Northern Shifters 1

Alpha Mate

Nathan is forced to flee to the northern forests to escape the
urban development. When he stumbles across wolf shifter

territory, the young fox is forced into hiding. The wolves prowling
the forest would want nothing better than to exterminate him and
his family. His entire life is a struggle, being the lowest regarded

race amongst shifters.

Jacob is a proud member of the Marcelle Wolf Pack. Their main

goal is to protect and expand their rule over the forests. No
mercy. No weakness. When he discovers the sexy blond he fell for

at the local bar is actually a fox, his world tilts off its axis. Nathan
brings out his protective instincts, and for once he can see a

future beyond his duty to the pack.

But Jacob's alpha condemns their mixed race mating, forcing them
apart. Will Jacob choose love or loyalty to his pack?

Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal, Shape-shifter
Length: 30,375 words

ALPHA MATE

Northern Shifters 1

Winona Wilder

EVERLASTING CLASSIC

MANLOVE

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ALPHA MATE
Copyright © 2011 by Winona Wilder
E-book ISBN: 1-61926-173-1

First E-book Publication: December 2011

Cover design by Les Byerley
All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

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ALPHA MATE

Northern Shifters 1

WINONA WILDER

Copyright © 2011

Chapter One

The moonlight filtered down through the forest canopy, giving

just enough light to see without making their presence obvious. Jacob
and Blake crouched low in the underbrush, watching the small pocket
of fox shifters settling into their den for the night. If they hadn’t been
specifically hunting these intruders, they’d never have noticed the
leafy overhang which was actually a hidden entrance into their home.

“I only count six. We should strike now,” said Blake, Jacob’s best

friend. They’d grown up in the Marcelle Pack together. Although not
blood heirs, they’d been initiated into the collective a year apart after
being orphaned as pups. They had little in common but worked well
as a team to protect their territory and follow through with the alpha’s
commands.

“No. Redden wants us to watch them, follow their movements.

Then we’ll flush them all out at once. Be patient, brother,” said Jacob.

“It’s stupid to wait. They have no clue we’re here. It would be a

clean kill.”

This was wolf-shifter territory and they didn’t take kindly to

squatters. Foxes were an inferior race, weak little scavengers that
were growing in numbers. They were a problem on the food chain and
a constant annoyance.

Alpha Mate

9

“Orders,” he reminded. Jacob often questioned their alpha’s

orders himself, but for different reasons. Where did Redden expect
the foxes to go once they scared them off? The Marcelle wolves
weren’t the only shifters in the state. Keeping the forest free of all
species except their own small wolf pack was coming dangerously
close to racial purity.

Jacob’s attention was captured when one of the foxes slipped from

the den, scampering off into the shadows to the left. He knew there
had to be more than the one den in the forest, but this was the first one
they’d discovered with their own eyes. Orders or not, he wasn’t going
to be personally responsible for the foxes’ destruction. They’d done
nothing wrong. Nothing to deserve a death sentence. Once the alpha
gave the go-ahead, Blake and the other Marcelle wolves wouldn’t
show leniency. The foxes would be killed in the most gruesome way
possible as an example to other shifters daring to enter their territory.

In the great northern forests, land was power. It was everything

and the only thing of importance. Their alpha had them make regular
patrols as both an offensive and defensive measure. They were trained
for every situation and didn’t hesitate in the face of a threat.

Jacob played along because betas were never supposed to

challenge their alpha. It’s something he had to continually remind
himself. Redden had rescued him as a pup, raised him as his own,
even if harshly. Everyone’s goal was to keep the pack strong for
future generations, to grow, to be the strongest. Survival of the fittest
was the way of the forest. He’d be a fool to question their age-old
ways.

Blake nudged him on the arm. “Come on. I have an idea.” He took

off through the underbrush, giving Jacob no choice but to follow.
Leaves and twigs whipped by his face, but he avoided the worst of
them. Even in his human form, his sight was near perfect, the dead of
night no deterrent for his vision. The moon was new, allowing little
light to filter down through the forest canopy. Shadows dominated,

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Winona Wilder

making it easy for the little fox to escape. He probably thought he was
home free, but not tonight, not with two of the Marcelles on his tail.

Once Blake shifted, he knew something bad was going to go

down. Jacob cursed, shed his human skin, and dropped down to all
fours. As wolves they moved swiftly, slipping through the tangle of
brushwood without disturbing a leaf. They were at home in the forest,
predators of the night. In no time, they had passed the lone fox.

Blake communicated with him telepathically. “Go left, we’re

gonna flank this fucker.”

“Fucking hell, Blake. Redden said not to act.”
“Relax. I’m just having a little fun.”
He could see Blake’s eyes glow yellow from the forest cover to

the right of the fox. Besides their size, the inhuman glow separated
them from native wolves. The smaller shifter froze in place, testing
the air. He must have sensed he was being hunted. Or Blake wanted to
be heard. After a few moments the red fox took a tentative step. Jacob
could smell the acrid scent of fear in the air. It excited his beast, his
natural predatory instincts, but he tamped down his feral desire for
bloodshed.

His pack mate moved into action, stalking the fox in a low crouch,

his fangs bared, hackles raised. That idiot was going to go against the
rules, and Jacob would get in just as much shit for not stopping him.
Blake was lucky to be his best friend or he’d have stopped this game
before it started. Once right behind the smaller animal, the wolf bolted
forward with a loud growl and sank his teeth into the fox’s haunch.
The small ball of fur yelped and screeched, flailing until he broke
free. The little shifter raced away like a horse at the starting gates, but
Blake didn’t attempt to give chase. This was his idea of playing?
Asshole.

“Are you done? I’m heading into town.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m comin’.”
They headed to the small cabin about a quarter mile in the forest

from the highway. It was a convenient place to store clothes and

Alpha Mate

11

emergency supplies. After a quick change into casual jeans and T-
shirts, they walked the remaining distance to the lot where their pack
kept the vehicles. The beat-up, navy blue SUV was Jacob’s favorite,
great for off-roading. The highway was clear at this time of night, but
the bar would be bustling with life. Living in his animal form for most
of the day made shifting into his human skin, for a little mind-
numbing recreation, a treat.

“Why’d you have to do that?” he asked as they drove the lonely

back roads.

“I just wanted to scare him. You’ve gotta admit that was funny.

Did you hear him yelp like a little pussy?” Blake laughed, his elbow
resting out the window of the truck, the evening breeze blowing his
black hair back.

“Yeah, well, now they’ll be more leery and harder to catch thanks

to you.” They were so much larger than the little foxes. It felt cruel to
toy with them.

“Don’t worry, brother. We’ve found their den. When we’re ready,

they’re ours.”

The lights from the bar windows were like beacons in the night.

Jacob parked in his usual spot and headed into the chaos. Every few
months they’d head into the city for specific supplies, and he enjoyed
the change of scenery. Out here in the deep north, the little bar was
the only recreation to be had, the only respite to break up each
monotonous day.

The crowd was mostly shifters, human hunters, and occasionally a

few extreme campers. No humans lived year round way up here. It
was too isolated, the weather harsh, and jobs nonexistent. But you
could never be too careful when meeting new people. It was
impossible to distinguish a shifter from a human when the beast was
kept in check. Since shifters were hidden from general knowledge in
the human world, only stories spoken about in folklore, it was
important to maintain their secret identity. Jacob knew most of the

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Winona Wilder

males in the bar to be shifters from at least three packs, including his
own.

Blake went in his own direction, joining a table with two other

Marcelle wolves. Jacob took a seat at the bar, not eager for
conversation. He wanted to get wasted, to enjoy a temporary escape.
It wasn’t easy feeling like an outsider with his own people. Ever since
he passed puberty, most of Redden’s decisions made him cringe. He
felt he could run things better, but to voice his opinions would be a
fatal move when loyalty was everything. So he followed orders like a
good little puppy. The alcohol was necessary to help him swallow his
pride and self-respect, not to mention his constant craving for a mate
of his own, something only select betas were granted in their pack. He
wasn’t one of them. Redden said he was their best enforcer, too
important to have the distraction of a lover. Their alpha made it a
point to frequently mention that he was destined for greatness. Now
he wondered if those inspiring words weren’t just to keep him in line.

He could hear Blake’s laughter over the drone of the other bar

patrons. His friend wasn’t bad, just an average beta programmed to
follow orders. Since they were born predators, it was natural to have a
wicked streak and the need to defend their territory. Even the native
wolves lived the same way. It was an inherit trait in their beasts. Jacob
aspired for more out of life than chasing foxes and prowling the tree
line for intruders. The recent events didn’t sit well with him. Those
fox shifters were sitting ducks, but it wasn’t his place to care. Fuck,
he needed alcohol to erase his misgivings. Weakness was not
tolerated by the Marcelles or by him.

He began counting the bottles of booze behind the counter,

slouched over on his arms. Seven, eight, nine…

“Is this seat taken?”
He was pulled out of his stupor by the unfamiliar voice. After

sitting up straight, he swiveled in his seat. “No. Go ahead.” The man
wasn’t from around their territory. He had bright, blue eyes and a
boy-next-door charm, nothing like the rustic outdoorsmen who

Alpha Mate

13

frequented the bar. Jacob chuckled to himself. He’d actually done a
double take when he saw the guy, awestruck by his subtle
masculinity. Jacob wasn’t often one to fall for a pretty face.

“Thanks.” He mounted the stool and leaned over on his elbows.

His dirty-blond hair was unkempt, slightly covering his face when he
wasn’t pushing it out of the way. There was a sadness in his eyes,
something Jacob had the sudden urge to tend. He surmised the new
guy was either a human or a young wolf. Why would a clean-cut boy
like him be roughing it way out here? He held on to the hope this was
just a male from another pack and not a human. It would make no
difference in the grand scheme of things, but he didn’t like the idea of
being so enamored by another species.

“You new around here?”
“Kind of,” he said without making eye contact. The stranger

appeared distraught, lost in his own thoughts. He stared at the bottles
as Jacob had, as if they held some great interest. They didn’t.

After trying to enjoy his drink again, Jacob just couldn’t seem to

keep his mouth shut. He needed to know more about the man beside
him. The daily grind usually stole his essence. He didn’t give a shit
about flirting or getting laid every night like some of his pack mates.
Some of the betas even shared sexual pleasure with their alpha, but
Redden knew better than to ask Jacob to participate. He wasn’t a toy
to be used as needed. “My name’s Jacob, by the way.”

“Nathan.” He held out his hand, a cautious smile on his lips. The

feel of his skin did crazy things to Jacob’s body. He had a healthy grip
with soft, supple hands. Jacob never wanted to let go. He wanted to
know what the rest of Nathan’s body felt like, looked like, tasted like.
There was little action to be had in the pack for unmated males, so he
had perpetual blue balls. Regardless, this guy turned him on
effortlessly. He was young, lean-muscled, wearing faded jeans and a
too-tight, pale blue T-shirt that highlighted his eyes. The outline of his
nipples and broad shoulders strained against the thin fabric. Fuck!
Jacob couldn’t stop looking, stop fantasizing.

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Winona Wilder

Did Nathan notice his ogling? He didn’t want to appear to be one

of the common perverts in the bar. Jacob liked to think he had more
decency, control, than most. Maybe he’d had too much to drink?
There had to be something to blame for the rigid cock straining in his
pants. He was usually very good at controlling that appendage. Now,
sitting on the small, hard stool was suddenly torture, and all he could
think about was taking the cute blond around back and fucking him
hard. Fucking him until he spilled every drop of his seed. Maybe then
Jacob could focus on the pack instead of his pent-up lust and roving
thoughts. Could it be that simple? Did he just need to unload? Maybe
then he would fit in better, not question Redden’s every decision.

Jesse, a wolf from the Krell Pack farther south, sat opposite

Nathan. The bar was on neutral territory, so it was one of the rare
places the packs could socialize without needing to focus on thoughts
of killing one another. They could just enjoy a cold beer or hot fuck
without worrying about life outside the four walls. “Well, I certainly
haven’t seen you in here before, sweet thing.” Jesse raked his eyes
over Nathan, and for some reason it brought out Jacob’s hackles. He
growled low in his chest as the wolf leaned in closer, and he felt his
fangs prick his gums when Jesse attempted to brush stray hair off
Nathan’s face. Unacceptable, roared his beast. Jacob pounded his fist
on the wooden bar, making both men flinch and separate. Some
pretzels spilled out of a bowl halfway down the counter.

“More beer here!” He had to play off his outburst. Being drunk

and unruly would go unnoticed in a place like this, but a surge of
jealousy for a man he barely knew wouldn’t be so easy to explain
away. Why did he care what Jesse did? That loose wolf usually
fucked anything that walked and it never bothered Jacob before. For
some reason he wanted to have a piece of this new male and didn’t
want to share. He’d mentally claimed Nathan the moment he bothered
to speak to him. It was as if their wolves were in sync, making the
attraction inevitable.

Alpha Mate

15

“Where you staying at, darlin’?” Jesse was after him again. But

how could Jacob blame him? Nathan was sexier than sin with an
innocent air that had his wolf howling to dominate. The new wolf was
unmated with no love bite, officially up for grabs. Jesse wasn’t the
settling-down type, so he doubted his plans for the new guy went
beyond physical release—or could he be wrong? What if he felt the
same pull?

“Nowhere around here. I’m just passing through,” said Nathan.

The fact he appeared uninterested in Jesse’s advance pleased Jacob.
At least he’d shown more willingness to talk with him.

“Need a place to stay for the night?”
Nathan shook his head.
“You don’t come to a place like this unless you’re looking for a

little action—”

Jacob had had enough. It wasn’t his business or his place to say

anything, but he couldn’t remain silent. It was difficult enough to
keep his wolf from taking over his body. If he sat back and watched
Jesse seduce the new guy right out from under him, he’d be in a nasty
mood for days, wishing he had have done something when he had the
chance. What if this was fate? Nathan could be the wolf sent to him
by the gods, and he’d be a fool to ignore the sign. “Back off, Jesse.”
He kept his tone conversational, but the subtle threat was present as
he’d intended.

The other wolf’s stool scraped the hardwood as he abruptly stood,

taking the comment as a challenge. He supposed it was. Jacob rolled
his eyes at Jesse’s threatening posture, arms crossed, legs braced on
the wooden floor. In honesty, he hoped the playboy would have seen
his new conquest as too much of a challenge and moved on. He didn’t
want to fight the man, just didn’t want him hanging off Nathan.
“Who’s gonna make me?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “I guess I am.”
“I don’t scent your claim on him, so you must be itching to get

hurt.”

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Winona Wilder

Jacob chuckled. The Marcelle Pack was known for training

unsurpassed warriors. It was as if Redden was planning for shifter
Armageddon. Jesse didn’t intimidate Jacob. In fact, he bored him. All
he wanted to do was enjoy a couple drinks before heading back to
their camp for a few hours of sleep. It broke up the tedium of the
night, giving him some different scenery than the constant backdrop
of the forest. Now he had to clean house with some horny wolf he
couldn’t care less about.

There was a great shuffling of boots and chairs. Tables were

pushed out of the way creating a semicircle of space around the bar.
Blake, Ronan, and Cash were at the front of the crowd, like three
linebackers amongst common spectators. Blake rubbed his hands
together, a goofy grin on his face as he no doubt anticipated getting in
on the fight once it started. Everything was a game to him, and Jacob
wondered if his best friend ever had thoughts that went deeper than
basic instinct. But, then again, besides the new fox problem in the
forest, life had been dull as of late. Blake deserved a little fun once in
a while, and tonight Jesse was the entertainment.

“Come on, Jacob. You want him, you best be prepared to fight for

him. Show me just how important he is to you,” Jesse goaded. His
bravado was fueled by the number of shifters from his pack present. If
he were alone, Jacob doubted he’d be challenging him to a one-on-
one fight. He was known to be all talk and no action.

“You don’t have to do this,” said Nathan. “Really…” There was

genuine concern in his voice. It only confirmed to Jacob he was doing
the right thing by defending the man’s honor. His big blue eyes
displayed his fears, fears Jacob would put to rest in a hurry.

“Yeah, I do.” Jacob slipped off his stool, downed the remainder of

his drink, and then faced off with the other wolf. He focused his
energy enough to bear fangs and claws, but kept a full shift at bay.
There were clueless humans in the bar, maybe even Nathan, and all
shifters kept the strict code of keeping their existence a well-guarded
secret.

Alpha Mate

17

After rolling out his shoulders, he cracked his knuckles, winking

at Nathan. Jacob wasn’t about to make the first move. He wasn’t even
in an agitated state. Although he certainly didn’t like watching Jesse
hit on Nathan, he was far from livid. The simple warning was all he
thought would be necessary. Jesse had the problem, not him. After
blowing smoke for a few minutes, riling up the crowd, the wolf
finally lunged forward. He swung and missed. Jacob was the larger of
the two. In fact he was bigger than most of his pack mates and taller
by several inches. Only Redden beat him in size and not by much.

Jesse wouldn’t give up, striking and missing until he finally

slashed through Jacob’s shirt. The sting spurred Jacob to retaliate, a
natural reaction. He threw a punch, hitting the wolf square in the jaw.
As he staggered backward, the crowd grew into an uproar, shouting
encouragement and cheering for one side or the other. The
testosterone was thick in the air, and the promise of more violence
had the onlookers raring for blood.

Blake roared above the others, “Fuck him up!”
“Kill him, Jesse!” shouted one of the wolf’s pack mates.
Blake laughed when Jacob got clocked in the gut. He hadn’t been

paying proper attention, continually glancing at Nathan to gauge his
reactions. It was hard not to follow in his friend’s laughter. The fight
was a joke.

When Jesse tugged off his shirt and began prancing around, his

fists up and ready, Jacob decided to end the spectacle. He gave a few
sharp, quick shots to the kidneys and liver. It would be enough to
show the wolf what he was capable of without doing any lasting
damage. Then he leaned over and whispered in Jesse’s ear, “I can
mop the floor with you right here in front of your friends. I have no
problem with that. Or you can back off with your dignity.”

He nodded.
Then Jacob added, “And stay away from Nathan. He’s mine.”
Jesse mocked friendliness, laughing as if they’d been horsing

around. “Nothing to see here,” he called out to the crowd of

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Winona Wilder

onlookers. “Just a little roughhousing.” The bartender was quick to
pass the defeated wolf a beer, probably grateful there wasn’t any
destruction in the bar. There were grumbles and moans of
disappointment, but within minutes the air had settled, leaving Jacob
alone at the bar with Nathan.

