Darkness of the Wolf

Bonnie Vanak

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 1

They could kill him. Now. Or wait. He’d gone past caring.

No one would mourn his death. Guy Laurent was alone in the world. The thought made him ache. In his world of Draicon werewolves, anyone who used to know him thought he was already dead.

Huddled in a corner of his cage at the Savage Kingdom Zoo, he lay with his head between his paws. He stared at the steel bars prohibiting escape. Disguised as a real zoo, the facility was a prison for werecreatures who were forced into their animal forms during the day for unknowing human visitors.

A little girl licking an ice cream stopped before his exhibit as her mother sat on a bench feeding a toddler. The child looked upset. “Please don’t be sad, wolf.” She held out her cone. “You can have my ice cream.”

No one ever gave him anything without a price. But he still had a soft spot left for children. Guy loped toward the bars, wishing he could smile at her.

His keeper approached, knocked her hand away, sending her ice cream toppling. “Hey, you stupid kid, don’t feed the animals!”

The girl started crying.

A low growl rumbled from Guy. He glared at the demon and charged the cage.

Electricity zapped his powerful body. Uncaring, he pawed through the bars, wanting to hurt the demon for upsetting the child.

The little girl screamed. “Mama, the wolf’s going to hurt me!” Guy watched in pained bewilderment as she ran off. I was only trying to help you.

When would he ever learn that nothing good came of helping others?

The demon pressed a box on his belt. The Identi chip buried beneath Guy’s skin sent painful pulses through him. He yipped, shaking his head, trying to get rid of the agony.

Later, they came for him. In human form now, he was naked. Using the Identi chips injected into each werecreature, their demon keepers restricted their magick and forced all the prisoners into their human forms long after the zoo had closed.

The garrote around Guy’s neck choked him as they paraded him off to the shed. The demons stretched him out as they tied him to the punishment posts. The leather whip cracked through the air. Guy tensed. Salt on the whip’s silver studs ensured his wounds would scar.

A cold night wind whistled over his body as they dumped him into the cage after his beating. The winter chill infiltrating central Florida felt like needles stinging his shivering flesh.

“Rough day?”

At the sound of that familiar, deep voice, Guy raised his head and snarled.

“Come to finish off what the demons didn’t, Phoenix?”

The tall, dark-haired man standing before him raised every hair on Guy’s nape. Tristan was a Phoenix, one of the immortal Justice Guardians who oversaw all werecreatures.

“If I were, I’d have given you to the Draicon executioner instead of confining you here.”

“Fine. Now get the hell out of here. You’re blocking my view,” Guy muttered.

“How would you like to be free?”

Agony flared on his back. “I’ve been tortured enough today. Save it for tomorrow, when the demons get bored.”

“I never torture. Not my style. This is legit.” Tristan sat cross-legged before him.

“They told me the only way I’m getting out of here is in a coffin.”

“I have final authority here. How does visiting Île de Sanglier in the Caribbean sound?”

Wild boar island. “Why, they have a new zoo they want to display me?”

“You have a friend there. Bernard Belizaire. Bernard acts as a sort of resource coordinator for Draicon on the island and keeps tabs on everything that happens. He helped several Draicon packs settle on Île de Sanglier years ago. Recently, the oldest pack vanished.” Tristan’s green gaze met his. “They were slaughtered by Morphs.”

Guy swore softly. Morphs, former Draicon who turned to evil for greater power by killing a close relative, were their race’s greatest threat.

“The Quartermaines left the States, but their alpha, Dell, kept tabs on them. Dell wants Brianna, the youngest Draicon. She managed to escape, and make it to a Draicon safe house. Your job is to be a bodyguard for Brianna and help Kayla Morris, the woman hired to find and bring Brianna back to Dell. We need a Draicon who is a good fighter and will keep Brianna safe until her return to the States.”

“Why can’t Bernard do it himself? Or this Kayla person?”

Tristan’s jaw tightened. He admitted he can’t protect her from Morphs. He has a rare condition and his senses, especially hearing and smell, are failing. Kayla lacks Draicon powers. S he’s been hired because Brianna only trusts female. If you do this, you can go free.”

“And you’re offering me this out the goodness of that black ice you call a heart?”

His windpipe compressed as Tristan squeezed a fist, clutching nothing more than air. “Watch it, wolf.”

Tristan released him. Guy rubbed his aching throat.

“And why should I trust you when you put me in here?” he demanded.

“You’re here because you killed your pack alpha.”

“I’m here because of Anne. I warned her Simon was turning evil and I was going to take him out. So she told Simon. He went after me…I killed him, and then Carl, Simon’s beta, took over. Carl got leadership and I got prison.”

He’d foolishly warned Anne to keep her safe, failing to see her blind loyalty to their leader. He should have known better than to put a woman’s needs before his own.

Tristan stood, shadowing Guy with his tall body. “Because you saved the pack by killing Simon, you’re here instead of six feet under. You knew the rules. You should have told Carl, who would have alerted the Kallan to execute Simon. The Kallan is immortal and the pack would have respected his authority. Instead, you killed Simon and nearly involved your pack in a brutal war over who believed you and who didn’t. You’re a rogue who can’t follow orders.”

“And you think I can follow rules now?” he taunted. Damn, he still had freshly bleeding stripes on his back to prove otherwise.

“I’m giving you this chance to see if you can.” The Phoenix flashed him a dark smile.

Freedom. So close he could taste it. Guy squeezed his aching fists. “I’ll do it. What about the Identi?”

“It stays in until you deliver the girl to Dell. A little insurance in case you take a detour.” Tristan looked impassive. “I’m deactivating it, but in five days starting it up again unless you deliver the girl.”

The thought of the chip still buried inside him rankled Guy. He took a deep breath.

“Just remember, deliver Brianna to Dell or you’re back here. And you won’t leave until you’re in a coffin.” Tristan paused. “When she shows up tomorrow, go easy on Kayla. She usually avoids Draicon.”

“Sure, I’ll take it easy on the human.”

Tristan smiled. “I never said Kayla was human.”

“What the hell is she?”

“Your destiny.”

Fear and rage roared through Guy. “The hell with destiny, Phoenix. I’ve spent thirty years locked up because a woman betrayed me. You call that my destiny, too?”

“Kayla isn’t Anne, Guy. She has no pack loyalty.”

Guy shook his head. “Every wolf for himself.” “We’ll see,” Tristan murmured as he vanished.

