpulledback.

“Whereareyougoing?”Iangasped.
“We need some lube, sweetness.” Will leaned over and grabbed the bottle from the drawer

besidethebed.“Iwantyouverybadlybutnotenoughtofuckyoudry.”

“Goodcall.”Ianstretchedhisarmsupoverhisheadandhadalazysmileonhisface.
Willpouredthecoolgelinthepalmofhishand,thenslowlycoveredhisdick.Hisowntouch

causedgoosebumpstopricklealonghisskin.WilldroppedhiseyestoseethatIan’sdickhadfilled

backupandwasreadyforroundtwo.

Withoututteringasingleword,WillgrabbedIanbythehipsandpulledhissweetassdownon

his thick hardness. Ian sat up partially, all the muscles in his abdomen pulled tight. Will didn’t stop
untilhewasburiedtothehilt.Hetookadeepbreath,doinghisbesttocalmhisracingheart.Hevery
gentlypressedIanbacktowardthebedandcoveredhimwithhisbody.Willrotatedhishipsinaslow,
easymotionthathadIanarchingupoffthebed.Inandout,inandout.WillmadelovetoIan’sbody,
enjoyingeachwetglideandthewayIan’sasshuggedhisdick.

WillkissedalongIan’sneck,suckingthethinskinofhiscollarbone.IangaspedandmetWill’s

every thrust. All the sensations, Ian’s hands in his hair and on his shoulders, the sweet whimsical
soundscomingfromIan’sthroat,becametoomuch.Will’shipsspedupandthebedrockedforward
sohardtheheadboardbangedagainstthewall.

“Ineedyousomuch,Ian,”WillsaidintoIan’sneckashethrusthishipsfasterandharderinto

Ian’ssoftbody.“Neverleaveme.”

“Never,” Ian said right before he pulled Will’s face down to his and kissed him hard on the

mouth.

DesiresofranticswirledinWill’sballsandclimbedhighertothesurface,wantingtobreakfree.

WillworkedahandbetweentheirtightlypressedbodiesandjerkedIan’scockwiththerhythmofhis
cock.ItonlytookfourtugstosendIanshootinghissecondload.Ian’sbodyshookbeneathWill’sand
warmcumspilledoverontohisfingers.TheclenchingofIan’sinnerwallshadWilllosingcontrol
andherammedhiscockinandoutofIan’sbodyuntilhismuscleslockedupandhethrustdeepinto
Ian’swarmheat,emptyinghisballs.

After a few minutes of heavy breathing, Will rolled his sweat-covered body off of Ian. Ian

turnedtolayonhissidefacingWill.

“Thankyou,”IanwhisperedashelightlycaressedthesideofWill’sface.
“Forwhat?”WillrolledtohissidetofaceIanbetter.Heproppedhimselfuponhiselbow.
“Forlovingme.”
“Sweetness, you never have to thank me for that. It’s my pleasure.” Will kissed Ian’s swollen

lips.“Youbroughtthelightbackintomylifeandgavemeafamily.Ishouldbethankingyou.”

IanbrushedhislipsoverWill’sandthekissstartedtoheatup,thenhepulledback.“Iguesswe

canjustcalliteven.”Ianwinkedathim.“Isavedyoufromalonelylifeandyousavedme,yada-yada-
yada.”Ianchuckled.

WillrolledoverontopofalaughingIanandkissedhim.“Iloveyou.”
“AndIyou.”

****

Will sat next to Ethan holding a sleeping Lucas. He didn’t dare move a muscle for fear of the

littleguywakingupandgivinghislungsaworkoutagain.

IthadbeenaweeksinceIanhadcomebackhome.Lifehadgottenprettymuchbacktonormal

exceptforthefactthatIanandWillcouldn’tseemtokeeptheirhandsoffoneanother.Besidesthat,
everythingelseransmoothly.

Roderick arranged the official paperwork for Ethan and Holden to adopt baby Lucas. Katrina

found a house in Seth and Caleb’s neighborhood. Caleb, a hunter, and Seth, a wolf shifter, were
raisingtwoyoungboyswhojustsohappenedtobecougarshifters.Katrinahadsmiledsowidethe
dayshesignedthepapersonhernewhouse.Shesaidshewasfinallyabletojustbeagrandma.She

confessedtoWillandIanonenighthowshelovedtopaintandwaslookingforwardtohavingwhat
shecalledsomemetime.

Ian’smother ’shousehadn’tsoldyetbutKatrinaandIanwereeagertoberidofitanddropped

thepriceagainsttherealtor ’sadvice.Theydidn’tneedthemoneyandaspolitelyasKatrinacould,she
toldthattotherealtor.Theywantedtobefreedofthathouse.Itheldnothingbutbadmemories.