Alpha Mate

19

Chapter Two

Nathan had come to the redneck bar deep in the middle of

nowhere because it was the only piece of civilization for a hundred
miles. He missed the city, the lights, and the conveniences. He knew
before coming in the bar it was probably a mistake. But if there was a
chance to blend in, grab a mind-numbing drink, and get away from
his dire reality for a couple hours, he was going to take it. He’d never
get used to the living in the sticks, roughing it like wild animals, but
advances from overzealous shifters? They didn’t faze him. Males
were the same pretty much anywhere he went.

When the hulking guy sitting next to him started up a

conversation, Nathan knew he was just trying to be friendly. A man
like that wouldn’t be interested in a runt like him. The bar was filled
with strength and muscle, dominance and aggression—everything he
wasn’t. He had noted that wide, muscled back straining the thin white
T-shirt of the guy at the bar before he even sat down. He knew what
he liked in a man but accepted that it wasn’t going to fall in his lap,
either. Nathan was ready to indulge in a drink as soon as he could get
the bartender’s attention, but then the blond to his right had started
hitting on him. Nathan wasn’t interested in a hookup. His life was
complicated enough as it was, and he knew the man’s type. For one
night Nathan would be his shining star, but come sunrise, he’d be an
unwanted, nameless face.

He certainly didn’t expect Jacob to start defending him to the

point of a physical fight. It was surreal. He acted like a mated male,
the territorial scent unmistakable. For the first time in his life, he felt
valued, desired. Nathan watched in rapt awe as Jacob easily bested the

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Winona Wilder

blond. His muscles rippled, bringing Nathan’s dormant longings to
the surface. What a male—a powerhouse of ripped muscle and alpha
male dominance. But despite his strength, he gave the loser a
dignified out, rather than making the victorious statement he was
obviously capable of. That showed a lot about his character. Most
fights he’d seen ended in bloodshed, one shifter knocked unconscious
or begging for mercy. Death wasn’t uncommon, especially when a
mate was involved somehow.

“He shouldn’t give you any more trouble tonight,” said Jacob.

They were alone now, the usual buzz of conversation mellowing the
mood in the bar. It amazed him how the mob so quickly returned to
their drinks as if nothing had happened. Nathan imagined this wasn’t
the first fight the bar had seen. These were true males, so different
than the soft-skinned city males that were more concerned with
fashion and the latest technical devices.

“You could have been hurt.”
Jacob laughed. “I don’t think so.” Nathan watched the muscles in

his forearms as he rested them on the bar. His skin was deeply tanned
with a light dusting of hair and veins bulging in thick muscles. How
could he not be attracted to such raw strength and rugged
masculinity? Jacob had a dark sexuality, a dominance that pulled him
in. If he had a mate like him, Nathan would never have to worry about
safety, hunting, or going sexually unsatisfied.

“I appreciate it.” And he did. Nathan wasn’t used to being cared

for. In his family, he was the one looked to for guidance being the
eldest son, but he wasn’t an alpha. The constant responsibilities he
had to bear were too much for him most days. He dreamed of never
having to lead another day, just reveling in the security of a pack unit
with a strong leader. Life was a constant battle of survival, and it was
making him weary of living, even at his young age of twenty-six.

Jacob swiveled in his seat slightly. His jeans hugged strong thighs.

“I don’t blame him. It’s not too often fresh meat passes through way
out here. And you’re certainly something to look at.”

Alpha Mate

21

He wondered if he owed Jacob something for sticking up for him.

Did he expect a sexual favor? He wouldn’t be adverse to the idea, but
didn’t like having the freedom to choose taken away from him. “Fresh
meat?”

“Sorry. We’re not used to new people this far north. It’s not the

best idea to be going out alone at this time of night. Way out here the
boogeyman comes out to play when the sun goes down.”

“Should I be afraid of you?”
Jacob stared at him, his eyes an inhuman yellow hue. He didn’t

speak, not confirming or denying the question which made his pulse
race faster. “You only need to be afraid of the big, bad wolf.”

Was he afraid? Or just thoroughly turned on?
The bartender finally came around, so he ordered a beer. He

wasn’t good at small talk, used to folding in on himself around others.
The chilled bottle was set in front of him with a thud. It soothed his
sweaty palm and anchored his growing nerves. The big guy aroused
him when he’d rather feel nothing at all. He had bigger issues to
worry about than the juvenile mating games he seemed to be so easily
falling for tonight.

Jacob watched him with narrowed eyes like a predator sizing up

his kill. But he didn’t feel threatened. There was an air of lust
lingering between them, a sexual hormonal signature. No words
needed to be spoken to know there was a growing attraction between
them. For the first time in a long time, Nathan felt like a man, not a
member of a pack with the burdens of the world on his shoulders.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be heading straight home after this.”
“To the forest or a cabin?” Jacob asked cautiously. He knew what

the question signified. It was impossible to tell a human from a shifter
when they were in their human form. There was no scent identifying
one from the other which was why shifters always had to be so
cautious. It would be too easy to inadvertently give away the truth.
But even not knowing for a fact, Nathan knew Jacob was a shifter, a

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Winona Wilder

wolf to be precise. His size gave him away. It was just too rare to find
a human so tall and built. And this was wolf-shifter territory.

“Forest.”
The revelation seemed to put the other man at ease. A playful

smirk curved his lips, and the tension in his shoulders dissipated. “I
was scared there for a minute. It can be hard to tell sometimes.”

“Especially when I’m not built like a brick house. Like you.”
The wolf licked his lips. Nathan could feel the change in energy,

as if he’d crossed some taboo line, and there was no taking it back.
Did his heart rate increase, pupils dilate, or words falter when he
mentioned he thought Jacob was massively built? It must have been
his tone—a mix of insecurity and desire escaping on his tongue when
he spoke. He chugged the rest of his beer. It would ensure he kept his
mouth shut.

“Nass, set us up with another round,” Jacob told the barkeep. “Put

it on my tab.”

Now he was buying him drinks? It was obvious to Nathan that

Jacob was gay, even before he began to offer him attention. Sexual
orientation was easier to predict than a man’s species. It clung to a
person like an erotic cologne. Not to mention there seemed to be more
wolves interested in men than women in these deep, northern woods.
No doubt due to the ridiculous restrictions placed on shifters by their
alphas. If pack members weren’t allowed to procreate without
consent, and females highly restricted and low in numbers, it only
made sense that men would seek love and affection elsewhere.
Humans and shifters alike required, longed for companionship. Love
wasn’t just for fairy tales and romance stories, but a very real,
although intangible need for the soul. Nathan wasn’t sure if he’d ever
know what it felt like to be loved unconditionally by someone outside
his immediate family. But when life was a constant battle, he couldn’t
be worried about such luxuries of the heart.

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23

After swallowing half of his second drink, he felt the confidence

trickle into his veins. It was unnatural, but he still appreciated it. “Are
you here alone?”

“I came with a pack mate. He’s with the loud ones in the corner.”

He nodded to the rowdy, overgrown males laughing and drinking to
the far left of the bar. They were all solidly built, not the type of males
you wanted to have a grudge with.

“They look like fun. Why aren’t you with them?”
He shrugged. Jacob swirled the liquid in his glass around, lost in

the amber haze as if it held the power to tell his fortune. “Sometimes a
man needs to be alone. To think. You know what I mean?”

“I guess that’s why I’m here myself. Strange we have to come to a

place like this to escape.”

The wolf turned his head, looking him in the eyes. “When you’re

part of a pack, it’s easy to forget who you are. Individuality isn’t
exactly encouraged, but that’s what we are—individuals. We may be
part of a larger whole, but we still have our own beliefs,
thoughts…needs.”

Nathan chuckled, knowing exactly what he meant. “Sometimes

I’d like to run away from it all. You know, break free of the pack and
just go rogue.”

“It’s easier said than done. Survival of the fittest doesn’t favor

lone wolves—”

“Especially when you’re not a physical threat like me.”
Jacob shook his head, reaching out and placing a hand on his wrist

for a long moment. The heat and contact from the touch seared his
skin and made his cock jump to life. He imagined that same hand
wrapped around his growing erection. “You just need a strong male to
love you, protect you. Who’s your alpha?”

He couldn’t tell Jacob his alpha was actually his aging father who

could no longer care for his family, leaving all the unwanted
responsibility in his lap. “You wouldn’t know him. We’re from the
city.”

24

Winona Wilder

Jacob leaned closer, getting in his personal space. His heart

skipped a beat when he ran the backs of his fingers over the side of
his neck igniting an array of erogenous zones. “Unmated.
Interesting.”

Nathan hastily finished the few drops left in his bottle, and Jacob

ordered him another and another. By the time he’d downed his fifth,
he was toasted. Some of the bar patrons had cleared out, only leaving
Jacob’s pack and a few stragglers. Where had the time gone? They’d
talked about family, feelings, misgivings, and cherished moments.
He’d have to head back to his own family soon, but didn’t want to
leave just yet. This shifter was unlike others he’d befriended in the
past. He was real with his way of thinking, not fitting into the mold
Nathan would expect from a pack wolf.

“So…you actually left the city because of development?” Jacob

sounded genuinely interested in his lot in life, asking questions and
taking the time to listen to his answers.

“Well, we lived in the same forest for generations with little

difficulty, but then the city kept growing, leaving us no hunting
grounds. Then some big money bought the land and began to clear
cut. I think our home’s a new mall now, or will be.”

“Fucking loggers. They’re all over the place up here. When they

encroach on our land, we scare them off. But the day will come when
we’ll be outnumbered, like in the city with your pack.”

Nathan felt warm all over, partially a side effect of the alcohol.

His mind was pleasantly shrouded in liquid comfort, but not so much
that he couldn’t reason. He liked this guy, really liked him, and not
just sexually. They had a lot in common, seemed to share the same
thoughts and ideals. Nathan felt comforted by Jacob’s calm strength.
If he hadn’t seen him fight off the other wolf earlier in the night, he
would have thought him incapable of violence or aggression. A gentle
giant.

“I guess all we can do is keep moving north to untouched forest,”

said Nathan.

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25

“Not too far. The bears rule most of the remote northern forests.

You don’t want to mess with them.”

Nathan remembered the city they’d recently fled. It had

humanized him, being so close to civilization. He learned to interact
with humans, coming into town to work cash jobs so he could help
buy food for his pack. There had been hardly any small game left in
the final years near the city, leaving him little choice. That’s when he
found out about shifters who lived amongst humans full-time, giving
up their heritage, ignoring their beast for easy living. He’d judged
them then, but maybe they had the right idea after all.

“You can always live in the city, live with the humans,” he said,

curious to Jacob’s reaction. Some of their pack mates had suggested
it, in fear of moving north into already claimed forests. He had to
admit, the idea had crossed his mind in his darkest hours when hope
grew thin. But their alpha, his father, insisted they try their luck and
move northward first.

Jacob snorted. “My wolf would never approve. I’d end up tearing

one of those soft-skinned creatures apart. I’ve been raised in the
Marcelle Pack. It’s all I know.”

The name of the pack brought fear into Nathan’s heart. They were

notorious, bloodthirsty wolves who’d kill a trespasser for stepping on
their land. He couldn’t believe one of their members was so open-
minded, so easy to talk to.

“Sometimes we have to accept change. I know I have to, whether

I want to or not. It hasn’t been easy making the big move up here.”

“Are you close to here? I think I know most of the wolf packs in

the area.”

How long would Nathan be able to keep his secret?
“We don’t have land yet.”
Jacob scoffed. “Your alpha won’t have an easy time of it. We own

a vast majority, but there are about five other packs in the state. It’ll
be a challenge to find even a few acres to claim for your pack.”

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Winona Wilder

It was the main thing his father feared when leading them north.

The dominant wolf packs wouldn’t want to share their land or offer
asylum. It was either the city or living like nomads, neither
particularly appealing to Nathan.

“I’m not so sure what will become of us.”

* * * *

Jacob wanted to ask Nathan to come home with him, to settle

under the protection of his territory. But when he thought about it, he
knew Redden would never approve of a new, unfamiliar member—
never mind a whole pack. Besides, Nathan didn’t fit the bill of a
Marcelle. He wasn’t strong and thick skinned. His body was lean
muscled—beautiful, but not made for battle.

It had been a long time since Jacob could really talk with

someone. His best friend, Blake, was a head case. He couldn’t carry
on a serious conversation if his life depended on it. Jacob would trust
him with his life but never consider him a soul mate. Redden could
carry on a decent conversation. He had deeper thoughts and crazy
ideals, but they weren’t on the same wavelength, and Jacob had to
bow down to his authority so couldn’t be true to himself when
speaking with the alpha.

Nathan was everything his wolf required. Brains, a body, and a

chemical signature that made his cock fill with blood. It seemed the
mental attraction ignited the physical until he could barely maintain
control. He wanted to see the other man’s lean muscles without all the
clothing in the way.

“Where are you staying right now?” he asked, determined. Was

Nathan too good to be true? Did he have a male waiting for him? The
thought of his pack sleeping on the side of the road to avoid
confrontation didn’t sit well with him. He felt an inexplicable need to
coddle Nathan, to keep him under his wing.

“We haven’t really settled anywhere yet. It’s complicated.”

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27

Jacob wanted to know where to find the young shifter after

tonight. If Nathan walked out of here, how would he ever find him
again? It made him feel an uncomfortable desperation as the night
grew to a close. As much as he’d like their time together to linger on
and on forever, it was coming to an end. It almost felt like a grieving
process he was that starved for quality companionship. Now that he’d
found it, it was unspeakably difficult to give up. The barkeep was
wiping down the counters, occasionally looking in his direction as if
to remind him closing hours approached.

Blake’s heavy arm came around his shoulders, his breath reeking

of alcohol. “We’re getting out of here, big man. I need to sleep off
this buzz. You comin’?”

“Go without me.”
“The place is closing. Besides, you have the keys.”
“We’ve all been drinking. Just shift and head back to camp. Don’t

wait up for me.” As soon as he said shift, it confirmed the man next to
him wasn’t human. Blake gave Nathan the once-over, a juvenile grin
on his face. “Right. The big man needs to vent some sexual
frustration. Take your time.” He slapped him on the back playfully
before spilling out into the night air with the other Marcelle Pack
members. Their hollering could be heard across the parking lot until
they lost their human skin minutes later.

“Don’t mind him. He’s drunk.” Then he corrected himself.

“Actually, he’s not much better sober.”

Nathan smiled. If a smile could melt a man’s heart, his just did. It

was soft and comforting like the crackle of a warm fire on a frosty
night. “He seems like a good friend. I’m surprised he doesn’t mind
you staying alone with me.”

Jacob could hear the hidden question in the words. “He’s just a

friend. I have no mate.” He dared to reach over and swipe the pad of
his thumb over Nathan’s lower lip. The texture was exquisite, silky
and firm. He’d been aching to feel those thick lips all night. In the
eleventh hour he finally worked up the nerve. “It would be nicer to

28

Winona Wilder

have a mate in my life. I have enough friends.” Where had his
declaration come from? He’d only known this shifter for one night,
but they were the most fulfilling hours he’d spent with another man in
years—no, ever.

A heavy silence hung in the air. He didn’t know what else to say.

Jacob wasn’t a man of flowery words. He’d been raised to rein in his
emotions and show a blank slate to the world.

“I better go... They’re gonna wonder what happened to me.”

Nathan slipped off the stool and adjusted his shirt.

He was going to leave. Jacob had a first name and no location or

pack to help him find Nathan again. “Let me walk you outside. You
never know what jerks are waiting out there.”

“Thanks.”
When he stood up, he realized how much taller he was than the

smaller man. It endeared him to Nathan, brought out his protective
instincts. He’d never been one to be attracted to size and strength, so
used to his hulking pack mates. Once outside in the cool, crisp air,
scented by pine and earth, he took a cleansing breath. His wolf itched
to be free, to run through the forest until he was too tired to do
anything but sleep. The moon watched from its perch in the heavens,
that familiar face that kept him sane many nights when he couldn’t
bare his existence.

He honestly hadn’t expected anyone to be lurking outside. The

escort was an excuse to stay with Nathan a few extra minutes, maybe
get the chance to ask for more information so he could see him again.
But Jesse was leaning against a light pole in the parking lot, his eyes
glassy, a half-empty bottle in his dangling hand. If Nathan had come
out alone, there could have been trouble. Maybe he’d realize he
needed a protector, needed Jacob.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be, Jesse?” he called out.
“This is neutral territory, Marcelle.”
He growled low in his chest. If Blake and the boys had stuck

around, there would have been bloodshed, neutral territory or not.

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29

Jacob was determined to behave with Nathan beside him. He gave
Jesse a heated glare, and then directed Nathan around the back of the
one-story structure. It was darker at the rear, no outdoor lighting. A
carport blocked them from view, but he hadn’t sensed anyone else
around, only the squirrels and raccoons high above in the trees.

“Good thing I came out with you,” he said.
Nathan leaned back against the brick wall. Jacob faced him with

one arm braced at the side of his head. The subtle glow from the
moon reflected in his light eyes.

“It’s pretty pathetic when a male needs another one to safely

escort him across a fucking parking lot.”

“Personally, I find it adorable. It’s also perfectly acceptable if I’m

courting you.” He trailed a finger along Nathan’s sculpted jawline.
The man was gorgeous, a dirty-blond Adonis. “There’s nothing wrong
with one man caring for another. I know I’m attracted to your
vulnerable side as much as your strength.”

“Vulnerable isn’t a positive thing. Not in our world.”
“Let me take care of you, Nathan. Give me a chance.” He dropped

his head to his neckline, inhaling deeply. The man even smelled
perfect, as if he’d been made for him. Was this fate at work? Was this
stranger dropped into his life for a reason? He shouldn’t be making
promises he couldn’t keep, but his mouth wouldn’t shut up. Jacob
wanted to claim Nathan, mark him, make him his.

He received no verbal response, but Nathan’s heartbeat began to

increase, his breathing heavier. The mix of the moon overhead, the
alcohol, and raw sex appeal between them created an intimate bubble
of time and space. When Nathan’s hand reached up and gently tested
the muscles of his pec, his cock began to thicken. It took just that one
move, that small confirmation that he wasn’t out of place with his
advance for him to take things further.

“I haven’t been with a man in over a year,” he confessed. Jacob

hoped the truth would shed some light on the level of his desperation
and his slipping self-control.

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Winona Wilder

“It’s been longer for me. A lot longer.”
He dared to take another step by brushing his lips over Nathan’s.

He savored the connection, the texture of his lips, and the feeling of
coming home. They kissed—deeply, passionately. “I could eat you
alive,” he murmured against his mouth. He couldn’t stop partaking,
tasting, exploring with his tongue. Nathan never pulled back, but
kissed him back with equal fervor as if they’d been waiting a lifetime
for each other.