Chapter 2

Kayla Morris didn’t scare easily. She’d endured her father’s execution, her pregnant mother leaving and her alpha throwing her into the human world.

She thought nothing could faze her. Not until she walked through the gates of the Savage Kingdom Zoo.

Draicon senses long abandoned flared to unwilling life. This wasn’t a zoo, but hell for werecreatures.

A man wearing a crimson jumpsuit swept trash into a dustpan. She saw his eyes flash deep red. A Century demon. They enjoyed tormenting others.

Only the most savage were imprisoned here. How could she work with such a wild beast?

No choice. She desperately needed the forty thousand dollars promised upon delivery to save her business from creditors. Guy Laurent was part of the deal.

Kayla wiped her sweating palms against her jeans. With a black band, she bound her brown curly hair in a tight ponytail. Assuming the indifferent expression that protected her against the world, she steeled herself.

No matter how savage this Draicon was, she could handle him.

When she reached the wolf exhibit, the cage was empty. But the lingering scent caught her attention. It was nothing like she’d ever experienced, deeply masculine mixed with a delicious fragrance of sage and pine. It was heady and she breathed it in, feeling her body surge unexpectedly. It felt like a high-octane sexual cocktail.

She didn’t consider herself a Draicon anymore. But her long-dead wolf senses charged to life with one inhalation.

A tall, redheaded man, wearing an Italian business suit, strode toward her. Victor, head demon for this noxious place.

She raised her hands to show she didn’t carry a weapon. Demons always were suspicious. “Kayla Morris, here to pick up Guy Laurent.”

“Sign here.” Victor thrust a clipboard at her.

She signed. Paperwork and red tape. The demons were infamous for it.

Victor whistled and an overweight demon wearing a red jumpsuit pulled on a chain, leading a sullen man out of a small shed. The chain was attached to a collar around the man’s neck. Shackles laced his wrists together. His shaggy, dark blond hair was clean, but three day’s of dark bristles covered his hard jaw. A loose orange jumpsuit, the type worn by Florida state prisoners, covered his tall body. His feet were bare. He did not look up, but kept his head lowered.

Guy Laurent.

His scent drifted over to her, filling her once more with that delicious tingly feeling.

Clutching a thick nightstick in one hand, the demon pushed Guy roughly toward her. “Here’s your new mistress, dog.”

A barely perceptible growl rumbled from Guy. The demon’s eyes glowed red. “You’ll pay for that.” He raised his stick toward Guy.

“Stop that,” Kayla ordered. She gestured to the restraints and the chain. “Take those off.”

Victor’s eyes widened. “He’s a dangerous, savage wolf.”

“Take. Them. Off. Now.”

The demon shrugged. “It’s your head. Or throat. He usually goes for the throat.”

The shackles fell off as Victor snapped his fingers.

Guy advanced toward her. Two feet away, he stopped and raised his eyes. Burning with rage, they were a brilliant sea blue. Kayla recoiled. His nostrils flared. He moved closer to her, closed his eyes and inhaled.

Damn, the wolf was sniffing her?

Judging from the interest in his now-opened eyes, he liked what he smelled.

“Kayla,” he rumbled.

Oh, dear heavens, that sultry, deep voice. He said her name as if he liked the taste of it on his tongue. As if she was chocolate melting in his mouth. She could almost feel the soft scrape of his tongue against her skin as he kissed and licked his way down her body….

A flush ignited her cheeks. Embarrassed at her wanton thoughts, Kayla looked away.

“You’re a Draicon,” Guy said softly.

Scowling, she whipped her gaze back to him. “Not anymore. I don’t do magick, don’t shift and I don’t like werewolves.”

Interest faded in Guy’s gaze. He began to rub the bleeding circles on his wrists. Kayla winced at the angry cuts.

“Those look nasty. You’ll need something for them.”

He gave a short laugh. “They’re nothing. I’ll heal—I just need fresh beef to juice up my energy levels.” The Draicon gave her a slow smile. “Or sex. Want to volunteer?”

“You’ll have to settle for a Big Mac.” Kayla studied his prison uniform. “We’ll never make it past airport security. Do you have any other clothing?”

“I have a suitcase filled with designer suits, can’t you tell?”

Suddenly a black duffel bag appeared at Guy’s side at the same time new clothing covered his body. He now wore a forest-green T-shirt molded to his muscular chest, and faded jeans. The jeans showed off long, athletic limbs. On his feet were sturdy hiking boots.

Wow. The clothes emphasized his sexiness. Bad boy all the way, laced with smoldering heat.

“Thanks, Phoenix,” Guy muttered, then narrowed his eyes at Kayla. “I need to get the hell out of here.”

But even as he started forward, she saw the sulking demon raise his club toward Guy’s head. The damn snake. Kayla scissor-kicked his midsection. The demon reeled backward.

“Next time I’ll aim much lower,” she warned.

Guy gave a deep, amused chuckle. They left, but at the exit turnstile, Guy hesitated. Sweat broke out on his face. Fear flashed briefly in his blue eyes as he stared at the red exit sign.

Kayla glanced at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Let’s go,” he muttered.

When they reached her car, Guy placed his bag in the trunk and then inspected the cooler she’d packed. He fished out a jar of peanut butter and a raw steak wrapped in plastic. His dark brows shot up.

“That’s for me,” she told him, snatching the peanut butter. “I don’t eat meat.”

She dug out another steak. She unwrapped both, placed them on a plastic plate and handed it to him. “Century demons aren’t known for feeding their prisoners.”

Guy cleared his throat. “Do you have a knife and fork?”

After she handed him utensils, Kayla sat on the back bumper, digging into the peanut butter with a spoon as Guy sat on the backseat. She’d been given cash for expenses, and bought Guy the most expensive steaks she could find. Kayla knew the kind of hunger that could drive a Draicon mad, the kind that gnawed at your empty stomach. She knew it because she herself had felt it days after her alpha kicked her out of the pack.

Gravel crunched beneath his boots as he got out, put the empty plate and utensils in the cooler. Kayla licked her spoon, caught him staring.

“What?”

“You have peanut butter on your lip,” he murmured.

“Oh.” She ran her tongue over the spot. His nostrils flared.

A dark sexuality clung to him. She breathed in his alluring masculine scent, troubled by her own wildness surfacing. Peanut butter clung to her finger. Against the logic that usually guided her, she touched her finger to his mouth. “Try some.”

Kayla barely recognized her voice’s sultry pitch. Guy’s eyes darkened. He ran his tongue around her finger, swirling around the slender digit.