Kyle, on the other hand, according to Ian, had become a whole new person. He smiled and

laughedfreelyandtoWillseemedlikeanyaverageteenageboygettingreadytoheadofftocollege.
WilloftenaskedIanifhewerejealousthathewasn’tabletohavethefreedomthatKylehadandhe’d
justlaughandshakehishead.Iansaidhewouldn’twantanyotherlifethantheonehehad.Surehe’d
wanthisparentstostillbealive,buthedidn’tfeellikehewasbeingcheatedoutofanythingbytaking
careofKelsey.Ianalsosaidhewasluckytohavefoundhismateatsuchayoungage.Moretimeto
gettospendtogether.

There had been some concern when Will found out that not only was Katrina an alpha, but so

was Ian. They were born alphas and had the strength to run their own pack if they wanted to, but
neitherIannorKatrinahadthedesire.ButKatrinawouldn’trelaxabouttheissueuntilshespoketo
Devon, seeing as he was the alpha of the Nehalem pack, to get his approval for them to live in his
territoryandbemembersofhispack.Willlearnedsomealphasdidn’twantotherpotentialalphasin
their pack for fear they might try to take over. Devon said that was nonsense and wanted Ian and
Katrinatobeapartoftheirever-growingpack.Tothem,packwasfamily,andthemorethemerrier.

“Stopactinglikeyou’reholdingatickingtimebomb,Will,”Ethanwhispered.
“Ohplease.”Willrolledhiseyes.“Thiskidhasasetoflungsonhimanyoperasingerwouldbe

jealousofandyouknowit.”

“Thathedoes.”Ethansmiledfondlyoverathisson.
“Ianusedtobethesameway.”KatrinaleanedforwardinherchairtolookatWill.“Screamed

everytwohourswantingtobefed.Butlookhowgoodheturnedout.”Prideshoneinhersoftblue
eyesasshelookedoveratthewolvesrunningacrossthebackyard.

“Yes,indeedheturnedoutperfect.”Will’seyesroamedoverIan’ssleekbodyinhiswolfform.

Hispawsweremassive,withabroadchestandlong,hulkingframe.ItamazedWillhadmuchlarger
Ian’swolfbodywascomparedtohishumanbody,butKatrinaandDevonbothsaidalphastendtobe
ofalargebreed.

“Stopeyerapinghim.”EthanflickedWillintheear.
“Ouch!” Will flinched against the sting in his ear and his stirring caused Lucas to wake up.

“Hereyougo,daddy.”WillhandedLucasofftoEthan.

“Jerk,”Ethansaidwithasmileasheinstantlystartedcooingtohisyoungson.
Will walked over to where the wolves were running and chasing after the kids. Kelsey’s wolf

formwasmorepetitethantherestbutshewasjustasfast.Kelsey,Carson,Kamden,andRyanwere
playingtagandmostoftheolderwolveswerejoininginonthefun.

Ianlookedupfromdodginganotherwolf,Willwasn’tsurewhoitwas,andtrottedovercloser

to him. Will knelt down and ran his hands over Ian’s snout and rubbed behind his ears. Ian nuzzled
intohistouch.

“Youhavingfun?”Willasked.
AshimmeringlightsurroundedIanashisbodyshiftedbacktohuman.Willdidn’tknowifhe’d

evergetusedtothesoundofhislover ’sbonespoppingandsnappingbackintoplace.Everytimehe’d
watchIanshift,itmadehisstomachrollinwaves.

“Verymuchso.”IanleaneduptokissWillonthemouth.“Whataboutyou?Havefunholding

thescreamer?”

Everyone,notjustWillandIan,hadtakentocallingLucasthescreamer.Thekid,evenwhenhe

waslaughing,managedtoslipinahigh-pitchedscream.LuckilyforLucashewasascuteabugand
everyonelovedhim.

“Idid.”Willnoddedhishead.HestoodupandpulledIanwithhimandwrappedhisarmsaround

hiswaist.“Upuntilhestartedtocry.”

“Can’tblameyou.”IanrestedhisheadonWill’schest.
The wind blew softly and Will started to sway with Ian in his arms. “You’re happy, right,

sweetness?”

“Very.”IanpulledbacktolookintoWill’seyes.“I’vegotmorefamilythanIeverexpectedto

haveandIhavetheloveofmylifestandingrighthereinmyarms.WhatmorecouldIaskfor?”

WillgrinneddownatIanthenclosedthedistancebetweenthemtokisshishoney-sweetlips.Ian

was right. What more could either of them ask for? The path to each other had been riddled with
terribleevents,buttheoutcomewasworththejourney.Aslongastheyhadtheloveoftheirfamily
andeachother,nothingwasimpossible.

THEEND

WWW.AJJARRETT29.BLOGSPOT.COM

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

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

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

ForalltitlesbyAJJarrett,pleasevisit

www.bookstrand.com/aj-jarrett

SirenPublishing,Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com

Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
About the Author

A J Jarrett Nehalem Pack 12 An Alpha In Making

Document Outline