“You’re a big, bad wolf. Should that scare me?”
“I’d never hurt you, baby. I just wanna eat your cock.” Saying the

words out loud was Jacob’s moment of no return. He had to have the
man, to taste him, fuck him, anything to bring them closer.

“It was a turn-on when you stood up for me like you did,” Nathan

confessed. “No one’s ever done that for me before.”

“If you were mine, I’d kill for you. You’d never have to worry

about the bogeyman again.” He began to unbutton Nathan’s jeans,
finding no resistance. When he’d unfastened him completely, he
crouched down in front of his legs and freed his cock. The other
shifter was fully erect and well endowed for his body size. The skin
on his penis was darker than the rest of him, and the thatch of dark
brown hair at his groin was nearly concealed by all the shadows. He
took a tentative lick of the broad cock head. Nathan shuddered, his
whole body going weak for a moment until he steadied himself. Jacob
braced the man’s body with his hands.

“You okay, baby?”
Nathan nodded rapidly.
“Hold my shoulders,” Jacob instructed before opening his mouth

to take in the beautiful length of cock. His flesh was warm and silky
against his tongue. It had been so long since he could enjoy another
man, to participate in these illicit acts. Everything was about duty,
protection, as if they were living robots with one mission and no need
for emotion or pleasure. But Jacob had more locked up in him than
responsibility for his pack. He had needs, dreams, desires, and

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31

ambitions. This young shifter brought all those dormant feelings to
the surface, made him yearn for what was denied to him.

“You have no idea how good that feels.” Nathan began to work

his hips, slowly thrusting into Jacob’s eager mouth. He sucked him
hard, working his length with his tongue. The darkness of night, the
cool northerly breeze, the potential for being spotted—it all added to
the eroticism.

He began to build up a rhythm, fucking Nathan’s cock with his

mouth, taking him down his throat in smooth, steady strokes. The
deep guttural sounds his lover made spurred him to take more. He
grabbed his hips to steady himself, but Nathan flinched on contact,
choking back a painful gasp.

“What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” He’d managed to keep his fangs

in check despite the feral lust taking over his body. What else could
have hurt him?

“It’s nothing.”
It certainly was something. Jacob peeled his jeans down lower,

inspecting for the cause of the pain. That’s when he spotted the deep
bite wound on his hip. It was in the early stages of healing, but even
with shifter healing rates, it was only a few hours old. “How’d you get
this? Who the fuck hurt you?” His hackles rose. Even without being
commanded by his alpha, he wanted bloodshed for the wolf that had
harmed Nathan. A violent surge of territorial fever washed through
his body.

“Nobody.” Nathan tucked himself back in his jeans, ending their

little private party when it had only just started.

Jacob stood back up and held eye contact, looking for something

that was there all along. That’s when he knew. This was the fox that
Blake had bitten in the forest.

32

Winona Wilder

Chapter Three

Nathan froze. He’d forgotten about the wound on his hip, too

enamored by the wolf and his lips around his dick. The world had
faded to black as Jacob’s hot mouth suckled his length, reminding
him he was a man and not just an unwanted fox.

He saw that moment of recognition in Jacob’s eyes when he

confronted him. Somehow he knew. They’d been hiding from wolves
on their new land, but he never knew which pack ruled the territory. It
wasn’t exactly something you could ask around about, not when you
were in hiding. If it was the Marcelles, then maybe Jacob knew about
the run-in he’d had with the dark wolf not long before coming in the
bar. It would all be over then. Not only would the affection he’d
begun to appreciate fizzle away, but he’d probably be killed for
trespassing.

“That looks like a wolf bite, Nathan. How’d you get it?” His voice

had gone from livid to eerily calm.

He shrugged.
Jacob pounded his fist in the brick near his head, mortar

crumbling to the asphalt below. “Tell me, dammit! How’d you get
this wound? The gods know you couldn’t have walked too far with a
wound like that, which means you’re from around here. Where you
staying?”

“You’re scaring me,” he said.
Jacob took a cleansing breath and spun around as he raked his

hands through his thick, dark hair. “Fuck.”

“I’m sorry.” There was no point hiding anything now. It was

obvious the wolf knew his true identity, probably just hoping he was

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33

wrong. The only thing he could do now was watch where the pieces
may fall.

“You have no idea the position you’ve put me in, Nathan.” He

began to pace the area in front of him. His broad shoulders slunk
forward as he studied the ground in front of him. Then the blond wolf
from the bar came around the corner of the building. Nathan’s palms
became clammy. If Jacob told the other guy he was a fox, there’d be a
feeding frenzy with Nathan as the main course. He knew how
unwanted his kind were in these parts, which was why he resisted the
move in the first place. A life of hiding wasn’t really living. His pack
would be better off playing human in the city rather than looking over
their shoulders every minute.

“Why you hiding out back here?” the wolf slurred. “Don’t like to

share?” He laughed, a sadistic laugh with the tips of his fangs
showing. A drunken wolf was not something he wanted to run into
alone at night. Now he wasn’t sure where Jacob stood. Would he be
as eager to defend him knowing he was a fox shifter? Would he give
the wolf permission to have his way with him before tearing him to
shreds?

Jacob whirled around, incisors flashing as his lips curled up. “I

thought I made it clear he’s mine. Only mine! Now back off, I’m in
no mood to deal with you.” He punctuated his statement with a
vicious growl and a lunge forward which sent the wolf back around
the building. Nathan wasn’t sure if he should be terrified or relieved.
When Jacob turned back to face him, his features were still twisted in
anger, thick white canines reflecting the glow of the moon.

He must have noticed the shock on his face or scent the fear

leaking from his pores because his face suddenly shifted, the deep
lines smoothing away, returning him to his usual handsome self.
Jacob approached him, smoothing Nathan’s hair back from his face.
“Don’t fear me,” he said breathlessly, his forehead touching his.

Then he was gone.

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Winona Wilder

He turned and shifted into a massive black wolf within seconds.

His size and sheer strength held Nathan spellbound. The wolf glanced
at him, his yellow eyes casting an inhuman glow. He stayed frozen in
place until the beast finally bound off into the darkness, consumed by
the forest.

His mind whirled with thoughts. How could a dominant wolf like

Jacob spare him? If he knew Nathan was one of the squatter foxes,
why did he let him free? He’d been given a taste of heaven, a peek
into what a relationship would feel like, then had it snatched away by
cruel reality. Nathan could stand around and feel sorry for himself,
wish that mighty wolf would return to him, but knew he would be
smart to get away from the bar before that drunk showed up again. He
had to get home to his pack. They may be worried, even risking their
safety to look for him.

He shifted into his fur and scampered off into the forest. The

wound on his haunch had improved greatly, but still ached when he
put pressure on his leg. As much as he dreaded running into the
Marcelles again, he secretly hoped to meet Jacob. Would he be as
merciful next time? Was this his one warning chance? He’d told
Nathan not to be afraid of him, so he held onto that small hope that
the wolf still felt the same way he did before finding out he was a fox.

* * * *

“Where’ve you been?” asked Redden.
“Bar.” He bit his tongue, forever tempted to back talk to the alpha.

Why couldn’t he be content with his lot like the rest of the pack? His
life would be so much simpler.

“Blake said he saw you someone. A new guy.” Redden leaned

against an oak, his light eyes slightly squinted in suspicion.

Jacob shrugged. Since when was he banned from fucking around?

They all did. The rules stated no mates, no impregnating females. He
wanted neither until he met Nathan. Once he started talking to the

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35

little fox, he knew he had to have him. The need to mate suddenly
made sense to him. But it could never be which had pulled him into
the blackest of moods. “And?”

“Who was he?”
“Do I need permission before I fuck now? I don’t know who the

hell he was. It doesn’t matter. He was cute and available, so I screwed
him against the wall before coming home.”

Redden grumbled to himself. “You should be in a better mood if

you just got lucky.” Then he returned into the warmth of the den
without shifting back into his wolf. They kept in their true animal
form the majority of the time in the forest. If Redden kept in his skin,
that meant he was planning something kinky with some of the pack
members. He wasn’t sure if he could take hearing them indulge in
each other when he was so pent up and sexually frustrated.

Jacob ducked low and entered the den. All seven of his pack were

inside, the heat of their bare flesh warming the confined space. He
tugged off his shirt, unable to get Nathan off his mind. Would he
make it home safely? Had he run into Jesse alone?

Zeb and Dolph were usually Redden’s playthings. They had no

females in the Marcelle Pack, and their alpha hadn’t ventured out in
search of one yet, too focused on strengthening their unit and
expanding their territory.

He watched from his dark corner as Zeb crawled up onto all fours.

His muscles flexed as he held himself in position while Redden
mounted him from behind, his powerful cock filling his ass in one
fluid thrust. Zeb glanced up and met eyes with Jacob. He only
smirked before focusing on the man fucking him from behind. Dolph
rose to his feet, kissing his alpha’s back and shoulders before settling
his cock between his ass cheeks.

“Fuck me, Dolph!” Redden commanded. They became one mass

of flesh and fucking. Occasionally Jacob wouldn’t protest if one of
the betas sucked him off, but not anymore. All he could think about
was that adorable fox with his ocean-blue eyes and sweet innocence.

36

Winona Wilder

He continued to disrobe. The smell of sex filled the den—sweat,

pheromones, and hard fucking. Blake and Cash were dead to the
world, oblivious to the three men working each other amongst their
sleeping bodies.

Ronan and Lope watched from their own corners, probably as

horny as him. When Lope began to stroke his own thick cock, Jacob
followed suit. It was the only relief he’d get tonight. Despite the vivid
show in front of him, he closed his eyes and envisioned that gorgeous
dirty-blond head bobbing up and down over his cock. It was enough
to bring him to a peak in record time.

* * * *

Nathan nestled in next to his two brothers. His pack was unique in

that it was solely a family pack. Most units had outside members, had
merged in the past, or had in-laws making their pack tree large and
diverse. The Armand Pack was just Nathan, his parents, two brothers,
and a sister. They didn’t take up much room, didn’t come close to
making a dent on the natural food supply, and minded their own
business. Why was it so hard for the wolves to let them live on their
land? The gods created the world for all shifters and humans, not one
pack over the other. Sometimes Nathan wished he had the power and
muscle that Jacob had. Maybe then he could intimidate others and
protect his little family. His father was old and growing weary, and
his brothers were younger than him. It was up to Nathan to be the
provider and protector when doing either in this foreign forest was a
challenge. He craved the security Jacob had promised, but knew he’d
offered it to an illusion, not a measly fox with the baggage of a
dependent family. But he would savor the memory of those few hours
they shared together. For that moment in time, Nathan felt special,
unique, wanted. But it was never meant to be.

“Mom was worried about you,” whispered Ben.

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37

“I’ll apologize in the morning.” He’d left the den because he felt

like a cage rat hiding from predators. He had to stretch his legs and
get away from the constant arguing of his parents. They were so
certain this was the best move, but Nathan still couldn’t see it.

“Where did you go?”
“A bar.”
“Really? You found a bar way out here?”
“Shhh. Go back to sleep.”
Ben was only two years younger than Nathan. He was the wild

child, always bringing heartache to their parents. When they lived in
the city, he’d stay out late, run with the bad crowds, and screw around
until his heart was encased in a thick shell. But he was still Nathan’s
little brother, and he loved him more than the world.

“You smell like sex.”
“Fuck off, Ben, and go to sleep,” he whispered harshly.
Nathan lay back in their cramped den and stared at the light of the

moon beaming in through the cracks of the bracken. He dreamed up
impossible fairy tales staring Jacob Marcelle. Those dark fuck-me
eyes, broad shoulders, and heavily muscled arms. He wanted to
become lost in his embrace again, to feel Jacob’s mouth on his needy
cock, and be told more sweet nothings, even if they were lies. If the
wolf hadn’t discovered his injury, he had no doubt they would have
fucked like animals against that brick wall. Knowing how close he
came to mind-numbing sex made his balls ache. He usually wasn’t so
free with his body or open with his sexuality. Jacob had an exclusive
effect on him, pulling him into his erotic web with little effort.

He barely slept through the night, only nodding off occasionally.

When the light of morning shone down through the forest canopy, he
was the last to rise. His family stirred, jostling him as they stretched
their limbs. When he peeked open his eyes, it seemed his whole pack
was watching him expectantly.

“What?”

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Winona Wilder

“You could have been killed last night, Nathan. Killed. This forest

is crawling with wolves that wouldn’t think twice before tearing your
fox apart.”

“Yes, Mother. I’ll be more careful next time.”
His father piped in. “There won’t be a next time. No more leaving

the den unless searching for food or water, and only in the light of
day.”

Nathan shoved off his sister’s leg and stood. “That’s bullshit. I’m

not going to live like a fish in a bowl. How can that be your solution
to everything?” His father was the alpha of their pack, but Nathan
didn’t agree with his decisions. He wanted to show respect but was
tired of following blindly.

“At least we’ll be alive and together. This world was made for

humans, wolves, and bears. Fox are the vermin nobody wants around.
The sooner you accept that, the better.”

“What if a wolf wanted to help us, protect us?”
Both his brothers laughed, but quickly stifled the sound in case

they were heard outside their den. “That day will never come,” said
his father. “Both my parents were killed by wolves, as was my sister
and three cousins. It’s why I raised you all near the city where we
were safe from the larger predators.”

Just when he opened his mouth to argue, his sister took his hand.

“Nathan, let’s pick berries. It should be safe now.” Rayna was a
peacemaker, forever the mediator in the pack. For the most part,
wolves were nocturnal, wreaking their havoc by the light of the moon,
so he went along with her suggestion. If he stayed, they’d only argue
further, and he didn’t want to disrespect his father.

“Fine.”
They shifted into their fox forms and quickly navigated the low

underbrush, barely making a sound with their soft-padded paws.
Nathan carried a cloth satchel between his teeth to bring food home to
the rest of the pack. When he emerged into the small clearing where
the wild blueberries and raspberries grew, they shifted into their

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human forms. He was starving, but hunting in this new territory while
watching his back was no easy task. They’d lived off a diet of berries
and roots since coming here, but what they really needed was meat.
Although they still had some savings, there were no stores within
reasonable distance, so this was it.

“Eat as much as you can then fill the bag,” he instructed his sister.
They moved fast, filling their stomachs and also the sack. The

long, stressful task of picking berries in the open forest took its toll on
his nerves.

“It’s full,” she said.
He sighed in relief. “Okay. Good. Let’s head back.” He was about

to shift when a deep growl came from the bushes. The large paw
came first, and then the wolf’s nose parted the leaves to reveal its
killer fangs. Another emerged a few feet away. Nathan froze. He
hadn’t expected a real threat in the light of morning. His first thought,
once he regained a semblance of thought, was the safety of his little
sister. “Rayna...” He moved slightly to put himself between the
wolves and his sister. “Shift. Run.”

She didn’t hesitate, even under the stress of being in the killer

wolves’ sights, but shifted with ease and disappeared into the heavy
bracken. He exhaled his relief once he knew she was safe, at least for
now. The two wolves didn’t attack as he expected. Rather, they
morphed into their human skin. It was unusual for wolves to make
themselves vulnerable in such a situation, but once he recognized one
of the men from the bar, he knew he was in deep shit.

“A fox? Wait until Jacob finds out he was fucking a fox.” The

shifter laughed. “He’ll skin you alive.”

“This is the boy toy from last night?”
“Oh yeah.” The dark-haired shifter moved in closer. “Maybe we

should have a little fun of our own and teach the little runt a lesson.”

“What about the girl, Blake?”
“Don’t worry about her. We’ll flush her out with the others when

Redden gives us the word.” He reached out, lightning fast, and

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Winona Wilder

snagged Nathan’s arm, turning him to the side. “Will you look at that,
Cash. It’s the fox I sunk my teeth into last night.”

“He was probably spying on us and followed us to the bar to pull

the wool over Jacob’s eyes.”

Blake shoved him in the chest, sending him backward. “You

fucking with my best friend, fox?” Another shove almost toppled him
over. “This ain’t your land. You have no business being here eating
our berries.” He knocked the satchel from his hands, sending the fresh
berries they’d painstakingly picked to the forest floor. The shifter was
nearly as built as Jacob, pure strength. He stood no chance at this
point. His life flashed before his eyes, and all he could think about
was his pack alone in the wilderness, helpless and victim to these
heathens. Nathan regretted speaking disrespectfully to his father now,
knowing they may have been his last words.

He’d prayed for a fairy tale, one where Jacob would whisk him

away to a safe place. A place where other shifters weren’t out to kill
him, where food was plentiful, and where love went further than just
skin deep.

He closed his eyes, prepared for a grisly death. The brush of fur

and clamor of feet made him focus back on the scene in front of him.
A black wolf charged Blake before he could hit Nathan with a drawn-
back arm.

“What the fuck, Jacob?” hollered Blake.
The wolf didn’t shift, only growled, his stance defensive and

threatening.

“He’s not who you think he is. The guy’s a fox. One of the

squatters we’re supposed to be keeping tabs on.”

Jacob lunged, nearly nipping the other man in the thigh.
“Fine. You deal with it. If you don’t, we know where to find

them.” The two men turned, walked a few steps, and then dropped to
all fours in the midst of a shift.

Nathan stood rooted in place, paralyzed from fear and shock. The

great black wolf sniffed the berries littered around its feet and then

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41

moved in closer to him. The beast was calm now, curious, testing the
air and keeping an eagle eye on Nathan.

This was Jacob. Even without seeing him shift last night, he

would have known. Those eyes didn’t change when he was human—
they were intelligent and full of depth. He dared to reach out and
touch the shiny, black coat, running his splayed fingers deep into the
semisoft fur. Nathan admired the wolf, the raw power, the beauty. If
only Jacob could feel the same for his fox fur. It would mean the
world for him to be accepted for what he was, rather than despised.
Jacob shifted into his human form, replacing the fur under his fingers
with firm flesh.

“Thank you. Again,” said Nathan.
He said nothing in return. His face stoic. Things were different

now. Jacob knew he was a fox, a trespasser on top of it all. Did any
lingering feelings remain from last night? Nathan observed the now-
naked male, all sinewy muscle—broad shoulders, defined pecs, ripped
abs, and hung like a horse. He wasn’t even aroused, but his size was
already impressive.

Before he said a word, Jacob bent down, picked up the bag, and

began to pick up the spilled berries. It was such a menial task for one
of the great Marcelle wolves. Nathan joined him, sifting through the
grass and leaf litter to find the unblemished pieces. When they finally
stood, he wondered if the wolf would ever speak. The silence clung to
him, making Nathan uneasy.