She bit back a moan, closing her eyes as he suckled her finger. Very lightly, he nipped it.

With a slow pop, he released her. When she opened her eyes, the wild look on his face made her breath hitch. Her inner wolf responded, snarling to mate.

This was a huge mistake.

Kayla put the jar away. “We should get on the road,” she advised, hoping he didn’t hear her rapidly pounding heart.

“What about dessert?”

Mercy, what an infuriating wolf. Dimples dented his lean cheeks. He had a very sexy grin.

“All I have are breath mints.”

“That’ll do.”

She bit back an exasperated mutter as she dug into her backpack and handed him a few. Crunching the rounded white tablets, he sighed with pleasure.

“Thanks,” he murmured. “Now I’m ready.”

Shock and pleasure collided together as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

Chapter 3

Kayla had been kissed before, but never like this.

Too startled to pull away, she remained immobilized. His kiss was leisurely, sipping at her mouth. The heady taste of him filled her senses as he licked her bottom lip. He slid his hands around her nape, massaging gently. Kayla wrapped her arms about him, trying to get closer as her mouth opened under the insistent pressure of his. Guy slipped his tongue inside. Startled, she recoiled a little. He made a crooning sound, and she leaned into him. She never knew a kiss could be so intriguing and sensual, as if his tongue caressed every inch of her body.

He drank in her mouth, his tongue stroking against hers. Something more meaningful sparked between them, a connection her long-dead instincts hammered to acknowledge.

Guy seduced, teased and enticed, leading her deeper into an erotic dance. Kayla knew the dance would end with him on top of her, pushing into her body in a much more intimate joining. The wolf inside her howled to mate.

The unsettling thought of finally giving her body to a more powerful male made her see reason. Kayla pulled away. He seemed reluctant to let her go, but stepped back, his breathing slightly ragged.

“You taste like fresh air and sunshine,” he murmured.

“What the hell was that for?” Kayla demanded.

“Darlin’, I’ve been locked up for a long time. What else did you expect me to do when I see a beautiful Draicon?”

“I’m not Draicon, so keep your paws to yourself. I’m not interested.” It was a lie. Her body was soft, open, the space between her legs wet and swollen with need.

His nostrils flared. “Your scent tells me that’s a lie. Who are you if not a wolf?”

“I’m the one you won’t be kissing again. Get it?”

Guy gave her a long, thoughtful look. “I doubt it,” he murmured.

Spending five days with him on this assignment might prove more than she could handle. Kayla steeled her spine. Boundaries. They both needed them.

“Keep your distance, wolf.” She narrowed her gaze. “I’m willing to forget what just happened, seeing you’ve been imprisoned, but don’t try it again.”

His burning blue gaze seared into hers. “Can’t make any promises, darlin’. Seeing as I can’t forget that kiss. And I doubt you will, either.” His voice grew husky. “And next time, I doubt I’ll be able to control myself, so if I were you, I’d think twice about sticking anything in my mouth. Get it?”

When they climbed into her car, Guy didn’t talk, didn’t even look at her.

His attitude didn’t bug her as much as that kiss did.

The kiss had caressed each raging nerve ending. Kayla had dated, but she was still a virgin. She always felt something better was waiting in the wings.

She hoped it wasn’t Guy, because she suspected he could coax awake her long-dead wolf.

That was a bad idea, because awakening her wolf meant awakening the deadly gift she hated…

The drive from Florida’s central coast to Fort Lauderdale’s airport felt endless. Kayla kept sneaking glances at her passenger.

Beard stubble framed a full mouth that was both cruel and sensual. His nose was straight and his cheeks were hollowed. A well-defined six-pack showed beneath the tight T-shirt as he hung a muscled arm out the window. His body was definitely made for hot loving, as her friend Denise would put it.

Guy stared out the window as they headed south. A strong breeze blew his ragged hair back. When she depressed the button and began rolling up the windows, he finally spoke.

“Don’t.”

The windows rolled back down of their own accord. Shock punched through her. “They didn’t tell me you were a telekinetic.”

“Darlin’, there’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.”

After a few moments she put a CD in the player. “What’s that?” he asked.

“It’s a CD player.” She showed him how to work the knobs.

Two lines furrowed his brow. “What the hell kind of music is that?”

“Blues Traveler. The best blues rock there is,” she grated out.

“They sound worse than when the demons tortured the werecats.”

Instead of taking offense, she felt only morbid curiosity. “I can’t imagine being locked up there for even a day.”

“Try thirty years.”

Kayla’s breath hitched. “How did you survive?”

“You learn to do what you must.”

“What was it like? Did they always mistreat you?”

“You don’t want to know,” he said softly. “I wouldn’t tell someone like you.”

She bit her lip. “You mean a werewolf who lives as a human.”

“No, a female like you.”

“Oh, you’re one of those who think because I’m a female, I’m a wuss.”

Now he did look at her. “No. I just think females should be protected and never have to hear about prison life. If you were mine, I’d shield you from that ugly reality.”

“I’ve seen plenty of ugly realities and I’m not yours,” she shot back.

He gave a slow smile, making him look sexy and dangerous. “No, you’re not. But I can change that.”

The man was wickedly handsome, with a hard body made for long nights between silk sheets. Her heart was beating far too fast. After what she’d endured from Dell and his pack, she’d sworn to never trust another Draicon male. But something was different about Guy. She just couldn’t phantom why he was different.

Then his smile faded and he turned back to the window again. As if he’d regretted his words.

Guy felt shaky as a newborn.

It took all his hard-won control and courage to leave prison. As tormenting as it had been, it had been his home for thirty years. Being on the outside made him queasy.

And what if he screwed up and had to return? I’d die first, he vowed.

And now Kayla. Damnit, he didn’t need this.

Her scent aroused his desire. Only by keeping the windows down, his head stuck outside like a damn dog, could he endure it.

He reasoned she stood at about five feet ten, six inches shorter than him. Jeans outlined lush curves, and her black polo shirt showed high, firm breasts. Her sea-green eyes sparkled like sunlight on the ocean. She was more attractive than beautiful with her tip-tilted nose and oval face.

But it was that mouth that made his water, a rosy pucker of wet pink that begged for kisses.

Sex, yeah, he wanted sex after thirty years of forced celibacy. Maybe sex would take the edge off. But he couldn’t give her anything more than his body. Not him, the Draicon who once trusted, who now cared only about himself and surviving.

Every wolf for himself.

Vaguely he wondered what he would win. His own need for self-preservation or the instinct driving every male Draicon to protect and cherish his destined mate?

This mission changed from the moment his lips touched hers. Kayla seemed oblivious. Guy wanted to laugh at the irony, because in her obstinate insistence in abandoning everything Draicon, she’d failed to see the obvious.

Kayla frowned. “What are you looking at?”

You, darlin’. Guy shrugged. “That device you call a CD player. That’s not music.”

He leaned back, closed his eyes. Suddenly Madonna blasted out of the speakers.

“‘Like a Virgin.’” He shot her an amused look. “Kissed for the very first time.”

“No, it’s a virgin touched for the very first time.”

“Just as I suspected,” he said softly. “Never been touched.”

Oh, man, he loved the lovely pink flush tinting her cheeks. Kayla stared at the road.

“We have to get to the airport. I booked two tickets on the afternoon flight out of Fort Lauderdale.” Her voice cracked slightly.

“There’s always later tonight,” Guy said softly. “I’m a man of stamina. I can last all night long. I can make it very pleasurable for you.”

Kayla jerked her gaze back to the road, but he caught the scent of her arousal. He nearly moaned at the tangy aroma.

“I don’t like wolves,” she muttered.

Okay, down to business. First he must find out what happened to make her distrust their kind. He rubbed his jaw. “So tell me, why did you leave your pack?”

She glanced at him from beneath those long dark lashes. “I didn’t like Dell, my alpha.”

He frowned. “Dell? The Dell Anderson who runs the pack near Pittsburgh?”

When she nodded, he went on. “He’s the one I’m delivering Brianna to. He hired you.”

“No, a man named Tristan contacted me and promised me money.”

“I should have known,” he muttered. “Tristan isn’t a man. He’s an immortal, a Phoenix, the son of a bitch who sentenced me.”

Her breath hitched. “You can’t deliver this little girl to Dell. He’s a cold, heartless bastard. Brianna needs a loving, understanding family. Damn, Guy, giving her to Dell’s pack is like throwing her to…”

“The wolves?” Guy shook his head. “My job is to help you fetch her and bring her to Dell. Period.”

“You’re a heartless bastard yourself,” she said through clenched teeth.

The words shouldn’t have stung so deeply. He, who didn’t care about anything or anyone, found himself craving her understanding. Guy nearly laughed. Understand? How could someone like Kayla understand the hell he’d survived?

They rode in silence for a while until he finally spoke, the words forced from his throat. “That’s what prison will do to you, sunshine.”

Kayla drew in a deep breath, pulled her hair free of the ponytail and tossed the band into the back. “This is all wrong. We’re stuck together for the next few days, so let’s start over.” She thrust out a hand, keeping her eyes on the road. “Kayla Morris. International Courier.”

Her palm was soft as velvet and just as warm. “Guy Laurent, Draicon.” He gave her a thoughtful look. “Kayla. The Draicon who isn’t a Draicon, who likes Blues Traveler.”

He waved his hand and her CD resumed playing. Kayla gave an appreciative smile. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” he said softly. “Just remember I’m not such a heartless bastard when it comes time.”

“Time for what?”

“You’ll see.”

Chapter 4

In less than nine hours, Guy had gone from a demon prison to a luxurious hotel in the verdant mountains of Île de Sangier’s capital. The contrast was enough to scramble anyone’s brain cells, Kayla thought.

Yet the Draicon seemed indifferent to all of it. He acted as if it were nothing to fly first class and be chauffeured in a stretch limousine to a five-star hotel, when his former bed had been concrete. She’d wanted to immediately get Brianna, but Guy insisted on visiting the hotel. “I need intel from Bernard first, Sunshine. You don’t walk into a possible war zone without knowing the hazards,” he’d told her.

In his room, they poured over a map. The suite, like the hotel itself, boasted of luxury. There was a fully stocked wet bar, small kitchenette, a wide-screen television and two large sliding doors that overlooked a garden with ferns, palm trees and brilliant pink bougainvillea.

As she leaned over the table and traced the route to the southeast coast, Guy brushed a hand over her arm. He definitely was not indifferent to her.

Kayla jumped at the current sizzling between them. Her nipples hardened to tiny pearls. Barely banked heat smoldered in his blazing blue eyes as he glanced at her shirt.

She retreated to the table’s other side. “I meant what I said earlier. I don’t like werewolves.”

“That makes no sense. You’re a werewolf.” Guy frowned. “What happened?”

Iron bands squeezed her chest. She needed emotional distance. Getting close to anyone was bad news. When you got close to someone, they had the power to hurt.

“My father was executed by the Kallan. Afterward, my mother left the pack, and I was asked to leave, as well.”

“But why would your alpha ask you to leave because of something your father did? That goes against pack law.”

She took a deep breath. “I asked the Kallan to terminate my father.”

The blank look of shock on his face didn’t surprise her. “Why?” he asked bluntly.

“I sensed my father planned to turn Morph by killing my mother. Dell didn’t believe me and neither did my mother. But the Kallan did, and his authority supersedes any pack alpha’s. My mother was four months pregnant, but she left the pack. Right after, Dell ordered me to leave. He didn’t tolerate anyone going over his head.”

Guy looked stunned. “How could you sense what your father planned?”

Because I have a gift I hate.

“I just did,” she whispered.

Her mother detested her afterward. Memories stung like scorpions as she recalled her mother’s cold look, sunshine glinting on the gold heart-shaped locket she always wore around her neck. Kayla’s gift to her, with her initials carved on the front.

This way you can always have my heart, Mama.

Her mother had removed the necklace, and declared the locket was headed for the trash. Then she turned and walked out of her life.

“Son of a bitch, how old were you?”

“Sixteen,” she muttered. “Someone had to act the adult.”

You weren’t an adult, sweetheart. Damn it, you were just a baby.

The words were like a soft whisper in her mind, yet he hadn’t spoken. He came to her side, picked up her hand, his calloused palm warm. Guy began stroking her skin.

“Sixteen,” he murmured. “How the hell did you survive on your own that young?”

She wanted to surrender to his calming caress. It had been so long since she felt the soothing contact Draicon used to comfort. Wolves used nuzzling and touch to communicate. In her contact with the human world, she kept everyone at a distance, even her dates.

Kayla had forgotten how powerful a simple touch could be.

He cupped her cheek, running his thumb gently along her jawline. Leaning into his palm, she closed her eyes, cherishing the tenderness of his gesture.

Guy murmured softly. She inhaled his delicious scent, ready to succumb to temptation. Ancient instincts urged her to mate, to give her body to this male….