“How’s your leg?” he finally said.
“Much better.”
He began to note Jacob’s eyes wandering over his body, taking in

every nude inch of him. Nathan cupped his groin with his hands. Even
under the duress of the situation, he was semifirm just being near
Jacob. It was embarrassing to have his desire displayed. He wasn’t as
comfortable with his nudity as these woodland wolves. Much of his
time was spent near humans, so he was used to covering up when not
with his immediate family.

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“Don’t hide yourself from me,” said Jacob, a ring of authority in

his tone that Nathan couldn’t deny. He dropped his hands to his sides.
“Never hide yourself from me.”

“Okay.” It’s all he could think to say.
“Did they touch you?” he asked.
He wasn’t hurt and didn’t want any more drama, so he

downplayed what happened. “There were a couple shoves. That’s
all.”

“They’re lucky they don’t know how important you are to me.”

He stared at him with an intensity that nearly stole his breath. “I’m
sorry about your berries. Don’t foxes eat meat?”

“When we have it. Things haven’t been easy for us since moving

here.”

“You need to eat more.” Jacob used both hands to squeeze his

shoulders, then biceps. “You’re too thin.”

Just the simple touch brought Nathan’s body to life, including his

cock. There was no alcohol or moon to blame—this was genuine
attraction. More than that. Just seeing the wolf made his stomach do
little flips.

“I’m not a wolf. I’ll never be as built as you.”
“I wouldn’t want you to be,” said Jacob. “I like you the way you

are, petite and sexy. You just need to eat more to be healthy, nothing
wrong with that.” He reached out and took Nathan’s hand, leading
him away on foot. “Come on. I want to show you something.”

They trekked through the forest for roughly fifteen minutes.

Traveling in his human skin with no protective clothing or footwear
made the journey difficult, but apparently not for Jacob. He pushed
through the branches and overgrowth with ease, clearing a path for
Nathan like a gentleman. They emerged in a small, circular clearing.
The forest canopy opened above, providing vibrant rays of sunshine
to the multitude of berry bushes below. These were easy pickings
compared to where Nathan and his sister usually collected. The trees
were massive and moss covered, an abundance of white and wine-

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43

colored trilliums blanketing the forest floor. A vision out of a modern-
day fairy tale.

“It’s beautiful.” It was like a secret garden in an otherwise dark

and forbidding forest. He almost forgot his predicament.

As he wandered around, sampling the plump, sweet berries, he

could feel Jacob assessing him. “Do you regret meeting me last
night?” the wolf finally asked.

He shook his head. “No. It was one of the more memorable nights

since I can remember. I never wanted it to end.”

“I haven’t stopped thinking of you. I’ve been walking around in a

daze all morning wondering how I could find you again.” He stepped
closer, cupping one side of Nathan’s face in his big hand. “I shouldn’t
have just left you last night.”

“I understand…”
Jacob leaned down and kissed him on the mouth, a tentative kiss

that soon became demanding. In their own private paradise, it was so
easy to give in to temptation, forget the rest of the world. “I dreamt
about your beautiful cock.”

And he’d dreamt of Jacob’s skilled mouth. He reached up and

wrapped his arms around the wolf’s broad shoulders, hard and toned
as iron. Their kiss deepened, becoming more intimate, as if
connecting their very souls. How could he have doubted Jacob? All
along he’d somehow known the wolf would never hurt him, not just
because of his promise. He could have crushed him last night, but
didn’t.

Jacob reached between them and gripped Nathan’s erection in his

fist. He tugged, working the length up and down while maintaining
their kiss. Having another man stroke his cock when it was
dangerously engorged made his whole body shudder. When Jacob let
go, pulling his body close to his, he felt the wolf’s stiff cock nudge his
stomach. He yearned to see his size when fully erect, knowing it
would be impressive. Nathan had been with other men, but they’d
only used him, carrying on with their lives as if he was of no

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consequence. Being intimate, exposing his vulnerabilities again
brought out his base fears. Would Jacob love him and leave him?
Would he even be able to handle a cock so massive? The thought of
attempting to fit all those thick inches into his body made his balls
pull up tight. His ass was tingling to be fucked, but Jacob was the one
leading this party.

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Chapter Four

Blake and Cash would pay when he saw them again. Fox or not,

they knew he’d been with Nathan intimately last night and should
never have confronted him without Jacob’s consent. He’d had the
night to consider how their time together ended. Jacob had judged
Nathan by his race even though his heart and soul demanded he was
the one for him. As soon as he’d left he knew it was a mistake. His
brain was hardwired for hatred, and he had to try to think logically
before acting.

“Do you like it when I touch you here?” he asked.
His little fox only nodded, his head resting against Jacob’s chest,

his breathing heavy. He wanted to be close to Nathan, feel him,
breathe him in as if his life depended on it.

He reached around and cupped Nathan’s ass cheek, squeezing the

firm flesh. All he could think about was indulging in this man, the one
his soul demanded was his mate. How could this be? A wolf and fox?
He’d been so hardened by Redden to abhor anyone or anything
beyond their small pack that he had to continue to tell himself it was
okay to desire Nathan.

Jacob caressed his tight asshole with a featherlight touch. “What

about here? Do you like how this feels?”

“Stop teasing me,” he murmured. “I’ve been frustrated since last

night.”

“That’s right. I left you with a hard-on, didn’t I?”
“Very hard.”
He could feel Nathan’s dick throb under his touch, ready to

explode. As much as he wanted to fuck him, he wanted to ensure

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Nathan got some satisfaction first. He could still taste him on his
tongue and wanted more than the brief sampling. “Lie down on the
ground.”

He did as told, lowering his lean-muscled body to the soft leaf

litter, dotted with small flowers. As he gazed down at his blond-haired
lover, the sun highlighting his blue eyes and cock jutting straight up,
he fell in love all over again. The sight was inspiring, beautiful,
something he’d capture to memory for all time. Jacob was used to
rough and tough males. No mercy was the Marcelle Pack motto. But
this male was sensitive, delicate, and equally delicious. His muscles
were toned, his skin flawless, and body willing.

“Are you gonna suck me again?” he asked.
“Would you like that?”
Nathan nodded, already stroking his erection, a bead of clear fluid

forming at the tip. He dropped down to his knees, nudging Nathan’s
legs farther apart with his thigh. The wound on his side was nothing
more than a faint scar now, the miracle of shifter blood working
within him. Everything about his little fox brought out his need to
protect, provide, and cherish. He didn’t want Nathan to know pain or
sorrow. Jacob had heard talk of the mating bond, but he had never
witnessed it firsthand. He hadn’t grown up with his family, and no
members of the Marcelle Pack were mated, not even their alpha,
Redden.

The gentle breeze ruffled the leaves in the branches around them.

He leaned over and covered that glistened cock with his mouth. After
watching his pack mates fuck each other raw last night in the den, it
was especially rewarding to partake in his own sexual act. Nathan’s
taste was earthy, male, delicious. Jacob sucked, savored, and teased
until the fox’s hips came off the ground and his hands clawed in the
earth at his sides. He continued to lift Nathan to that proverbial peak,
but he wouldn’t allow him to go over.

Jacob pulled off his cock, not wanting Nathan to spill just yet. As

he crept up the length of his body, he kissed and licked all the firm

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47

muscles in his path. When he reached his lips, he kissed him just
once. “You’re my mate, Nathan. Can you feel it?”

“I feel something.”
“Am I crazy to think I can recognize my mate in less than two

days?”

Nathan swallowed hard. “It happened like that for my parents.

When my father met my mother, he just knew. It only took a minute.
Maybe it was her scent, or fate intervening, I don’t know.”

That’s exactly how Jacob felt. As soon as he saw Nathan in the

bar, a light flicked on inside of him. When they spoke, it grew
brighter. And when they kissed, it burst in a shower of light. He’d
never felt such an instant attraction to anyone, male or female. It
rocked his foundations, made him question everything because his
new priority was bonding with the man he knew so little about. It was
liberating but also frightening. In the heat of the moment it was so
easy to ignore his oaths and responsibilities to his pack, but he’d have
to face reality soon enough.

Nathan hadn’t declared the same love that Jacob had which

worried him. Was he wrong? Was Nathan not really his mate at all?
“Do you know what mates do when they find one another?”

“They mark each other.” Nathan writhed beneath him, desperate

to relieve his own cock but blocked by Jacob’s body hovering over
him. He could feel their dicks battle, rubbing and prodding with their
bodies pressed so closely together.

“As a warning to others,” he added. “Once I mark you, no male

will dare to go near you, even if you’re a fox.”

His fangs itched to sink into the smooth plane of Nathan’s neck.

He imagined the sweet, metallic taste of his blood as it rolled over his
tongue. He needed it. His wolf insisted on it. Maintaining his control
was increasing in difficulty, but he wouldn’t force himself on the
other man. He wouldn’t live in a one-sided relationship, even if the
thought of walking away tore him apart.

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“Maybe you should think about that. I’m sure the Marcelle Pack

wouldn’t be happy adding a fox to their collective—”

He shut Nathan up with a penetrating kiss. Fuck the chitchat.

They’d worry about marking each other later. Right now Jacob’s own
cock was thick and ready, pent up for too long. Nathan gripped his
shoulders, his nails digging in slightly.

“Fuck me,” he said.
Jacob hadn’t expected a verbal invitation. Knowing Nathan was

desperate and willing pleased him. He moistened his fingers with
saliva and reached between them, pushing a finger into Nathan’s ass.
He was tight, impossibly tight for his large cock. Maybe the races
weren’t built to mix.

Nathan began to pant, clenching around his finger, reaching for

his cock. His eyes were drifting, the tips of his fangs appearing at his
gum line. Jacob savored his shift from civilized to feral. “Do you
want more, baby?”

He shook his head. “I want it all. Stop playing, Jacob. I want your

cock in my ass.”

“I might hurt you.”
“I don’t care. Just give it to me.”
With a gentle pull, he removed his finger and aimed his cock at

that tight, pink rosette. He leaned back, guiding his cock in an inch.
As he watched his head disappear into that beautiful hole, he pulled
back, adding more moisture before reinserting. This time Nathan
moaned, a wanton sound that slithered down his spine. “You okay?”

Nathan thrust his hips up, forcing more of Jacob’s length into his

ass. The greedy fox wanted his whole cock shoved deep. He could
give it to him. Inch by inch, he filled Nathan until buried to the hilt.
His ass had a choke hold on his cock, squeezing it mercilessly.

After taking a deep breath, he began to thrust, that torturous

pleasure of sinking into relief only to stoke his lust higher. “Touch
yourself,” said Jacob. The fox’s cock was pressed against his

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49

stomach, rubbing against him each time he pulled his hips back to
fuck Nathan’s ass.

“More,” he said, pumping his own cock. “Don’t stop…”
In no time they were chest to chest, sweat-glistened, and breathing

like animals. Jacob hooked his forearms under Nathan’s shoulders,
holding him close. He nipped his ear, lapped at his moist neck, and
kissed him when he had enough breath to do so. Jacob said a silent
thank-you to the gods for bringing Nathan into his life.

* * * *

Nathan never knew what it felt like to be so filled. Jacob’s cock

was extraordinary, stretching his ass in new ways, reaching every G-
spot imaginable. All those dormant nerves raced to life, building the
pressure of his impending orgasm. He loved holding onto Jacob’s
broad shoulders, listening to his guttural sounds as he lost himself in
the rhythm. Nathan’s own erection was sandwiched between them.
Each time the wolf thrust up brought him a fresh jolt of erotic
pleasure. He’d never experienced sex like this, face-to-face, intimate
and personal.

Jacob openly wanted to mate with him, to mark him. Knowing he

was desirable to such a powerful wolf, rather than loathed, warmed
his heart. He’d love nothing more than to give into the advance, allow
him to mark him as his personal possession. A mating with Jacob
would guarantee him security in such uncertain times, but a
relationship had to be based on more than protection. And Nathan
wasn’t so sure Jacob knew what he really wanted. His past lovers had
claimed to feel strongly about him—until they had sex. Then those
promises and declarations were forgotten, never to be uttered again. It
could be the same now.

Although Nathan enjoyed the sensual assault on his body,

practically begging for Jacob to fuck him, he wanted to see what

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waited in the aftermath before handing over his heart to the wolf. It
wouldn’t hurt so much later if he kept his emotions in check.

The pressure in his balls rose until he knew he wouldn’t be able to

hold off another minute. “I’m gonna come,” he muttered. The dual
stimulation to his ass and cock brought him to a new realm of
sensation. He was going to explode.

“Do it. Come for me, baby.”
“But—”
“Come!” Jacob roared, his cock stiffening inside him. He didn’t

want to spray all over the wolf’s stomach, but he was coming whether
he wanted to stop the flow or not.

As he relaxed, giving in to the wash of pleasure, his balls

tightened before his cock pulsed in deep waves with his release. He
called out, a primal cry. He felt Jacob follow, pumping his seed deep
in his ass. It was a moment of clarity. He wanted to mate with this
virile beast with the soft heart. The only time he could remember
feeling safe, sheltered from the harsh world, was when Jacob was by
his side. The wolf’s body slumped over him before rolling slightly to
the side. “Gods, I needed that,” said Jacob.

They were both breathless, watching the leaves flutter above

them. It was so peaceful, but also the most tense moment for Nathan,
despite the heavenly afterglow. Would Jacob turn out like all the other
males that came through his life in the past? There had only been a
few, but that’s all it took to make him cautious.

“Sorry for the mess,” he said, his voice lacking the strength to

come above a whisper.

Jacob chuckled. “You’re right. I’d rather have taken you in my

mouth. Don’t worry about your mess. It’s part of you, so I don’t
mind.” He rolled to his side to face Nathan. “So tell me, little fox.
What is your pack like?”

He was cautious when talking about his family. “It’s just my

family. My parents, two brothers, and a sister.”

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“Very threatening,” he muttered to himself. “I’ll speak with my

alpha about providing amnesty.”

“Don’t. You’ll only get in trouble. We’ll survive as we always

have.”

* * * *

Jacob didn’t want his mate to survive. He wanted to see him

thriving and happy, not a worry in the world. His priorities had
abruptly shifted in the past twenty-four hours. Now he wasn’t lost but
anchored by this one man. Surely Redden would listen to reason. The
foxes were weak and few in number. They wouldn’t pose a threat or
imbalance the ecosystem. Would it make a difference if Nathan bore
his love bite? If it would help, he’d administer it right now, but he
would be a fool to break another rule before dealing with the
situation. Mating was forbidden for betas without consent. He’d
already crossed too many lines to fathom.

“Stay close to your den until I sort things out. I don’t want you

getting hurt.”

“You sound like my father. I hate being caged away. It’s

suffocating,” said Nathan, his eyes beseeching him. What kind of
mate was he? Nathan should have the run of the forest, not hole up in
fear. But he reminded himself this was only temporary. As soon as he
spoke with Redden about the unique situation, Jacob would return to
the fox den with the good news.

“It won’t be long. I promise.” He kissed Nathan’s forehead and

then each closed eye. His sweet fox had imprinted on his heart with
the strength of a branding iron.

They parted ways, Jacob escorting Nathan most of the way

through the forest to be on the safe side. Then he bound off to his den
in his wolf form. He was actually excited, eager to spread the good
news. He wanted to scream from the treetops that he’d found love,

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found purpose. Surely the men who fought and lived with him side by
side every day of his adult life would appreciate that.

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Chapter Five

The camp was quiet, so he imagined Blake had already filled

Redden in on the state of affairs. Tension snapped like electricity in
the air. He was showing up to his trial and ultimate judgment. Zeb
exited the den, standing up straight once free of the entrance. He
grinned when he saw Jacob standing there. “Good luck,” he said.
“You’re gonna need it.” Then he wandered off, as did the other
members of the pack. So he was to face off with the alpha on his
own—fine, even better. This had to be done, no matter how much he
dreaded it.

Jacob was about to duck into the den when Redden emerged. His

face was stoic, but when was it not? Suddenly he didn’t want his
alpha to be ashamed of him. It had never mattered before. All he’d
ever thought about was breaking rules, defying commands. Now he
felt like he was letting down the man who’d essentially raised him
from a pup. He wasn’t old enough to be his father, but he was a young
alpha back then and took a chance taking on several abandoned pups.

“Do you realize how many wolves live in the neighboring forests,

Jacob? You couldn’t be interested in one of them? I know Blake and
Cash think the world of you. Are they not good enough?”

“They’re my friends.”
Redden snorted. “Friends? Even better, no? Friends, lovers,

mates—the lines are blurry.”

He went to the heart of the conversation. “I love him.”
Now the alpha growled his displeasure. “What the fuck are you

thinking? He’s a fox. You’re a wolf. These things just don’t happen in
nature.”

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“I can’t help how I feel.”
“Gods, Jacob. You’re my best man. I had high hopes for you. If

there was one of my pack I’d want to take over in my absence or
death, it would be you. Now? I don’t know anything anymore.”

He felt the weight of his alpha’s disappointment, and it tore

through him like a rusty blade. It would be so simple to make
everything right again. Just close off his heart, forget his attachment
to Nathan, and help drive the foxes far from sight and memory. But he
couldn’t do it. He was past the point of return. Even without sealing
the mating with a love bite, his relationship with Nathan was still a
solid commitment in Jacob’s mind.

“He’s a good man—”
“He’s a fox.” Redden whirled around, massaging behind his neck

with both hands. “I don’t know what the fuck to do. You’ve put me in
a horrible tight spot.”

“Please. Give me your blessing to mate with Nathan. I’ll provide

for him and his family. They’ll be no burden on the pack.”

Redden scoffed, shaking his head in disapproval. “A family?

What are you trying to do to me?” His alpha clenched his fists so hard
at his sides he could see the veins bulging up his forearms. He was
sure he was about to strike him, even tensing his body in preparation
for the blow. But Redden only laid a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t
want to hurt you, Jacob. But this is for your own good. I forbid you to
see that fox again, do you understand?”

“But—”
“I’m going to be lenient, break my own rules because I love you

like a brother. If you agree to stay away from the fox and fulfill your
destiny with the Marcelle Pack, I’ll grant your fox friend safety. They
can live in my forest and the others won’t touch them.”

“You expect me to ignore the mating call?”
“Jacob! You’re confused. It’ll pass. If you test me, you’ll witness

the full reach of my power. If you refuse to stop seeing the fox, I’ll

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send your brothers to destroy his pack.” Redden took a deep breath, as
if accepting his own decision. “It’s the only way.”

What more could he say? As a beta, he had no authority, no say. It

was back to the same miserable dilemma of following orders he didn’t
agree with. Only this time they were personal. Jacob stood toe-to-toe
with Redden for over a minute, studying those deceptively caring
eyes. Then, before he did something he’d regret, he raced off into the
forest as fast as his paws could carry him.