Her eyes flew open. Kayla jerked away, her breathing ragged. Her inner wolf howled in disappointment.

Well, hell, get used to it, she told herself. You’re not Draicon anymore.

“I’m part of the human world now, adapted to them.” Kayla walked toward the sliding glass doors. “I met Jack and Denise, who gave me room and board in return for working at their courier business. I did that and went to night school. Then when Jack and Denise wanted to cut back, I bought the business from them, kept them on as employees, and expanded internationally. I’m good at getting into risky places.”

If she failed on this job, her business would tank. Denise and Jack needed the income. No longer Draicon, Kayla found being in the human world equally challenging. She had people who relied on her just like a pack did.

But humans could be kind, as Denise and Jack were. Her blood ran cold at the thought of turning a little one like Brianna over to the uncaring Dell.

“Listen, Guy,” she said urgently, turning back to him. “I know what it’s like losing everything. You can’t give Brianna to Dell. He’s not the nurturing type. She’ll need to feel safe.”

His expression shuttered. “Let’s concentrate on finding her for now. We’ll have dinner with Bernard and leave first thing in the morning.”

Staying here overnight with Guy was a bad idea. The sexual feelings he aroused threatened everything she’d worked so hard to achieve. Guy triggered a switch to revive her long-gone wolf.

Draicon had betrayed and abandoned her when she needed them most. Yet this savage, wild wolf connected with her sexually. She didn’t understand why. All she knew was long-dead instincts flared to life around him.

“When exactly were you telling me this?” Before he could reply, she lashed into him. “Look, Laurent, you may think this is your own personal ticket to freedom, but I have a lot at stake here. It means working together, sharing info, compromising.”

She could tell by his mutinous look he didn’t play well with others.

“I’ll work with you, but I’m in charge. If you’re in danger, you obey me or I’ll do what I must. No compromise.”

“I’ve taken very good care of myself for eleven years….”

“No compromise,” he repeated. “Or you stay here where Bernard can watch over you and I haul ass alone at first light.”

She sighed. “Okay. But you don’t ride roughshod over me. Deal?”

“Deal.”

She stuck out a palm. Instead of a brisk handshake, he turned her hand over, brought it to his lips and kissed it.

“Hell, I wouldn’t be rough with you. You deserve gentleness,” he said softly and nibbled at her knuckles.

The wet warmth of his mouth against her skin sent all her nerve endings raging into overdrive. Kayla felt herself filled with yearning. Moisture trickled between her legs as a hot ache built in her loins.

A satisfied smile graced his full mouth as he released her hand. Kayla pretended indifference, though she was certain he could hear her crazily pounding heart.

“When is this meeting?” she asked.

Guy glanced outside. “Seven, dinnertime. In the meantime, I suggest we both grab a little rest.” The sexy grin returned. “Do you prefer the right side of the bed or the left?”

“I like the right side of my own bed.” She headed for the door. “See you downstairs at seven.”

Bernard was overjoyed to see Guy, and charmed by Kayla. His French staff served them a delicious rack of lamb in the private dining room. His old friend entertained them with stories of the island’s legends before changing the topic to their assignment.

“Henri St. Pierre is a good Draicon. He runs Les Jardin, the best hotel in that region. He knew the Quartermaine pack well. If not for him, Brianna would be dead.”

Guy toyed with his heavy silver fork. “How did he find her?”

Bernard glanced at him. “She fled to his hotel a week ago after her pack was slaughtered. The Morphs didn’t touch her—why, I don’t know. Poor thing was in shock and only stayed with Henri because she’d met him a few weeks before and trusted him. Henri’s wife, Danielle, what a beauty! I met her yesterday over lunch before she left for Henri’s. She flew in from France to care for Brianna until you could arrive.”

“Why is Brianna still at Henri’s? Why not get her yourself?” Kayla asked.

His friend stared at his plate. “My senses aren’t what they used to be. I could nom ore scent a Morph than a human could, so what good am I to Brianna? That little one was severely traumatized. Besides Henri, she only trusts females. The Morphs who attacked her pack were disguised as friendly men.”

Bernard leaned forward. “Never drop your guard, Guy. There are Morphs lurking in the mountains, and something else evil has infiltrated the island. There are even rumors of a Remorae.”

Guy shot him an amused look. “Another of your island legends?” He deepened his voice as if telling a ghost story. “Beware the Remorae, my son. It will slowly suck the water out of you until you solidify like a mummy. They crave the sweetness that is in all Draicon children until their first wolf change.”

“They’re not legend,” Bernard said softly. “They existed once.”

“And they’re extinct now.” Guy twirled his wineglass. “I fight what’s in front of me, not myths. The Remorae are nothing but myth now.”

“I hope you are right.” Bernard looked pensive.

Much later, Guy couldn’t sleep. He found the bed too distracting. The velvety feel of the sheets made him think about Kayla’s soft skin cushioning him as he mounted her. Would she be wet and welcoming as he drove into her?

Would she be welcoming at all, knowing what he was?

He rolled over, punched his pillow. Tension knotted his gut. He was a cold-blooded killer who’d dispatched his alpha. A criminal. Kayla wouldn’t want him, couldn’t ever learn to care for someone like him.

“I’m still alone. I’ll always be alone,” he whispered into the night.

He lay awake, the thought aching inside him for a long time.

Chapter 5

Over breakfast, they talked about the journey ahead. In a chambray blue work shirt, faded jeans and hiking boots, Guy looked rugged and earthy. He’d shaved and the clean look made his face appear more vulnerable. She glanced up from slicing her banana.

“You look a little pale. Rough night?”

“The bed takes a little getting used to,” he muttered.

She could only imagine. For a moment, he looked like a lost puppy. Then he flexed his shoulders. Her gaze drifted to his sculpted body carved from hard muscle. Guy was a powerful Draicon. Underestimating him could prove dangerous.

Afterward, they came downstairs as porters loaded their luggage into the waiting Toyota 4Runner. Inside the SUV, Kayla turned the key. But the engine didn’t start. She blew out a frustrated breath.

Guy held out his hand. “I’m driving. You’re shotgun.”

“The hell I am. You haven’t driven in thirty years!”

“I’m Draicon and can use magick to manipulate the vehicle and traffic. You no longer practice magick.” He pinned her with a severe look. “Give me the keys.”

Her fingers tightened on the wheel. “Compromise, wolf. I’ll drive so you can watch, and relearn, until we reach the highway leading to the country.”