* * * *

“What are you talking about? Mating with a wolf? What?”
Nathan spoke with Ben close to the den, but out of earshot of their

parents. “One of the Marcelle wolves. We met at the bar.” He
couldn’t help but smile as he spoke. “He loves me. I love him.”

“Is that even natural? I mean, I’ve been with humans, but a wolf?

Are you sure it’s not a trap?”

“I’m sure. He’s going to change everything for all of us. No more

hiding. No more starving. You’ll see.” He had never been so
optimistic and cheerful. Jacob hadn’t turned on him after having sex.
Or was Nathan being too premature to think things would last? Once
the novelty of fucking a fox wore off, would Jacob still want him? He
cleared his negative thoughts and led his brother back to the den. It no
longer felt claustrophobic, not when he knew the confinement was
only temporary.

They huddled together, and his mother told them stories about fox

lore as she often did to help them pass the time. His thoughts
continually drifted to Jacob and the exquisite peak he’d brought
Nathan to. They had so much more to learn about each other, to
explore. But minutes turned into hours, and soon darkness settled over
the land with no return from Jacob.

The next two days passed much the same way. The sun would rise

and he’d sit in his enclosure of sticks and bracken not speaking, only

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focusing on one spot on the wall, and stay that way until night
claimed the land. Had Jacob had a change of heart? Did his alpha
punish him for breaking the rules? Nathan’s joy had long fizzled
away, leaving him an empty shell of a man. He felt boneless and
heavy. Even idle tasks like picking berries were too much to handle.

On the third evening, he’d ventured out of the den to sit alone and

admire the moon. It was a clear night, and the break in the trees gave
him a clear line of sight. He had the feeling that Jacob would
appreciate such a simple, yet stunning sight just as he did. But only
the gods knew where he was or what he was thinking. Was he looking
up at the same moon somewhere right now? The calm forced him to
contemplate the future for himself and his family. He couldn’t rely on
anyone. It would only disappoint and break down the fragile barrier
protecting his heart. New plans had to be made—Jacob wasn’t
coming back and he had to accept that.

There was a rustling in the underbrush behind him. He leapt to his

feet and bolted toward the den, but when nothing emerged, he slowed
down his retreat, looking behind his shoulder. Nathan slowly returned
to where he was, his senses picking up a familiar scent. Right behind
where he’d been sitting were two skinned hares. An offering.

“Jacob!” he called out to the dark wall of forest around him. He

didn’t care if the bloodthirsty wolves or Marcelle shifters in the forest
heard him. It had to be Jacob that left the food. His wolf did still care,
but something was keeping him away. What? It must have been
wishful thinking to believe they could combine their races in a
mating. It would offend any alpha and start a precedent that most
wouldn’t want started.

There was no reply, not even the faint sound of footsteps leading

away.

Nathan felt an intense want burn inside of him. The want bound

him in a vise grip, making it difficult to breathe. As he continued to
call out for his mate, the desperation turned into anger. “Jacob... Be a

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fucking man and show yourself!” But all the taunting in the world
didn’t earn him a response.

It happened that way every night for over a week. At different

times and different locations, fresh meat would be dropped off near
their den. Nathan was seeing ghosts, sometimes wondering if Jacob
even existed at all. He was like a phantom wolf, coming and going
like the wind, but never seen. If only he could reach out and capture
him, but you couldn’t grab what you couldn’t see. How long before
he went mad, forgot the color of Jacob’s eyes or the feel of his hands
caressing his face?

Each day Nathan grew bolder. No shifters stalked their den any

longer as if they’d decided they weren’t worth the trouble. Being
without his soul mate made him willing to risk a little more every
time he ventured out. If he was killed now, he’d lose much less and
gain some peace of mind. He was only a shadow of his former self,
and he’d never truly lived being a fox in a dominant breed world.

Ignoring the warnings given to him by his father, Nathan ventured

much farther from the den, exploring beyond the fairy tale garden of
wild berries Jacob had shown him. He continued farther away, too
emotional to bask in the memories—ones slipping away a bit more
each day.

He found a watering hole when the trees thinned out to make way

for a meadow. The wind swept across the green, wild grasses like a
wave through the ocean. Even the rhythmic hushing sound lulled him,
making him dream of faraway places. He got comfortable on his
stomach, watching his reflection in the still water.

“You’re a fool, Nathan,” he said to himself. “A fool to think any

man would love you.”

As if a cloud passed over the sun, a shadow blocked his reflection.

When he turned to look up, he came face-to-face with the one man
haunting his thoughts.

“I love you.” Jacob’s weight was over his back before he could

jump up to his feet. As much as he should push the wolf away, he

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savored the contact, Jacob’s warm flesh against his. It was like
waking from a dream to have him back in body. He hoped he didn’t
wake up only to discover he’d fallen asleep on the bank of the
watering hole.

He had a million questions to ask, but only a few words managed

to escape his lips. “You left me.”

“No, Nathan. I never left. I’ve always been close, keeping an eye

on you.”

“You brought the meat.”
Jacob kissed the back of his neck. “Yes.”
“You kept the shifters away.”
Another kiss, then another. “Yes.”
“Dammit, Jacob. Let me up.”
He whispered in his ear, his breath hot and titillating. “I’m not

supposed to be here. I can be shunned from my pack just for talking to
you, but I couldn’t stay away. I need you. More than breath, I need
you, Nathan.”

“I thought I’d never see you again.” He felt the ball of emotion

straining in his throat. He wanted to hold onto the wolf and never let
him go.

Jacob’s hand wandered lower and lower—over his back, the swell

of his ass, and then between his naked cheeks. When his fingers
trailed dangerously close to his anus, that bundle of nerves fired to
life. Nathan had replayed their day by the berry bushes over and over
in his head, recalling vividly the pressure of Jacob’s monster cock
filling his ass. He wanted to feel that same thrill now. It would be
even more satisfying after yearning night after night for the love he
thought was stolen from him.

“You smell just as I remembered,” said Jacob, his voice deep and

gruff. “You smell like mine.” He replaced his teasing finger with the
head of his moist cock. Nathan loosened for him, consciously relaxing
his taut muscles to accept Jacob’s stiff erection. “A little more,” he
said as he continued to spear his ass. When he was fully seated, he

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stopped to pepper more kisses over Nathan’s back and shoulders. He
brushed his hair to the side and nuzzled their cheeks together.

“I missed you,” he confessed.
“I know, baby. I’ve missed you, too. But this is perfect. Right

now, right here with you…perfect.”

Nathan wanted to ask about tomorrow and the next day and the

day after that, but he decided to keep silent. He didn’t want to curse
his good fortune or ruin the moment they shared. His ass was fully
adjusted to the intrusion in no time. He clamped down on Jacob’s
cock, signaling his readiness. If this was their moment, it should be
fully realized. His wolf mate apparently agreed, starting to pull out a
few inches just to sink back in. He began the slow, titillating friction
which only built up Nathan’s lust rather than extinguish it. “I like it
faster,” he said.

“I know that, my little fox. I’m taking my time with you. Making

it last.”

He didn’t hold back for too long. Soon Jacob pumped his hips

faster, working himself into a steady tempo. He drove that steely dick
in balls deep, driving in and out like a piston. Nathan grasped and
clawed at the long grass just in reach, seeking anything to brace
himself with. A whirlwind of heat and electricity was whipping
around inside him, growing more powerful by the second. “Yes,” he
began to chant, loving the fast pace.

Nathan’s own cock was crushed between his stomach and the

earth, but only an afterthought when his ass was throbbing with a
turbulent mix of pressure and pleasure. It was surreal, euphoric, and it
was about to reach a head.

“I’m gonna come, baby. Tell me to mark you. Tell me you want it

as much as me.”

He blurted out without reasoning, “Yes! Make me yours.”
Then Jacob’s mouth came down over the thick muscle where his

neck met his shoulder. He suckled the sensitive flesh, Nathan’s nerves
little hotwires, sending errant signals straight down to his balls. Then

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the sharp prick came, cracking through his skin and tendons. He
bucked under the stab of pain, but Jacob’s weight was over him,
stilling his panicked movements, his dick still pulsing in his ass.

After the initial pain had subsided, a heat—stronger than

wildfire—burned through his veins. The love bite wasn’t just a
superficial outward mark. It was bonding, a monumental act not to be
taken lightly. Shifters usually mated for life, so a bite would tie two
beings together until they died. The orgasm which was waiting just
under the surface was ripped from him with such intensity he
screamed Jacob’s name, the sound echoing across the water.

“Mine,” Jacob said when he eased his fangs from his flesh. “Now

and always.”

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Chapter Six

Jacob had every intention of following Redden’s instructions, too

scared of the consequences if he didn’t. He knew exactly how lethal
his pack could be when crossed and didn’t want to be on the receiving
end of their wrath. But when he saw Nathan lying by the water,
looking so lost and solemn, he moved without thinking. Staying away
had been harder than he’d imagined, but at least he had the peace of
mind that Nathan and his family would be safe thanks to his
sacrifice—but at what cost?

Although Nathan looked healthier, his muscles already thicker

thanks to the increased calories he provided, the fox was wasting
away in other ways. Instead of helping Nathan forget him, so he could
function and live a happy life, he went and marked him, tying them
even tighter together.

“Wash with me,” said Nathan, slipping into the clear water. He

dunked his head and then raked the wet hair back with both hands.
Rivulets of water raced down the hard planes of his golden body. His
mate looked gorgeous, arousing him only minutes after his release.
Jacob experienced everything differently since tasting his mate’s
blood. It was as if they were hardwired together. He could sense his
emotions, hear his unspoken thoughts, and feel the love they shared
tenfold.

He entered the cool water, submerging his body to the neckline.

“Can you hear my thoughts?” he asked.

Nathan looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
He supposed the love bite wasn’t complete, not until he was bitten

in return. “You have to mark me to find out.”

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His sweet fox wrapped his arms around his neck and legs around

his waist as the water carried their weight. Jacob held him close,
knowing he’d have to leave soon and not sure when he’d have the
chance to spend quality time with Nathan again—if ever. It was a
miracle they hadn’t been discovered already.

His mate’s tongue painted patterns over his neck, the water

making his skin slick. “I’ll hurt you,” he said. Jacob chuckled, leaning
back enough so he could lift Nathan’s lip to examine his canines.

“Look at that,” he said. “The cutest little fangs I’ve ever seen. It’ll

feel like a black fly bit me, nothing more. Now give me the same gift
I gave you.” It was selfish to bind them together when their mating
was condemned, but where love was concerned, anything was
possible.

Nathan lapped at the moisture on his neck before tentatively

sinking his fangs into his skin. The slow motion caused more pain
than a quick jab, but he remained quiet, not wanting to spook his
young lover into stopping. Once his blood began to flow, he could
feel the suction of Nathan’s mouth over the wound. The fox’s heart
rate increased and his hold over his shoulders tightened.

It was done. They’d completed a mating bond, against the wishes

of his alpha. The relationship was destined to failure, but Jacob still
wasn’t ready to give up on it.

The single snap of a distant branch brought Jacob to attention so

fast, Nathan’s teeth slashed his skin. He scanned the tree line and
found a set of glowing eyes. A wolf shifter had found them, but what
did he really expect. He knew Redden had the other pack members
keeping tabs on him.

“Cross the water and wait for me on the other bank. If I’m not

close behind you, take your family to the bar where we met. There’s a
blue pickup truck in the lot with the keys under the visor. Get back to
the city and never set foot in a forest again.” They could
communicate telepathically now just as easily as speaking aloud. No
different than pack mates when in wolf form.

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“No! Why are you telling me this?”
“Nathan, this isn’t the time to be difficult. I told you, I’ve broken

the rules by seeing you. Go. Now.”

He knew the fox was frightened, his big blue eyes beseeching

him. This was no time for reflection or coddling, not when everything
was at stake. All that mattered now was ensuring Nathan would be
safe.

Jacob wondered which one of his friends would be ordered to

punish him or worse. He turned to ensure the fox was out of sight and
then faced his demon.

“I know I’ve done wrong. Save the dramatics and show yourself,”

he called out. Cash stepped out of the forest in his human form.

“I wasn’t even checking up on you. Just needed a fucking bath.”

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Why’d you have to be here?”
There was heavy regret in his voice. It would be his duty to report his
findings to Redden, but Jacob had grown up with these men. They’d
laughed, fought, and cried together.

“Don’t worry. I screwed up, not you.”
“He won’t kill you. He loves you too much. But he will banish

you, you know that right?”

“I don’t care what he does to me. He promised to hurt my mate if

I saw him again. Please, don’t let anything happen to him.”

Cash ran his hand over his cropped blond hair as he sat on the

bank. “I hate this. I don’t know who to blame, you or Redden. I mean
you have no business mating with a fucking fox, but then again,
Redden’s too obsessed with his own one-sighted visions.”

Jacob tilted his head to show Cash his love bite. “If you had one,

you wouldn’t question me. The mating call can’t be chosen. It just
happens when you meet the right person. For me, it was Nathan. I
didn’t know he was a fox, but when I found out, it didn’t matter,
couldn’t matter.”

“He is kind of cute.”

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Jacob mocked scowled at his friend, and then they both laughed

like old times. The situation was fucked up, but he couldn’t undo the
past. Even if Jacob could go back and never walk in that bar, would
he even want to? This life had been unfulfilling, lacking something
intangible until he met Nathan.

“Let’s head back together and have a pack meeting or something.

Surely Redden will see reason.”

“I’ve tried appealing to him, but he insists I’m not choosing the

right path. If he banishes me, fine. I’ll take Nathan and his family and
ask the bears for asylum.”

“But I don’t want you to leave. You belong here with the

Marcelles.”

He didn’t want to leave his pack either, but Nathan had to be

included in his life. It would be better to leave if Redden tried to harm
the foxes. He’d talk with Redden one more time, and if things turned
ugly, he’d stall him long enough for Nathan to get his family out of
the forest and well on their way down the highway.

As they returned to camp, he felt he was walking the green mile.

This would be the final judgment. If he managed to sway his alpha,
there was no way Redden would put up with his disobedience again.

“Look what I drug home for dinner,” announced Zeb, nodding to

the deer lying by the fire pit. “Who’s gonna clean it?”

Nobody knew what had transpired except Jacob and Cash. It felt

eerie knowing the calm was about to break while everyone carried on
as normal. “Where’s Redden?” asked Cash.

“He went to check on the squatters. He should be back soon.” Zeb

examined his catch, brows lowered. “I need to get this meat on the
spit. I’m starved.”

Shit. This wasn’t what he’d expected at all. Their alpha always

sent one of the pack members to check on the fox family. Why the
sudden change in his routine? Did he know something, see
something? Cash looked at him with an equally puzzled expression.

“Want me to go check it out?” he asked.

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65

Jacob shook his head, knowing this was his problem to deal with,

and it was his mate who needed protecting. Would he fight his own
alpha to protect Nathan? He didn’t even want to contemplate the
thought. Maybe Nathan had already cleared out as he’d instructed.
“I’ll go. If something happens to me, remember what I asked you to
promise.”

“Nothing will happen to you, but yes, I’ll do everything in my

power.”

Jacob shifted, shaking out his thick black coat before bounding off

in the direction of the fox den. How had his life become so
complicated so fast? He supposed that’s what love did to a man. It
had been so simple when he only had to eat, sleep, and follow orders.
Now he had a mate dependent on him and an alpha hell-bent on
keeping them apart.

“Going somewhere?” The voice came from the side as he ran

through the narrow path between new saplings and thorny bushes. He
came to a dead stop in search of the wolf speaking to him. It was
Redden.

“What? Where would I be going?”
“Don’t bullshit me, Jacob. I know all about your little afternoon

fuck.”

“How?”
He chuckled. “I watched.”
“Where’s Nathan? Did you do something to him? His family?”
“Oh, but I should, shouldn’t I? When was the last time you can

remember that I didn’t keep my word? I’m the alpha, my word is law,
yet you trample on it.”

“You know that’s not what’s going on. I always obey your orders.

This is different. Nathan’s my mate. We’ve both completed the bond.
By keeping us apart, you’re punishing me, killing me.”

“He’s gone, anyway. I watched them pack up and leave. You can

thank the gods I was merciful today.”

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Jacob sighed in relief. His worst fear was Redden keeping his

promise. Now he had to worry about finding Nathan again. How
would he find him in the city? It would be next to impossible to track
him, but at least he was alive. If only he could make time stop and
spend the day in their special garden or by the crystal-clear river
talking about their lives and dreams and learning each other’s bodies
intimately. Wishful thinking never accomplished anything. He had to
find Nathan.

“You’re planning to fetch your boy toy, aren’t you?”
He remained silent, not wanting to lie or give up his plans.
“Jacob, you’re destined for great things. I’ve told you this since

you were young. I dreaded the day you’d rise against me, but I guess
it was inevitable. I only hoped you’d love me enough not to turn on
me completely.”

“I’d never turn on you, Redden. I love you like a brother, but I

love Nathan, too.”

“Then go to him. But I can’t guarantee your future in this pack.”

* * * *

Nathan took the lead, and Ben followed their family at the rear.

They moved at breakneck speeds through the forest. He didn’t want to
leave, but once the blond-haired shifter led Jacob away, he knew he
had to follow his mate’s wish for him to leave. Nathan couldn’t risk
harm coming to his parents or siblings. When they were safe, he’d
come back for Jacob.

His heart raced as he sprinted through the forest, only going on his

memory on how to get out of the forest. It was different with daylight
illuminating his path. Last time it had been pitch dark when he’d
navigated his way out, and he’d sported a painful injury to his leg.
Today he had an equal yoke to bear with his entire family in tow. His
father was weak and the females vulnerable. Ben and Trey were his

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younger brothers, and he didn’t want them getting hurt if there was a
confrontation. The sooner they were free of the forest, the better.

When they emerged from the trees at the edge of the highway,

Ben joined him in scouting out their location. The bar was only
another ten minutes north, but it was risky to be in public in their fox
form during the day. This area was crawling with hunters who
wouldn’t hesitate to kill a fox. Not to mention hungry or territorial
wolves that they may come across.

“There’s a little cabin just a few minutes from here. We’ll leave

everyone there while we get the truck. It’ll be faster and safer that
way,” said Nathan.

“What if the wolves that own the cabin come back when we’re

away?”

“No, Jacob said they only use it to change into human clothes

when they go into public. It’s daylight, so they’ll stay close to their
den.”

“Fine. We’ll get clothes for ourselves, unless your fox plans to

drive the truck out of there.”

They led their family to the small wooden cabin nestled in the

woods. It would be safe for the short time they needed to get the truck
and return. After shifting and dressing, they jogged their way up the
side of the road on their way to the local pub.

“Where is it?” Ben asked, his voice breathless from the nonstop

run.

The lot was empty besides a couple big rig trailers on the

periphery. “Must be around back.” He still remembered when Jacob
had taken him around to the deserted rear of the bar. Just thinking
about that big, strong wolf bending down to suck his cock made him
firm up, even in the dire circumstances. Memories had the power to
transport him, but he needed to be focused now, not reflecting on
happier times.

The truck was where Jacob said it would be. It was a light blue

pickup with fading, flaking paint. As long as it ran, Nathan could care

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less what it looked like. He opened the driver’s side door and began
fishing around for the spare key. The sound of distant music grew
closer, the techno bass killing the quiet of the afternoon. Probably just
human hunters on a joy ride. The bar wasn’t even open yet, so they
would likely just drive by on the main road.

“Found it,” he said when they key slipped out of the visor into his

lap. He was so happy to have the key he hadn’t realized the music was
even louder, not fading away as it should.

“Nathan…” Ben’s voice was cautiously guarded, bringing out

Nathan’s hackles. He slipped out of the truck to join his brother. A
truck with four rough-looking men parked on an angle barring the
exit. He recognized Jesse from his first visit to the bar. Weeks had
passed and Jesse had been stinking drunk. Surely he wouldn’t
remember Nathan now.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” Jesse jumped down from the truck

bed, landing on two booted feet. He shuffled over, nonchalant with an
air of menace, the gravel crunching noisily with each step. “He leave
you all alone with no one to protect you?”

“Maybe I’m his boyfriend now,” said Ben. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

His brother was so impulsive, and now was not the time to be a smart
aleck.

“Really?” Jesse shifted his attention to Ben. “You wouldn’t be

lying to me now, would you? I mean, I can’t imagine your friend
going from a T-bone to a piece of jerky.”

“And I’m assuming I’m the jerky?” Ben crossed his arms over his

chest. Did he not see the three other males in the truck, no doubt wolf
shifters like Jesse?

“If he had a taste of Jacob Marcelle, I don’t think he’d be very

satisfied with you. Now, me on the other hand, I think he’d be pleased
with.”

Nathan needed to get back to his family and didn’t have a good

feeling about the situation. They were isolated in the middle of

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nowhere with these heathens. If they didn’t play their cards right,
they’d be in deep shit.

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Chapter Seven

Jacob hadn’t even had time to sprint away in search of Nathan

when a fox practically slammed into his side. It was frantic, maybe
had rabies. He was about to crush its neck when he thought better.
What if this was one of Nathan’s relatives? He couldn’t communicate
with him since they were unmated and of different species, so he
shifted, hoping the fox would follow suit. Even in his human form, he
wouldn’t have a problem killing the fox if it became a problem.

Redden watched from the shadows as the fox shifted into a dirty-

blond man, so similar to Nathan. “I’m looking for Jacob of the
Marcelle Pack.”

“That’s me. Who are you?”
The kid was breathless. “I need help. Nathan’s been kidnapped,

foxnapped, whatever. He’s gone, and the guys that took him give
jackasses a good name.”

“Who were they?”
“Nathan said they were wolves. He recognized one of them from

the bar. There were four of them and just two of us, so we were no
match.”

Jacob’s blood ran hot. He clenched down his jaw, only seeing red

as he envisioned the scene of the abduction. “Did they touch him?” he
asked, enunciating each word.

“Fucking yeah. They beat us both down. You should have seen

me before I came here.”

Redden joined them, addressing Jacob. “Jesse?”
“It has to be. He was the only one making a scene last time we hit

the bar. He’s probably feeling sorry for himself for losing the fight.”

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The kidnapping had to take precedence over the whole fox-being-

his-mate issue. Surely Redden wasn’t that coldhearted. Something
had to be done. “Does he know they’re fox?”

Jacob shook his head. Jesse had never seen Nathan shift, so

wouldn’t know he wasn’t a wolf. He probably assumed he was since a
Marcelle wanted him.

“Then they’ve crossed the line. He’s made a statement by taking

the man he knows you want.” He could feel the malevolent energy
from his alpha. It fed his rising aggression and desire for bloodshed.
Nobody fucked with his little fox. “If they want trouble, we’ll give it
to them.”

“I thought you wanted my mate gone. You should be thrilled.” It

was impossible to hide the sarcasm in his voice. His mate was being
held against his will with gods knew what being done to him. If
Redden hadn’t demanded they stay apart, none of this would have
happened. Jacob wanted to lay blame on everyone, when he should
only look at himself. It was his responsibility to keep watch over his
mate, even when he was forbidden to see him. He’d done his job
satisfactorily until today. Now things couldn’t be worse.

“You’re still a Marcelle, Jacob. A threat or attack on you is a

threat or attack on all of us. We’ll worry about your personal life
when we get home. Right now, get your brothers together. We’re
paying a visit to the Krell Pack.”

“That’s what I’m talkin’ about,” said the fox.
Redden paused, looking the stranger over. “What’s your name?”
“Ben. I’m Nathan’s blood brother.” Now that he’d given the news

about the abduction, he seemed to calm a few degrees, almost giddy
about the big rescue. Did he think he was joining in? A wolf battle
was no place for a little fox shifter. He’d be squashed into oblivion if
he got mixed up in the fight.

“You look like him,” said Jacob, noticing the similarities in build,

hair, and eye color. But the fox didn’t pay him heed, too busy feasting
his eyes on Redden. Maybe he’d never seen a true alpha. They

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emitted an essence of strength and power, qualities needed to lead a
pack of hardcore shifters. If he didn’t stop staring soon, Redden may
just lose his temper. The lower race of shifters repulsed him, which
was why he was so against Jacob mating with one.

“You’re not mated,” said Redden, tilting the man’s face to each

side in turn.

“No. I’m too young to settle down.”
“How old are you? Twenty-five?”
Ben smiled. “Twenty-four. But don’t let the age fool you. I’m no

blushing virgin.”

“Really. So you’re a naughty boy.”
Jacob felt like he was watching a movie at the drive-in. Were

these two actually flirting with each other when Nathan’s life was in
jeopardy? He was surprised Redden was even considering fucking the
little fox, but he did have an infinite sexual appetite. If they were both
willing, that was their problem. But their one-night stand would have
to wait until Nathan was safely in Jacob’s arms again.

He cleared his throat. “I’m getting the pack together. You two

should get prepared. Every minute counts if we’re to pick up their
scent.”

The two men seemed to shift out of their daydream state and focus

on the task at hand. Ben tagged along with him as he ducked into the
den to tell Zeb, Lope, and Dolph to get ready for a fight. Redden went
to get Ronan, Blake, and Cash who were doing their rounds of the
forest.

“Why do you have an unmated alpha? That’s abnormal, isn’t it?”

Ben kept talking to him when he was trying to mentally strategize.

“Your brother was taken by enemy wolves. Gods know what’s

happening to him as we speak. That should be your only concern right
now.” He growled as a punctuation and stormed off. In two minutes
he was shifting and heading out to the SUV whether the rest were
ready or not. He’d take out an entire pack with his own teeth and
claws if he had to, anything to protect the man he loved. Self-

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preservation meant little now that he bore a love bite. Whoever laid a
finger on his beautiful, unmarred fox would pay with their life.

Once they had collected in the clearing, there was a mass shift as

they all morphed into their animal forms—eight muscle-clad wolves
and a small red fox.

“Look at that thing. You’re actually letting him come along?”

asked Ronan.

“He wants to help his brother. Leave him be,” said Redden. “It’s

honorable to fight for your loved ones.”

Ben wouldn’t be able to hear or communicate with them, but the

pack was in full sync now that they’d shifted.

“I think the boss man has a crush,” said Cash. “I see the twinkle

in his eyes when he looks at the fox’s little legs.”

The rest of them started to laugh.
“Fuck off. The day I mate with a fox is the same day I let a bear

fuck me up the ass.”

“But you’d like that,” taunted Blake. “So when’s the wedding?”
Redden nipped at Blake as they ran. Jacob tried to block out their

chortling but it was difficult with the sound right in his head. It was
one of the reasons he preferred to sleep in human form. Hearing the
erotic thoughts of his pack mates playing over and over in his head
while he tried to sleep was torturous.

They didn’t bother to worry about clothes once they reached the

SUV. They began to shift and boarded the truck as soon as they had
two legs and arms to do so. Once they got to the Krell-dominated
forest farther south, they’d shift the moment they exited the vehicle.
They were hyped and ready for action.

Ronan took the wheel, speeding down the barren highway. A light

rain fell from the darkened sky, pebbling the asphalt with black and
gray. It suited Jacob’s mood—a dreary, sick feeling twisting in his
gut. The air in the truck felt stale, making each breath laborious. They
were all big men, so the nine of them in a seven-seater vehicle was
like being a sardine in a can. Unfortunately Ben and Redden were to

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his right, continuing their antics. Why was his alpha taking such an
interest in a fox, a race he claimed to loathe? For the first time in
years, Redden had a lighthearted air about him, opposed to his usual
stern demeanor.

“I expected a male fox to be less endowed,” said Redden. His

alpha reached into Ben’s lap and fondled his semiflaccid cock. The
fox didn’t push him away, but spread his legs slightly.

“I’m still a man, the same as you. My beast doesn’t dictate who I

am as a person.”

He was certain Redden was about to lean in and kiss the man.

They hadn’t stopped with the googly eyes since they were at the den,
and it was making Jacob nauseous. After all the heat Redden had
given him for falling for a fox, his alpha didn’t seem to have any
reservations about screwing around with one.

“Can you two stop! Shit!”
“Sorry,” said Ben. “I’ve been locked in that hole in the ground for

months. I’m pent up and not thinking straight.”

“Well, you better clear your head because we’ll be there in a

minute. Actually, if you’re smart, you’ll stay in the truck where it’s
safe. Those wolves will literally tear you apart,” said Jacob.

They approached the forbidden forest, the one they knew better

than to enter. But today they’d come to crash the party, to get back
what was theirs, and teach these fuckers a lesson. Jacob had actually
been lenient with Jesse, thinking about his feelings and not wanting to
make trouble. Now he had gone too far, and he’d pay for his
treachery.

Once out of the truck, he didn’t waste time in shifting into the

security of his fur. He wanted to have the full strength of his sight,
smell, and hearing. Almost as soon as he’d hit the dirt on four paws,
he started to make out Nathan’s unique scent.

“He’s here,” he said, looking to the direction the trail led.
He didn’t wait to organize their group, just took off in search of

his target, his mate. The pack was quiet now, stealthy and deadly. All

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humor and horsing around was left back at the SUV. Now they were
all business, ready to challenge the Krells and prepared to win.

Their den was deep in the forest. It was a virtual maze when they

weren’t used to their surroundings. Their unfamiliarity would be a
disadvantage if they had to get away fast. The native shifters could
easily surround them, knowing the ins and outs of their own territory.

“Over there,” said Ronan, drifting off to the left of the beaten

path. He was an excellent tracker, so Jacob willingly followed his
pack mate through the thorny briars.

When they reached the den, twilight was descending on the forest,

creating ominous shadows in every direction. He hesitated, wondering
the best way to approach the situation. Should they charge in or send
in a scout? But as soon as he picked up the scent of fear from his
mate, the decision was made for him.

* * * *

The four wolves had him bound in the cramped hideaway. It

smelled foul, nothing like the den his mother kept. They may be
animals, but there were also humans. He would expect shifters to have
some regard for general cleanliness, but not in this case. Add the
putrid scent of alcohol and body odor and it was a punishment just to
breathe.

“Where’s your mate? Why isn’t he coming for you?” the blond

wolf repeated continuously. He obviously wanted a confrontation
with Jacob. This must have something to do with the night in the bar
when Jacob came close to emasculating him.

“He doesn’t know I’m here, so he won’t be coming to the rescue,

if that’s what you’re expecting.”

“It’s late. He’ll wonder where you are. The rest of our pack will

be in the city until Sunday, so we have all the time in the world to
wait for your precious mate to appear.”

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As much as Nathan prayed for Jacob to come to the rescue like his

knight in shining armor, he also didn’t want him to get hurt by these
four lunatics. They had human weapons and with the alcohol in their
systems were unpredictable. These wolves had no honor.

As they laughed, prodding him with sticks and telling him their

detailed plans of torture if Jacob didn’t show, he heard a faint
disturbance in the forest just outside the den. The wolves would be
too hyped up on their own stupid excitement to notice.

Then a small red fox dashed into the den and trashed the place,

jumping up on tables, knocking over everything upright. He moved so
fast that the wolves were spinning, items falling, and a sense of
confusion making the room a blur. It was Ben, the crazy fool. Nathan
had hoped for a heroic rescue from his mate, but instead, his
spontaneous brother had come to save the day. What was he thinking
to challenge four full-grown wolf shifters?

Nathan tested his binds, but they were too tight. His wrists and

ankles were secured to the wooden chair, making it impossible to
wriggle free. The four shifters chased the fox out of the den, a couple
already in the throes of changing forms. He wanted to shout out for
Ben to run faster, to hide, to get far, far away. But he didn’t want to
complicate things by letting these crazed wolves know he was the
fox’s brother.

His mind was still reeling when a massive wolf bound into the

den. This one wasn't one of the original four. Why hadn't he chased
after Ben, too? Was he here to torture him?

As soon as he shifted, he spoke, “Nathan, I presume?” Nathan

didn’t recognize this dark-featured wolf. He was huge, muscle upon
muscle.

He nodded, unsure of who he was dealing with.
“I’m Redden, Jacob’s alpha. I’m here to get you out of here.” As

he untied the ropes, he continued to talk. “You do look like your
brother.”

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“You know my brother?” Didn’t Jacob’s alpha declare they were

never to associate with each other again? How had he met Ben?

“Oh, we’ve met. He’s quite the character and brave for a little

scavenger.”

“Technically, we’re not scavengers…Never mind. Where’s

Jacob? Is someone going to help Ben?”

“All taken care of, sweet thing. My pack is just outside taking out

the trash. Your brother did an excellent job of leading the Krell
wolves into an ambush.”

“Jacob. He’s here?” His heart began to pitter-patter. Not from

nerves, but anticipation to see the man he yearned for. Every time
he’d just get him back, Jacob was ripped away from him once again.

Redden finished with the knots. Nathan rubbed his raw wrists and

stood up, stretching out his cramped legs. “He’s leading this
expedition. You must be very important to him, little one.”

His heart swelled knowing such a proud, powerful wolf could

actually love him, want him. Would his alpha continue to keep them
apart now that he’d supported this rescue attempt?

“He’s important to me, too.” Just then, Jacob poked his head in

the den. He looked tired, dark areas under his eyes.

“Nathan!” He rushed over and swung him around in his arms,

holding him tight. Nathan never wanted him to let him go. “Thank the
gods you’re all right. I was worried sick.”

“My parents. They’re in the little cabin, probably worried sick.”
“Don’t worry. No one would dare trespass the Marcelle land.

We’ll head there first thing.” Jacob kissed him in view of his alpha. It
seemed his mate had made a conscious decision somewhere along the
line to put their mating above all else.

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Chapter Eight

The toll of the day wore Jacob thin. After fighting the Krell

wolves and securing them, in combination with the stress of losing
Nathan, he was ready to crash and not wake up for at least a day.
They picked up his mate’s family and then had to run by foot back
through the forest to the dens.

Redden agreed to let everyone rest for the night. They’d be

refreshed both body and mind come morning. Then they would
discuss the fox situation and consider the future path of the pack.

“Where will we go?” asked Nathan. They’d brought his family

home to their den, but after the tumultuous evening, they didn’t want
to be apart. Jacob wanted to grab hold of his fox and never let go.

“There’s an old fox den not too far. It’s perfect for just the two of

us.”

They raced through the pitch-black heart of the forest where the

carefully woven canopy of leaves and branches blocked even the light
of the moon. Their destination was a carefully dug den deep in the
roots of a tree. It must have been used for a mother and her cubs once
upon a time, but it was surprisingly roomy. Jacob wasn’t small, so
they needed a place to sleep where he could stretch out his long legs
and get a proper rest.

“I like it,” he said as he trotted around the bare interior.
“Good. Now shift back to human. I want you tucked under my

arm, right at my side as I sleep. If I can hear your breath, feel your
chest rise and fall, I may just get a good night’s sleep for a change.”

“I’m stiff and weak,” he said once he shifted.

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“You probably haven’t eaten all day. I’ll head out and hunt at first

light. I don’t think I can do anything right now but sleep.”

Nathan nestled close to his wolf, draping an arm over his strong

chest. He could hear the reassuring, steady beat of Jacob’s heart in his
ear. This was the perfect end to a very shitty day.

Jacob traced soft patterns over his back. “A few weeks ago I

didn’t care about anyone but myself. I didn’t even put my pack first,
forever questioning my alpha. Now I have clarity. You’ve given me
something to live for.”

“I just assumed I’d never find a mate. Life has only been about

survival for as long as I can remember. There was never time for
reflection, dreams, or even regrets. As long as we didn’t starve to
death, had a semblance of a roof over our head, and a level of
security, that’s all we needed.”

“No more. From now on you’re my responsibility. I’m taking all

your burdens onto my shoulders. And I’m quite capable of bearing
them, my sweet little fox.”

“I love you,” he said and meant it.
“Hush now. Sleep. Tomorrow will have its own challenges.”

* * * *

When Nathan peeked open his eyes it was well past sunrise. Jacob

wasn’t beside him, the soft pine needles cooled from any residual
body heat. “Jacob?”

“Outside.”
He crawled out of the tight entrance. Immediately, the scent of

savory cooked meat teased his senses and hunger. Jacob was sitting
on a fallen log, tending a strong fire and homemade spit complete
with roasting meat.

“There you are, sleepyhead. I’ve been up for over an hour.”
“I thought you were exhausted.” He went to join Jacob on the log,

but instead the wolf patted his leg. Nathan didn’t hesitate to sit on his

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lap. With the stress of yesterday a memory and renewed energy from
the good night’s sleep, Nathan could really focus on his mate. His
beautiful wolf eyes held him captive.

“I’m used to surviving on very little sleep. I’ve never been so well

rested.” In fact, he was well rested and virile. Nathan could feel his
eager cock nudge the underside of his legs from his position.

Nathan smirked, kissing Jacob once on the lips. “So I see.”
“Sorry about that. I can’t help myself when I see you.” Jacob gave

his shoulder a little squeeze and then smoothed his rough hand down
the length of his arm and along the outside of his leg. “Gorgeous.”