Sinew and tendons corded on his neck as his body tensed. Those cool eyes turned into blue fire. After a long minute, he gave a low curse. The engine started with a smooth purr.

Once they were in the city, driving became complicated. Kayla navigated past a flock of schoolchildren in blue gingham uniforms, past women carrying straw baskets of mangoes atop their heads.

Guy cursed as an impatient BMW cut them off. He waved his hands and suddenly all the cars in front of them pulled over to the side, leaving an open path for her.

Kayla smiled, shook her head. “You sure are cocky.”

“Just want to make things easier on you, sunshine.”

“I can take care of myself, wolf.”

“No doubt,” he murmured. “Sixteen years old, and thrown out into the big, bad world.”

She chewed on her lower lip. “What about you? A demon prison is far from easy living.”

His expression grew stone cold. “It’s where they send Draicon like me.”

“I know, you killed your alpha. With good reason, I’m sure. So I doubt you’re as bad as everyone thinks you are. I sense that about you.”

Guy’s jaw tightened. “Sense this. If I don’t deliver that little girl to Dell, they’ll send me back to that hellhole. I’ll kill anyone who stands in my way. So how can you be so damn confident I’m not that bad?”

Kayla’s breath hitched. It made sense now why he was desperate to give Brianna to Dell.

She wouldn’t want to return to that prison. She glanced at his taut face. The demons had told her Guy was a savage. And yet she felt no fear.

Kayla settled for honesty. “Logically, I don’t know because I don’t know you. But, somehow, I feel that you’d gnaw your right arm off before letting an innocent get hurt.”

She darted a glance at his scowling face. “You want to think you’re only out for yourself, but deep down you know it’s not true. And that scares you, because caring gets you hurt. But I also know that when we get to Brianna, you’ll provide her the protection she needs and keep her safe. Because she’s the most important thing to you right now.”

He was silent a moment, then spoke. “So you think.”

“Yes.”

“I wouldn’t be so certain about that,” he said darkly.

Once they accessed the highway, Kayla pulled over and traded places with Guy. A blur of green sugarcane fields on their left contrasted to the tangy scent of brine from the ocean on their right. They passed several villages, and stopped twice to allow a donkey to cross the road.

“Donkeys have the right of way,” Guy noted.

“Most asses think they do.”

“Damn, sunshine, you are the queen of comebacks. Or are all women like you these days?”

Kayla considered. “Well, ever since we got the vote and decided that bra burning releases too many greenhouse gases, we had to do something else to entertain ourselves.”

He laughed. Guy hung an arm out the window, his body language relaxed, yet she sensed he was ready to react. Kayla wondered if that’s what prison did to you. Never made you able to drop your guard.

“So why did you kill your alpha?” she asked.

He gunned the engine as the donkey cleared the road. “I caught him plotting to kill a few in our pack to increase his power base. I was fool enough to tell a woman. She told him. Simon came after me. I killed him. Prison. End of story.”

Outrage filled her. “She ratted you out?”

Guy gave her a sideways glance. “Pack loyalty rules.”

“Not for me,” she muttered. “I’d rather be a lone wolf.”

“Me, too.”

They were quiet a few minutes as she ruminated over this startling fact.

She wondered what he’d been like before prison. Beneath the tough, edgy side was a soft spot he seemed determined not to expose.

A couple of hours later, he took a narrow dirt road flanked by ferns and towering pines. In a clearing by a narrow stream, he parked beneath a mahogany tree’s sprawling shade.

“Lunchtime,” he said briefly. “You could use a little food, since your breakfast couldn’t even keep an ant alive.”

“And you have a picnic basket packed?”

“Always come prepared.” From the backseat he pulled a small cooler, a thick blanket and plates.

Beneath the tree, Guy spread out the blanket, put the plates down and opened the cooler. The tangy scent of fried chicken assaulted her senses. He picked up a leg, and began to eat.

Salivating, Kayla stared at him as he finished it. Guy took out another, waved it before her like a baton.

“There’s this. And the rabbit food I asked Bernard to pack for you. If you really want it.”

His thoughtfulness touched her. But the veggies didn’t make her mouth water as much as the chicken did.

“Nice, crisp chicken. Come on, just a little taste?” Guy touched her lips with one finger. “You look so damn hungry, Kayla, could you please eat for me?”

She closed her eyes against the sensual feel of his finger tracing her mouth. Disappointment filled her as he withdrew it.

“I’m going to check out the stream. Help yourself.” He dropped the leg onto the plate.

Kayla watched Guy saunter off. Inside the cooler, she found a shaker of salt, chicken, tomatoes, celery, a loaf of bread and a jar of honeyed butter. She took a tomato, salted it and hesitated.

Oh, hell. Kayla attacked the chicken with ravenous hunger. Her stomach felt filled for the first time in years as she devoured piece after piece.

Dismayed, she stared at the bare bones littering her plate.

Feeling guilty, she spread honeyed butter on a slice of bread and ate it. The thought hit her that Guy wanted her to eat meat, restore her lost energy and turn wolf again.

But why?

Maybe it was time to find out.

It was safe. She couldn’t see him.

Guy removed his socks and hiking boots, rolled up his jeans. Sitting on a flat rock by the gurgling stream, he sighed with pleasure as he dipped his scarred feet into the water. Guy removed his shirt and carefully folded it on the rock. After thirty years of wearing rags, he valued good clothing.

The lash marks delivered by the demons still hurt. Rolling up his jeans, he waded into the gurgling stream. Guy bent over, splashed the cool water down his aching back.

A soft cry made him whirl around. Guy bunched his fists, his eyes narrowed.

Kayla stood on the mossy bank.

She’d seen. Humiliation dug in like twin knives. He wanted to turn away before she started gawking like the damn tourists at the zoo had stared at his wolf.

Guy splashed to the bank, reached for his shirt.

Her hand stopped him. Kayla walked behind him. Guy closed his eyes, the agony of shame much greater than old pain from the lashes. He flinched beneath the gentle touch of her palm.

“What did they do to you?” she whispered.

The careless shrug hid his feelings. “The demons got bored.”

Her searching gaze probed his. Guy fisted his hands. “I charged the cage at my keeper. He was yelling at a little girl. I hate it when anyone is nasty to kids.”

Yeah, I’m just a stupid, soft wolf who should have known better.

She traced the cruel lines carved deep into his flesh. “I could whip them myself for doing this to you.”