His stomach started to flutter and his balls suddenly felt too heavy

and full. The wolf’s body was so warm, enveloping him as he sat on
his lap. He finally slipped off, landing on his knees between the fallen
log and the fire.

“You’ve tasted me. I haven’t had the pleasure.” He grabbed the

base of Jacob’s erect cock, savored the sight for a few moments, and
then lapped up from root to tip. His mate growled, the sound seeming
to vibrate his whole body. He began to suck the thick root, relishing
the essence of the man he loved. Not only did he dream of the day he
could partake in Jacob’s body, but this was, in a way, a thank-you for
everything that Jacob had done yesterday. It meant more to Nathan
that just a simple rescuing of his body. His mate had shown he cared
enough to make sacrifices.

“You’re good with your mouth. I think I’ll keep you,” teased

Jacob, his voice slightly shuddering each time Nathan added pressure
to the suction he had on his cock. He worked the erection, swirling his
tongue around the thick mushroom head. Beads of pre-cum coated his
tongue, spurring him on. His lover was close, close to the edge where
leaping off meant certain undone pleasure. He swallowed all the tart,
earthy offerings, greedily lapping at the slit in his cockhead for more.
“You best stop, Nathan, or I’ll come in your mouth.”

He nodded, not releasing his latch. All he wanted was to bring

Jacob a magnificent release. He wanted to swallow every drop of his

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ejaculate as he sprayed down his throat. It was a part of him, so he
wanted it inside his body, connecting them like their love bites did.

“Gods, Nathan. You’re killing me.” Jacob grabbed each side of

his face, assisting him as he sucked his dick. His movements were
faster now, jerky and erratic. Any moment and he’d explode. Nathan
wanted to witness that vulnerable loss of control in his man, to watch
him revel in that blissful realm right before he spent his seed. “I’m
coming. Fuck, I’m gonna come hard.” His dick touched the back of
his throat a few times before he felt the hot spray hit. He drank down
everything Jacob offered, feeling accomplished for getting Jacob to
orgasm with just his mouth. The crackling fire warmed Nathan’s back
as he rested his head on the wolf’s strong thigh.

“Did you like it?”
“Loved it. You have a wicked little tongue on you, baby. But you

shouldn’t have let me come so soon. At least let me give the same to
you.”

He bit his lower lip, worried to ask for what he really wanted. His

mate was a dominant wolf so probably didn’t want a simple red fox to
fuck him. But it haunted Nathan’s thoughts. He’d never had the
chance to be on the giving end, to feel his cock ease into a man’s tight
ass. Jacob’s body was hard and toned, including his backside. How
could he watch him strut around and not fantasize about taking him
hard and fast?

“I was thinking about something else, but—”
“You wanna fuck me, don’t you?” Jacob had the cutest smirk on

his face, a mix of playful and naughty. “All you have to do is ask.”

He smoothed his hands over Jacob’s chest and then raked his

fingers through his hair. His wolf mate loved being pet, having his
hairline caressed. “I thought you might not be comfortable with it. I’d
understand, of course.”

“The hell with that. You’re not just mine, Nathan. The love bite

on my neck says I’m yours, too. Besides, I want to feel you claiming
me, fucking me.”

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His heart raced having been given the go-ahead. Since he first felt

Jacob’s erection against his leg, he own dick had been stiff as wood.
With no release, he was raring to go. He rose up from his knees,
nearly tackling Jacob off the log as he sought his mouth in an all-
consuming kiss.

“Whoa there. Take it easy. I’m not going anywhere.” Jacob held

him back as he stood. His strength and height once upright fuelled
Nathan’s raging libido. He wanted to climb that mountain, tame the
beast so easily capable of destroying him with little effort. But Jacob
would never hurt him. Nathan trusted him with his body and mind.

His dick was protruding from his body, slapping Jacob as he tried

to get close enough to wrap his arms around his neck.

“You’re more than ready, aren’t you?” Jacob reached between

them and stroked his cock a few times. He sighed, leaning into his
mate as the onslaught of pleasure nearly toppled him over.

“Yes…” His eyes were closed as he delighted in Jacob’s touch—

the firm, calculated grip he had on his growing erection. “I need to
come.”

“Not like this.” Jacob released him, leaving him feel bereft. “In

my ass. I want to feel your cock pumping your seed into me, filling
me to overflowing.” He rimmed the shell of his ear with his tongue,
his warm breath teasing his senses.

Jacob knelt down in front of the massive log he’d just sat on,

leaning over on his elbows. His back and shoulders were sculpted
perfection, reminding Nathan of that first night he met him in the bar.
His ass was firm and round, his entire body a work of masculine art.

He wasn’t sure what to do, not wanting to screw up this

opportunity. With the constant turn of events, he always feared that
each day with his mate could be the last. “Nathan, don’t be afraid, just
go for it. Fuck me as hard as you want. I promise you won’t hurt me.”
Of course Jacob could sense his nervous hesitation. Fear was the most
potent emotion, easily recognized by shifters and animals.

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Nathan crouched down on one knee. He smoothed his splayed

fingers down Jacob’s muscled back until he reached his slim hips.
With one hand securing his mate, he moistened his cock with his own
saliva as Jacob had taught him. Then he aimed between those tight ass
cheeks, pressing in. It took him several tries to get his target, but his
lover was patient, instructing him until he was finally able to force the
head of his cock in Jacob’s ass. He froze, shocked by the tightness
and overwhelmed with what he knew would come once he sank in all
the way. “How will I stop myself from coming within seconds? Your
ass is already hugging my cock so tight, it’s practically squeezing the
seed from me.”

“I’ll teach you, little fox. Just try your best to hold off as long as

possible. When you feel it coming, stop and collect yourself.”

He took the plunge, thrusting the length of his cock deep into

Jacob’s inviting heat. Both of them groaned. “Do I please you?” he
asked.

“Nathan, use that beautiful dick and fuck me with it. That will

please me even more.” The wolf was nearly growling, stirring his
primal lust. He began to pull out and thrust, in and out. With daylight
highlighting their sexual act, he was able to watch his hardened flesh
disappear into Jacob’s ass over and over. Nathan felt the intense
satisfaction of finally having the chance to dominate his mate. He
savored the hug on his cock as he inched closer to the release he so
desperately craved.

This would be short and sweet. Nathan hoped there would be

many more days when they could languidly explore each other’s
bodies, learn the minute touch and pressure that brought each other to
the edge.

He grew bolder as he neared orgasm. A sheen of sweat coated his

body as he pumped his hips eagerly against Jacob’s ass. His mate had
clawed great chunks of wood from the log, signaling his loss of
humanity. Nathan reveled in it, knowing he was a fox fucking a wolf.
It was unreal, but couldn’t be more perfect.

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After holding off as Jacob had instructed, he was painfully

engorged and stopped fighting his release. A wash of peace and
supreme satisfaction flood his veins as he pumped into Jacob’s ass,
his cock throbbing for longer than he thought possible. When it was
over he slumped to the ground, leaning against the log.

“Now you’ve claimed me,” said Jacob sitting beside him. He

leaned over and kissed his damp temple. “I hope you’re ready to do it
again tonight because I’ll never be satisfied with just a sample.”

More than today. That’s all he could hope for now. Had Jacob’s

alpha had a change of heart since the rescue? “You’re lucky then. Just
looking at you makes me hard.”

After soaking up the afterglow, having a decent meal, and resting

for a while, it was time to face the Marcelle alpha.

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Chapter Nine

They were already waiting for them. All his pack mates—the men

he ate with, laughed with, and slept beside since before he could
remember all sat around camp in a meeting circle. The mood was
solemn, no chatter or smiles as was normal with his friends. It didn’t
give him a positive feeling about the outcome of the meeting. Surely
Redden wouldn’t continue to keep them apart after helping Jacob
rescue his mate.

“We’re well rested, ready for the meeting you asked us to come

for.”

“Sit,” said Redden.
He sat on one of the stumps next to Nathan. There were so many

yellow wolf eyes watching his every move. He felt as if he was on
trial, but he supposed he was. He’d gone against order, failed to
comply with rules established long before he joined the Marcelle
Pack. Rather than show thanks for raising him by being a good,
obedient pack member, he continually brought disappointment and
shame to Redden. It was a horrible cycle with no balance.

“I have a revelation to give you, Jacob. It’s only fitting for me to

tell you in the company of your brothers. They love you and wish you
no ill will, the same as me. When I took you into the Marcelle
collective as a pup, you hadn’t been abandoned. Your father and most
of your pack were wiped out when bears took over their land years
ago. I was from a rival pack and found your father near death. He
made me promise to protect you, to raise you as a Marcelle so you’d
fit in with the others. I couldn’t refuse an innocent pup, even though I
should have struck you down. You see, your father was the alpha of

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his pack, which means as his only heir, you, too, are an alpha. I knew
this when I took you on, knowing that one day you’d probably
challenge me, maybe even kill me. But it was a risk I was willing to
take.”

“I’d never turn on you. You gave me everything I now take for

granted.”

He felt the shame of his actions, but his mind was also trying to

piece together the new revelation. If he truly was an alpha wolf, it
would make sense that he’d begin to question Redden as an adult. It
wasn’t a fickle heart, but his natural dominant nature shining through.
What did it mean for his future? Would he be cast out of the Marcelle
Pack now that he knew the truth? Two alphas sharing the same land
was unheard of, but this was his home, his family.

“You’ve always made me proud, Jacob. But I made other

promises to your father that I’m obligated to keep.” He nodded his
head, and the others in the circle sprung into action. Four of his
brothers came behind him, securing him in place, two to each thick
arm.

“What’s this about?” Were they going to punish him, kill him?

Was the love Redden so easily spoke about just as easily taken away?

“Jacob. You’re the last of Vincent Pack. It was important for your

father to rebuild when you came of age, to ensure the line continued
into future generations.” He paused, the wash of conflict evident on
Redden’s face. “If you’d fallen in love with the girl—maybe. But a
male fox. Your line will die along with you without a fertile mate,
preferably a she-wolf to keep your name pure.”

“Are you kidding me? You expect me to give up my mate and

find some bitch in heat so you can keep promises to a ghost?”

“It’s honor, Jacob. It’s all that matters. I gave my word, and I have

to keep it. Why do you think I was so against your mating?”

“But I love Nathan. We’ve bonded, share each other’s love bites.

You can’t expect I’ll stay away from him.” He tested the hold the
shifters had on him, but it was secure.

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“Fuck, Jacob! I tried to keep you away from him, out of sight out

of mind. But you continually disobeyed, sneaking out to watch him
and be with him. Now it’ll only be harder on you.”

“What will?”
Redden nodded again, and the last two shifters lifted Nathan from

his seat. “Get your filthy paws off him!” Jacob roared, struggling to
free himself.

“Take him and his family to where I instructed.”
“Let me go!” Jacob knocked one of the men down and a great

struggle ensued. “Nathan!” He could see them leading his mate away
through the tangle of arms and legs as they fought on the forest floor.
Jacob was stronger than each of his pack mates individually, but four
of them working together was too much for him to overpower.

“Stop fighting. You’ll only hurt yourself,” said Redden.
“Where are they taking him?” he demanded, close to a

spontaneous shift.

Redden crouched down. “I know I said I’d destroy your mate and

his family if you didn’t obey, but those were more words to keep you
away from him. Rest assured, I’d never harm your mate. They’re just
relocating him and his family. It’s better for everyone that way. This
is no place for a fox. They’re like overgrown house cats and belong
with their own kind, close to the city. If you can’t find the fox, then
maybe you’ll be able to focus your interests elsewhere. I know plenty
of eligible females that any male would kill for. Who knows, maybe
you’ll like switching sides once you try.”

“Never!”

* * * *

The door to the van slid open, and they were all pulled out onto

the concrete sidewalk. “Here. Take it.” The shifter he only knew as
Blake handed him a thick roll of bills. He took it and studied the
money.

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“What do you want me to do with this?”
“I don’t know, fox. Get an apartment for you and your family.

You’re better off here in the city. You’ll be safe. You can get a job,
and have a real life.”

He squeezed the bills in his fist, the payoff for losing his mate.

“Jacob will come for me.”

The wolf shook his head. “You’re no good for him. Do you want

Jacob to lose the legacy passed down to him? Our alpha’s already
found him a nice female who can give him pups and keep his family
name alive. If you care about him, you’ll stay away.”

As the van pulled away, he called out, “He loves me!” But his

words were left hanging on the wind. Nathan turned to face his
family. They were back where they started, but how much worse off
now that he had a mate out there he couldn’t see or touch. Blake was
right. Who was he to stand in the way of Jacob’s future happiness. He
felt small and cheap and stupid, but he had to keep his shoulders back
and face his reality for the sake of his family.

“That’s tough,” said Ben, unsuccessfully trying to console him.
“Yes, Ben. It’s tough. I have a wad of cash, but no home, no mate,

a family to support, and no prospects for work.” He growled his
displeasure and began to walk up the sidewalk. They all wore shabby,
ill-fitted clothes given to them by the wolves before leaving the forest.
The first thing he had to do was settle his family. Then he needed to
be alone to think—maybe cry, curse, and get wasted, too. Everything
happened so fast. He had love and contentment dangled in front of
him just out of reach. Now it wasn’t even there for the taking.

Nathan wondered if Jacob would embrace his new alpha status

and mate with the goddess of a she-wolf Blake mentioned. How could
he compete with that? He could never give Jacob heirs. His cock was
only good for fucking, nothing more. Nathan felt like shit, like a
useless sack of shit.

“We’ll get through this.” Ben put his arm around Nathan’s

shoulders and led them a few feet away. “Let’s set up the family in a

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hotel for the night, and then you and me will go out and get fucking
hammered. We can deal with reality tomorrow.”

“I need to be alone tonight.”
“No, that’s the last thing you need. Look, you’re about to go off

the deep end, bro. That vein in your temple hasn’t stopped throbbing.
Come on…”

Nathan reluctantly agreed to his brother’s fly-by-pants plan. They

settled their parents, brother, and sister in a double-suite at a family
motel. They’d be safe and comfortable, and he’d left enough money
for them to get food and necessities.

By the time evening came around, they were back on the streets,

this time lit by streetlights. It was an unnatural daylight in a city that
never slept. He may have detested the forest before moving
northward, but he’d grown to appreciate the little things thanks to
Jacob. He’d taught him about the native plants and animals, how the
forest had adapted over the decades, and how to live a comfortable
life with nature’s bounty. Sharing a den with Jacob, just the two of
them cuddled together, would beat the most luxurious bed in the
world. What he wouldn’t give for that soft pine needle mattress right
now if it meant having his mate back.

There was a wide selection of bars and night clubs to choose from

on the strip. They walked along, people-watching, just enjoying being
out without having to look over their shoulders. “So, can you undo a
love bite? I mean, what happens when you meet a new guy?”

“There won’t be a new guy. That’s it for me.”
“You say that now, but you’re only twenty-six, Nathan.

Eventually you’ve gotta move on with life.”

“Ben, you can’t possibly know how I feel. You haven’t committed

to anything in your life. Maybe if you knew what love was, I’d
actually listen to your opinions.”

“Harsh.”
“Let’s just agree to not talk, okay. We came out to forget.”

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They entered a country and western bar. The interior was dim, but

not depressing. The décor was done in aged woods resembling the
true rustic appearance of the bar where he’d met Jacob. Would
everything remind him of the wolf? He thought about what Ben said.
Would he be alone forever now, always pining over the man he once
loved? If he knew for a fact that Jacob cared for him as much as he
did, he’d discover a way back up north, find Jacob, and together they
could build a cozy little future. But he knew nothing. He’d been
whisked away so fast that he had no clue how Jacob felt about all the
news.

He was an alpha wolf, making him even sexier in Nathan’s mind’s

eye. But that brought with it responsibility and countless
complications. His role in the Marcelle Pack would no doubt shift.
He’d have to come to grips with a past he knew nothing about and fill
the shoes of a dying bloodline. Would he want to create heirs, fulfill
his destiny? Or did he wish to give it all up and return to the
insignificant little red fox?

Nathan punched the wall in the public washroom, slightly denting

the drywall. If it were Jacob, his fist would be clean through to the
next room. Why did he have to be born the most inferior race of
shifter? Bear, wolf, fox—always the short straw.

“Took you long enough,” said Ben when Nathan returned to the

bar. There was a row of shots waiting for him as requested. The deep-
amber liquid promised mind-numbing bliss. He competed with his
brother for a while, downing shot after shot, until he was so close to
being sick he had to bail out.

“No more,” he croaked, his throat burning. His gloom was already

lifting slightly.

“You can hold your alcohol for a little fox, brother.”
“You’re no bigger than me, but you seem to handle it much

better.”

Ben chuckled, twirling his shot glass in a circle. “Practice. Lots of

practice.”

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He thought he’d take the opportunity to learn more about his

brother. They rarely talked. When holed up in their den, there was no
privacy whatsoever, no room to even stretch your legs. Half the time
his brother was off with whatever crowd he was popular with one
week to the next. He barely knew who his blood brother really was.

“I never got to thank you properly for saving my ass. That was

pretty damn brave of you risking it all to distract those wolves.”

“Now that was a thrill. As for the risk, there was a pack waiting

just outside the entrance ready to cover my back.” Ben’s smile
suddenly faded as if remembering something unpleasant.

“What is it?”
“Nothing.” He took a deep breath, refocusing, a mock smile back

on his lips. “So—”

“You know, I’m your brother. We never talk. If something’s on

your mind, I should be the one you share it with. Fuck, we’ve only got
each other now, but you’re like a stranger to me.” How long could
someone thrive living a superficial fast life?

“Don’t say that.” Ben dragged his hand through his dirty-blond

hair. “It’s just, I’m not good with emotions. It’s easier to be funny,
you know what I mean?”

“But you have to be real to yourself sometimes.”
There was a moment of silence. He could see his brother working

up to say something, so he didn’t push or interrupt. “You know the
Marcelle alpha? I know you hate him now, and I guess I should, too.
But for a few seconds there I thought there was something there.” He
laughed and tried to shrug off the topic completely, talking about the
weather.

“Wait a minute. You and Redden, Jacob’s alpha? When the fuck

did this happen?”

“It’s nothing. Well, obviously since he banished all of us from his

forest. It’s like we’re the victims of some twisted fairy tale.”

“Well, I want a refund, or at least a new ending. This story sucks.”

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Chapter Ten

“You can’t keep me tied up forever,” he bellowed. His loving

pack decided to secure him in their old cabin with rope and chains.
They’d even gone so far as to put a metal collar around his neck so he
couldn’t shift and escape.