He closed his eyes as she caressed his back. Too long he’d hidden the emotional pain that sank far deeper than any physical hurt. He’d been alone, no one to comfort him, huddling into the morass of his own dark thoughts until one time he’d taunted the demons into nearly killing him.

Guy had longed for death to finally end the agonized loneliness of his inner prison. But they hadn’t done it. Instead, they’d locked him in the “box” for thirteen months. Shrouded in darkness, he’d nearly gone mad.

“I’m so sorry for what they did to you.”

Her trembling voice shattered his hard-fought defenses. Guy turned. He cupped her chin, amazed at the translucent tears filling her eyes.

“Hey, sunshine, it’s okay,” he said softly. “It’s in the past.”

But she looked so distressed, he longed to comfort her. Guy bent his head and brushed his lips against hers.

She moaned, slid her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.

Guy’s groin ached with fiery need as he tunneled his hands through her thick curls. Relishing the taste of her, the honey mingling with spice. Beneath his ravaging mouth, she parted her lips.

Sweet female arousal scented the air. He fought the primitive male impulse to strip her naked, tumble her backward, spread her legs wide and push himself into her. She was innocent, and deserved better. Even a savage like him could be gentle.

Gooseflesh suddenly broke out on his arms. He knew the feeling from putting up with people staring into his cage. Guy pulled away, snatched up his shirt and shrugged into it.

“What’s wrong?”

Kayla was breathless, her mouth swollen by his kisses. Guy leaned close to whisper into her ear.

“We’re being watched.”

♥ Uploaded by Coral ♥

Chapter 6

They searched the woods and found nothing. Still, Guy was insistent someone had been silently observing them. He’d felt no immediate danger. But something had been in those woods.

His grim look spooked her. Unlike Guy, she’d been away from the inherent dangers of the Draicon world for a long time. If she didn’t trust him, she put herself in jeopardy.

Kayla decided to trust him.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the Les Jardin hotel. The opulent, two-story hotel was practically deserted. Coconut palms flanked the terrace. Dining tables draped in orange and white linens were adorned with lavender orchids. The open-air room featured a resplendent view of turquoise water and jagged rocks lining the shore.

Henri St. Pierre greeted them with a beaming smile. His skin was tanned as a polished walnut, his head covered with a shock of thick brown hair. He barked orders to the porters to handle their luggage.

A tall, graceful woman joined him. Henri’s gaze softened as he looked at her.

“My wife, Danielle. She just arrived two days ago,” he told them.

Kayla stared. Her shining black hair pulled into an elegant French twist, Danielle wore a sleeveless red sheath that accented a breathtaking figure. She had the beauty of a polished supermodel. In her grungy jeans and dusty shirt, Kayla felt downright lumpy in comparison.

But Guy scarcely regarded Danielle. It was as if no other woman existed but Kayla, because his gaze always rested on her. She warmed at the thought.

Their waterfront suites had separate living rooms and bedrooms. Guy’s suite was connected to hers by a door in Kayla’s living room.

After Henri left them with an invitation to join them for dinner later, she stripped and showered. She blew her hair dry, wrapped herself in a towel and walked into the bedroom.

Guy stood at the sliding glass doors opened to the cool sea breeze. His duffel bag was in one corner, the cooler on the desk.

“We’re sharing,” he told her. “I’m not leaving you alone.”

The towel offered little covering. But she suddenly didn’t care. “I think you want to share a room because of what happened at the stream.”

Her tone was teasing, but his expression was grim. “I’m not taking chances. Something smells wrong here. Can’t you tell?”

Kayla was ashamed to admit she hadn’t.

His expression softened. “My senses have always been stronger than other Draicon’s, especially my sense of smell. You’ll get it back, Kayla. Eat more protein. You’ll be shifting before you know it.”

“I stopped being Draicon long ago.”

A frustrated sigh escaped him. “I need you sharp and ready for whatever can happen. Marching into this without your magick is like being blindfolded.”

“I can’t,” she protested. “Don’t ask me to try.”

“Why are you so damn afraid of being a wolf?”

Emotion closed her throat tight. It felt like a fist squeezing. “Because I never want to be one again. Just leave it, Guy.”

“No, I won’t.” In two strides he was before her, his hands gripping her shoulders. “Level with me, Kayla. What’s so wrong with being who you are that you’re running from it?”

“I’m not Draicon.”

“The hell you aren’t!” he shouted. “Stop denying yourself, damn it, your own mother—”

“My own mother betrayed me.”

The words were a hoarse shout. Guy’s face twisted in confusion as he released her.

She spoke in a hoarse whisper. “She told me that if she ever set eyes on me again, she’d kill me, the way I had her mate killed.”

Guy stared, his jaw tightening.

“I was betrayed by the woman I loved the most. I never wanted to have anything to do again with werewolves, because that’s what my mother was.”

Tears finally spilled over and splashed down her cheeks. The memories surged—her mother’s expressionless face, the way she’d removed the locket for the first time in years. As if she were physically removing her own daughter’s presence.

Warmth surrounded her as Guy pulled her into his arms. She buried her face against his chest and wept.

He rocked her against him as he stroked her hair. It felt so good to be held for the first time in years, held and comforted.

Sniffling, she lifted her head. “I got your shirt wet.”

“Hey, sunshine,” he said softly, wiping her eyes gently with the tail ends of his damp shirt. “Chin up. No reason to cry. I’ve got another.”

His cheeky grin coaxed from her a sputtering smile. His warmth felt wonderful. Kayla ran her fingers over his broad shoulders, testing the tensile muscles. Her palms drifted lower, skimming his chest. He was hard, not a spare ounce of flesh on him. She unfastened the buttons, pulled open his shirt and studied the dark gold hair sprinkled on his firm chest.

Guy made a low, strangled sound as she rubbed her palm against it. He cupped her face and captured her mouth. His kiss was gentle, as if he cherished tasting her lips. Then he coaxed her mouth open and began sensually stroking inside with his tongue. White-hot heat raced through her.

She moaned, clutching fistfuls of his shirt. Damn, the wolf knew how to kiss.

Never had she wanted a man more, to feel his hard body sliding over hers, surging inside her. No one had ever cared for her like this. She craved his closeness, yearned to intimately join with him.

When he pulled away, she made a sound of disappointment. Guy rested his forehead against hers. “Kayla,” he murmured. “I told you, when it’s time, to remember. Am I a heartless bastard?”

“No, you’re not,” she said breathlessly.

The smoldering intensity burning in his deep blue eyes made her shiver. When he pressed closer, letting her feel the steely length of his erection, she removed her towel.