After being alone for hours upon hours, the door finally creaked

open. “Jacob, stop fighting. You’ll shear your wrists clean off.” Blake
slipped into the cabin, and he got the distinct feeling he wasn’t
supposed to be visiting.

“You did this to me. All of you.” He rattled the chains for effect.

“What’s Redden’s plan now? Is this how he honors my father’s wish?
Locking his son up like a common criminal?”

Blake paced the room, the floorboards groaning under his weight.

“He’s not happy about this. I guess he expected you to go along with
his decision. Once he told you about your alpha status, he thought that
would take precedence over the fox. Apparently not.”

“So now what? Will he banish me? Whatever it is, do it now so I

can go find Nathan.”

“Forget about him.”
The door swung open, banging against the wall. Blake jumped

before whirling around to face their alpha. “I said nobody’s allowed
in here.”

“I was just checking on him. He was making a racket,” said Blake.
“Out.”
Once the door closed, leaving Jacob and Redden alone, he felt

nothing but malevolent energy. He felt betrayed by the one man he
looked up to. “Where is he?”

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“Safe in the city. He’ll be better off there. Come winter, a little

fox would never survive up here.”

“You’re making excuses. Excuse after excuse. It’s our decision

how we spend our lives, not yours.”

Redden studied him, his hands clasped behind his back. “If I were

to let you go right now, what would you do first?”

“Find my mate. The one you took from me.”
He sighed, shaking his head. “I can get you any female you want,

but you’d still go after that little fox?”

“Yes, I would,” he said adamantly.
He began to laugh, first low and then right out laughter. “I fucked

up, Jacob!” Redden threw his arms up. “I’ve always tried to do what’s
right, especially in your case. I took the responsibility for you
seriously. When you started getting serious with Nathan, it turned all
my plans for you upside down. I guess it’s true that you can’t choose
who you fall in love with. Actually, I can almost understand the pull
your fox has on you—”

“Because you have eyes for Ben.”
Redden shrugged. “He was tempting for being a fox. I wouldn’t

have minded indulging myself with him for a night.”

“Or more than a night.”
“No. That’s not the path for an alpha. We have to consider the

future.”

“You have no mate, Redden, but look around the campsite. You

have a pack. Did you create any of them? No. You built your pack.
That shows more character because we all grew to love you no less
than a man to his father. Now that’s the sign of a leader, an alpha.”

He smiled. “And I know you could do the same thing with your

own pack.” Redden rested his forehead to Jacob’s. “I’m sorry for
everything. I’ve been trying to follow the rules and keep order that I
forgot what really matters—my pack.”

“Are you letting me free?”

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“There’s no sense keeping you here. If I confined you for a day or

years, I have the feeling you’d still go and look for him.”

“I would.”
“Blake!” The door burst open a second later. “Eavesdropping?”
“Of course not.” Blake was a terrible liar, the guilty look on his

face almost comical.

“Get Jacob down. He’s not under watch anymore either.”
He watched as Redden shifted just beyond the entryway. Then he

was off into the forest without looking back.

* * * *

Nathan and Ben ended up getting jobs at a construction site. The

worked sucked and the hours were long, but at least they earned
enough money to provide for their family. It had been two weeks
since they’d been thrust back into the city as full-time humans. As
pathetic as his animal may be, he missed shifting into his fox form.
He’d made the foolish mistake of testing out his fur the third day on
the job. There had been no one on the job site, but once he’d shifted, a
truckload of employees pulled up, catching him off guard. His
mistake had cost him greatly. Unbeknownst to him, the construction
workers were almost all urbanized wolf shifters. Once they knew he
was fox, they picked on him and Ben mercilessly. The city may have
been a safe haven compared to the forest, but the racial divide was
still strong.

“Look at Nathan. He has a love bite. Who’s the lucky lady? Is it

your neighbor’s Chihuahua?” The three men cracked up in laughter.
They’d all taken their shirts off under the heat of the sun, including
Nathan. He wasn’t ashamed of his human body, but his coworkers
wouldn’t let him forget he was less than them in the animal kingdom.

“Actually, if you must know, my mate is a wolf. An alpha wolf

from the Marcelle Pack.”

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There was silence and then more laughter. “Sure, Nathan. In your

dreams.” Matt continued to shovel screening into the back of the
flatbed.

“It’s true,” he said barely above a whisper. There was little

conviction in his voice since he no longer had a mate, wolf or
otherwise. With so much time gone, Jacob had probably moved on,
started his life as an alpha of his own pack.

These men were not friends. They worked together, but there was

no camaraderie. He’d never fit in anywhere except with his parents
and siblings, which was pathetic. His animal nature craved to fit in, to
join a pack, to live by order and hierarchy. Nathan wasn’t an alpha, so
leading his little family pack was slowly stealing his essence.

“It’s true,” Matt mocked, using his most feminine voice.
Nathan decided to keep his mouth shut. They’d never believe him,

and he had no proof other than his love bite, a constant reminder of
what he had and lost.

Halfway through the work day they stopped their labor to have a

coffee. Nathan mopped his brow with his balled-up shirt, sitting by
himself on the tailgate of the truck. The sun was unrelenting, nothing
like the cool nights in the deep north when he’d cuddle up with Jacob.
No local traffic was allowed near the construction zone, but a billow
of dust drew closer. His coworkers stood, hands cupped over eyes as
they tried to make out the trespasser. It must be one of the excavation
foremen from another pit.

When he noted the navy blue paint and make of the vehicle, his

heart leapt a little. Then again, countless things made Nathan think of
Jacob in everyday life. It was to the point he felt his sanity slipping
away. Time hadn’t helped him forget his mate, it only aggravated the
wounds.

The SUV came to an abrupt stop, and all four doors opened and

closed, dust still stirring all the way to the entrance of the quarry. The
Marcelle Pack. But where was Jacob? Why was his pack here?

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“Thank gods we found you,” said Redden. “I was starting to lose

hope.”

“How did you find me?”
“Dolph and Zeb had to do a bit of detective work for me. Luckily

you didn’t settle too far from where Blake dropped you off.”

He looked to the side, his coworkers staring with mouths agape. A

soft city wolf would be no match for a feral shifter, especially a
hardcore Marcelle wolf. “Why?”

“It was a mistake sending you away. I realize that now. We’re

taking you back to the forest, back where you belong.”

“If Jacob wanted me, he’d come himself.”
Cash nearly choked on his laughter. “Are you kidding me? We

had him locked in the cabin for over a week. As soon as he got free,
all he concerned himself with was finding you.”

So he hadn’t moved on to a nice fertile she-wolf. He missed him,

was trying to find him. Knowing his love wasn’t one-sided stabilized
his whole world. His life was no longer tilted off axis.

“He’s on a little goose chase now. You’re kind of our surprise to

him, a peace offering for being assholes.” Redden ran a hand through
his hair as he glanced up at the sun. “Come on now. This heat is
killing me.”

Nathan slipped off the tailgate.
“Where you going? You leaving in the middle of the day?” asked

Matt.

Matt earned the attention of the pack. They all turned to face him

as if the move was choreographed. Each shifter was more buff than
the next, their stances intimidating. Nathan was surprised Matt had
the nerve to speak up. Cash approached the construction worker, arms
crossed over his chest. He was several inches taller and nearly twice
as broad. “Do you have a problem that we’re taking our friend with
us?”

He shook his head slightly.
“Good choice.”

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Nathan felt like he belonged, whether he truly did or not, he

wasn’t sure yet. But it felt good to be in the SUV with Jacob’s pack. It
was one step closer to his mate and hopefully a life without further
separation.

* * * *

“Relax, buddy. We’ll find him,” said Blake, leaning against a

brick wall eating an extra large panzerotti.

“You don’t look too worried. That’s the second one of those

you’ve inhaled in the last half hour.” Jacob had searched a list of
leads that Redden had given him. They all came up useless.

“Hey, it’s a nice change from rabbit and venison. I could get used

to this life.”

“No, you couldn’t. You’re a Marcelle, Blake. The city life would

only make you soft.”

“I guess.” He pushed off from the wall. “Maybe we should check

out the last lead now.”

“What’s the point? They’re all dead ends.”
“One more. I have a feeling about the next one. Trust me.” Blake

tossed his wrapper in the garbage can by the lamp post, and they got
back in the old pickup.

The address on the list led them to a city park. It was a nice visual

break from the tedium of concrete and reflective surfaces. But why
would Nathan be here? He could see figures in the distance, so he
exited the truck, followed by his best friend. Even after all the hell
Redden and the pack put him through to keep him and Nathan
separated, he still loved them. Their actions weren’t out of hate or
spite, so he forgave them, like anyone should forgive family when
they made a mistake. Once he got his mate back, all would be
forgotten.

“Is that…Is that Cash?” He could see the sun highlighting his

blond hair and recognized his large build. It wasn’t just him. The

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whole pack was in the park. This must have been the meeting place,
not a final lead. He was glad to see the familiar faces after a long day
of searching, but he felt discouraged he’d have to wait yet another day
to get new leads.

“It’s the gang. Maybe they needed a little run after being in their

human skin all day.”

“Any luck?” asked Redden when they reached the group.
“No. You?”
“A few new leads. We can follow up tomorrow. There’s a nice

watering hole down the path there. Get freshened up and then we’ll
decide what to do for the night.” He pointed to the narrow dog trail
the cut into the woods of the nature preserve.

Jacob agreed, his body hot and sweaty, not used to the heat. He

needed to be alone for a few minutes to try and absorb the
disappointment of wanting to find his mate, yet not being able to.
Jacob was used to getting results, proud of his hunting skills. Nathan
was a part of him, he could practically sense him everywhere he went,
but it was all an illusion.

The deeper he ventured into the forest, the cooler the air became,

and the distant drone of voices became less and less noticeable. He
took a cleansing breath and exhaled. It was just another day.
Tomorrow he’d find his mate. He had to believe that if he was to have
the strength to keep going. But in honesty, Nathan and his family
could be anywhere. Maybe not even in this city at all.

“Haven’t you heard the story of the big, bad wolf? It’s not safe to

be out in the forest alone.”

Jacob leapt to attention, dropping the water he’d collected in his

hands. “Nathan!” He ran to him, scared the sight was just a wishful
hallucination. But when he felt the warm body, as he hugged him hard
enough to lift him from the ground, he knew it was real. “How?”

“Redden found me. He hopes you’ll forgive him for everything.”
“I’ll kill him. That’s what I want to do.” He’d been worried sick

when Redden knew where he was all along. But nothing mattered

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now except he had Nathan back, and he’d never let him out of his
sight again.

Nathan rested his head against Jacob’s chest and sighed. “I

thought you’d chosen a she-wolf. I never expected to see you again.”

He stroked his little fox’s silken, blond hair, feeling a wash of

peace that he was once again within his grasp. “What would I do with
a woman? How could she possibly replace you?”

“She could give you heirs.”
Jacob swung Nathan up into his arms and carried him to the

water’s edge, swinging him over the surface. “I should dunk you just
for doubting me.”

He grabbed him by the T-shirt. “Don’t even think about it.”
Holding him against his chest, Nathan’s arms around his neck—

they kissed to make up for all the lost time. “How could you ever
think I’d replace you? You’re my mate—for life. I love you.” He
whispered the last words, feeling the weight and significance of the
sentiment and knowing without a doubt he meant it.

“Thank you for loving me.” His little fox had tears in his eyes.

Never again would he choose duty over love. He’d learned his lesson
painfully well.

He lowered Nathan to his feet. “You know that big, bad wolf you

mentioned? There’s one that lurks in this very forest. You should be
careful because his favorite thing to eat is sweet, young fox.” Jacob
licked his lips seductively. His cock was already firm from the mix of
relief and raw passion for his mate. As soon as he flashed his canines,
Nathan dropped to all fours, shifting into the adorable little fur ball.
So much for their clothes. Jacob didn’t bother to strip before shifting.
Tonight he was the hungry wolf in search of his little red fox.

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Chapter Eleven

“Please don’t eat me, Mr. Wolf,” said Nathan breathlessly. Jacob

had him pinned in a bed of lush grasses. He took in every inch of his
mate’s fine body, even more tan and muscled from the last time he’d
seen him.

“Don’t worry. I’m just after your cock. Promise it won’t hurt. And

I plan to suck it, not eat it.” He winked before crawling back down
Nathan’s body, peppering loving kisses as he went.

When he reached his swollen cock, he delved in, too pent up and

hungry not to indulge himself on the succulent flesh. Once his dick
was between his tongue and pallet, he groaned, the vibration in his
throat making Nathan squirm beneath him. He secured the fox’s hips
and sucked him deep and hard, determined to taste his cum this time.
He had to be closer, more intimately joined after so long apart.

“I love it when you suck my cock. You’re so fucking good at it,”

muttered Nathan, ripping out handfuls of grass at his sides. He
couldn’t reply, not with the thick erection filling his mouth. It was
titillating being in a new forest. At any minute a hiker could pass by
and catch him giving Nathan head, both of them stark naked.

When his mate began to pant, his movements more frantic, Jacob

pumped the base of his cock as he suckled the broad head.

“It’s coming, Jacob. Shit, it’s coming fast.” Nathan gasped aloud

when his cock exploded, filling his mouth with the sweet, earthy
ejaculate. “Oh yeah,” he mumbled, his body going pliant beneath him.

“I need you, baby. Roll over for me so I can fuck you doggy

style.”

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“I’ve been aching for you to fill me, Jacob. All this time I’ve been

dreaming about your huge cock.”

“You like my piece, do you?” He was on his knees, stroking

himself. Nathan watched his every movement, seemingly enraptured
by the hard-on that was about to fill him.

“I love it. I’ve never seen one so big. It’s even more special

because it’s mine.” Nathan kissed the tip of the protruding flesh, but
Jacob was too strung tight to play anymore.

“That’s right. It’s all yours, baby. And you’re mine.” He wrapped

an arm around his waist and flipped Nathan around in one fluid
movement. Jacob kissed the globes of his ass before lapping at his
cute little asshole. He penetrated him with his tongue, distributing
moisture, until Nathan was whining and wiggling back against him.
That’s when he replaced his tongue with his cock. He pushed past the
tight anal ring, his fox bracing himself, taking his cock like a man.
The fit was extremely tight, making every movement magnified, hot
nerves firing down his cock and settling in his balls.

He stopped to take a breath, giving Nathan a moment of reprieve

for what he planned. Jacob had never been harder, and he didn’t feel
much like taking things sweet and slow, not today.

“More,” Nathan chanted, until he finally delivered. Jacob pistoned

in and out of his ass while anchoring himself to his hips. Every down
thrust brought him flush with his ass, his dick fully penetrating him.
He could stay like this all day, enveloped in Nathan’s heat. The dirt
scraped his knees as he picked up the speed, droplets of sweat landing
onto his mate’s smooth, toned back. He had the sudden urge to bite
the little fox, to reconnect them after their absence. Jacob leaned over
his back, maintaining the eager rhythm of his lower body.

“I love you,” he repeated into Nathan’s ear before latching onto

his neck with his fangs. His mate flinched, but then his body stiffened.
About now he’d be feeling the pleasure trickling through his veins.
The love bite was like an aphrodisiac, an irresistible sensation of
warmth and desire. When he finally came, he thought he saw stars

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behind his eyelids. His dick seized, and then burst, throbbing as he
spent inside Nathan’s ass. “Mine.”

* * * *

They emerged at the mouth of the forest, using handfuls of tree

leaves to conceal their genitals. When the rest of Jacob’s pack saw
them, they burst out into laughter.

“What the fuck happened to your clothes?” yelled Blake. “You’re

not supposed to rip them off each other’s bodies.”

“Give them a break. They were hornier than fucking rabbits after

being away from each other,” said Cash.

“We shifted. I’m not used to thinking about clothing. Now hurry

up and give us something before a nice family strolls by and has the
shock of a lifetime.” Jacob was cupping his groin with a handful of
leaves, but his backside was bare and distracting.

Would he ever have his fill of his mate? His very own alpha

shifter, one built like a god with a heart of gold.

Cash and Ronan stripped off their shirts so they could make

pseudo underwear to keep them covered until they reached the trucks.
They boarded the backseat of the SUV. Nathan couldn’t stand to be
away from Jacob after pining for him these past weeks. He cuddled
against his warm chest as the truck bobbed on the uneven terrain.

“What will happen to my family?” he asked.
“Redden’s going to grant them asylum. The first time ever on

Marcelle territory.”

“That’s wonderful.”
“Your brother may have been a small influencing factor,” said

Jacob.

That made sense. At least Ben’s feelings for Redden weren’t one-

sided. Maybe his brother would find his own happily ever after.

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The news was a welcome surprise. Jacob’s land was untouched,

beautiful, and plentiful. If they could live on the same land minus the
fear of wolf shifters hunting them, it would be a virtual Eden.

“What about you? You’re an alpha. How will that work?”
“I was always an alpha, even before I was told. Part of me knew

all along. But Redden will always be like family to me. I can’t
imagine us squabbling over little things. If the point in time comes,
you’ll always be by my side wherever I go.”

He liked the sound of that. Belonging. Nathan never expected to

be more than a scavenger fighting for survival. The life of a fox
shifter was unglamorous. Now he had an alpha mate, one who
changed the whole course of his future.

“Where will we sleep?”
“Your family can return to their den for now. I’ll get Dolph and

Lope to enlarge it this week so they’ll be more comfortable. As for us,
I was thinking we could take over that abandoned fox den. It’s up to
you though, baby.”

Nathan remembered their night in the fox den with the soft

needles against his back and warm shifter at his side. “It’s perfect.
We’ll be close to everyone, but far enough for our own privacy.”

“We’ll need plenty of that with all the howling that’ll be coming

from our den.”

“Really? Howling?”
“Don’t foxes howl?”
Nathan cuddled closer to Jacob, smiling as he listened to the

comforting beat of his heart. “No, we’re not coyotes. The only one
that howls is you, my big, bad wolf.”

“Then that’s our next challenge—to see if you can get me to

howl.”

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THE END

WWW.STACEYESPINO.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Winona Wilder enjoys delving into the human mind and exploring

emotion. She savors the challenge of mixing smoking hot sex with
lovable, complex characters. When not spending time with her
husband and children in the Great Canadian North, she's typing away
at her next M/M romance. She also writes bestselling erotic romance
as Stacey Espino.

Also by Winona Wilder

Ménage Amour ManLove: Coming Out 1: Choosing Love

Siren Classic ManLove: Coming Out 2: Cowboy Drifter

Everlasting Classic ManLove: Coming Out 3: Loving Tyler

For titles by Winona Wilder writing as

Stacey Espino, please visit

www.bookstrand.com/stacey-espino

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com