“Touch me, Guy,” she begged.

A shiver of anticipation raced through her as he skimmed his hands down her naked body. Palming her breasts, he gently squeezed, his thumbs rubbing over her hardened nipples. His mouth enclosed one. Clutching him to her, she cried out as he suckled, his tongue rasping skillfully over the tight bud. The delicious scent of male arousal filled the air.

He paused only to remove his clothing. Somehow they made it to the bed, kissing and touching each other.

As she fell back onto the mattress, he slid her to the edge, knelt on the floor and spread her legs open wide.

He put his mouth on her. Kayla cried out in pleasured shock. His tongue delved between the wet folds of her cleft, licking slowly. He growled softly as she writhed at each fiery stroke.

Arching off the mattress she felt her entire body grow rigid as stone as the sensations built higher and higher. The sweet tension shattered as she screamed.

“Now,” he said, his hard, fierce gaze meeting hers.

Guy mounted her, his hips settling between her outstretched, trembling legs.

The shock of his thick penis pushing into her made her cry out. Kayla stared into his glittering gaze. He pushed forward, his penis like a hot, iron bar stretching her sensitive inner tissues. Then he thrust forward, and slid all the way inside.

They were sealed together now, melded from hip to breast. Kayla gulped down a trembling breath, feeling as if he stroked into her very soul. Bracing his weight on his hands, he lay still, as if accustoming her to the feel of him inside her.

Impatiently, she wriggled her hips in nameless acceptance. She hooked her legs around his hips, urged him to move.

He began to slowly thrust. Silky hairs on his chest rasped against her sensitive nipples. She wound her arms around his neck, urging him forward. The ever-present loneliness faded as she drank in each sensation of being intimately joined with Guy. Kayla reveled in the feel of this powerful Draicon’s body sliding over hers, filling her completely.

Guy stroked against her sensitive core in such a way that the pleasure began mounting once more. He twisted, and the sensation wrung another sharp cry of pleasure from her as she climaxed. Above her he stiffened, then groaned her name as his big body bucked and shuddered. She felt the wet warmth of his seed spurt into her.

With a murmured sigh, he collapsed atop her. His heavy weight pressed her into the mattress. She stroked his arms, feeling the muscles jump as he panted into her pillow.

A few minutes later, he slid out of her, rolling and taking her with him, protectively tucking her into the crook of his shoulder. She read the tender possessiveness of the gesture, as if he knew she needed to be held after the intensity of giving her body to him.

“I wanted you the minute I laid eyes on you, Kayla,” he said quietly. “I could only hope you wanted me as much.”

“I do,” she whispered.

Kayla tunneled her fingers through the damp hairs on his chest, puzzling over the incredible sensation of being filled with light.

“It feels like I’m Draicon again.” she mused.

Guy brushed a finger across her cheek. “A male Draicon’s semen contains cells filled with his magick. I passed my energy into you. You can shift now.”

She ruminated over the idea, startled to find the once-visceral reaction to being a werewolf had gone.

But she couldn’t practice magick again. Her long-silent gift would emerge, and that worried her more than anything else. What if she used it on Guy and saw only darkness?

Kayla concentrated on the present. Cuddling with him made her feel safe, cherished and protected. She didn’t want to lose the moment.

He pressed his lips against her temple. “Are you all right, sunshine? You’re awfully quiet.”

“Let’s not talk about magick now,” she murmured. She took his thickening cock into her hand, but he stayed her. Concern shone in his eyes.

“You’re not too sore?”

Her heart turned over at his consideration. Kayla straddled him. “Uh-uh. No waiting. But this time, I’m in charge, wolf. Deal?”

He moaned in pleasured agreement as she slid down on him.

Chapter 7

Guy never thought he could fall in love. But damn, he was coming close with this little Draicon vixen who wound around his heart.

He loved the purring sound she made as she wrapped her limbs around his hips. The way her eyes darkened with passion. He loved tasting the tangy wetness of her arousal on his tongue, the tightness of her channel as he pushed into her.

More than even the sex, he cherished the intimacy of being with someone who didn’t judge, but accepted him for who he was.

As Kayla lay in his arms, he tightened his grip around her. Now, in the aftermath, he must tell her.

Are you all right?

“Very much so,” she murmured.

He remained motionless, waiting. She lifted her head with a frown.

I only want to please you, Kayla. Guy brushed back a strand of hair from her face.

Her eyes widened. “What kind of magick are you pulling on me? You spoke into my mind!”

“It’s perfectly normal, sweetheart,” he said calmly, though his heart pounded hard. “Among our kind, and destined mates.”

Emotions rolled off her, punctuating the languid aftermath of sex with the sharp scent of fear, confusion and uncertainty. Guy pressed his lips against her temple.

“I wanted to tell you, but you seemed like you’d be more accepting now.” He hesitated. “The reason you can hear me in your mind is because I’m your destined mate.”

Oh, sweet mercy, everything had changed now, turning Kayla into a cauldron of boiling emotions. How could he be her destined mate when she didn’t even want to be Draicon?

Guy released her, hooking his hands behind his head. “I can see you need some time adjusting to this.”

Kayla swung her legs over the bed’s side. “It’s a little sudden. Compare it to a woman sleeping with a guy who tells her the little gold band he slipped on to her finger last night means they’re married, and she had no say in it.”

He considered. “We can get married in a human ceremony, if that’s what you want.”

“Are you listening to me?” she yelled. “I told you I refused to be wolf and now you hit me with this. I can’t just charge into anything because some ancient rule says we’re biologically destined mates.”

Her face screwed up in anguish. “You don’t even love me.”

Guy looked steadily at her. “Prison stripped something from me, sunshine. I don’t know if I could ever love again. But you can’t deny there’s something between us we can’t fight.”

“I sure as hell can,” she snapped. “I’m not letting some mating urge rule me.”

A low hiss escaped him. “Kayla, it’s not something you can take off, like a wedding ring. You can’t run from this, like you’ve been running from who you are.”

“And you can’t imprison me with it because you’ve been locked up and scared of being alone in the world!”

His expression went slack, but not before she caught his wounded look. Guy turned. A lump caught in her throat. She reached for him. “Guy, I didn’t mean…”

Ducking away from her, he rolled off the bed. “I’m taking a shower.”

He didn’t look back as he paced toward the bathroom.

All through dinner, Kayla felt miserable from snapping at Guy. She barely touched the fresh fillet of sole and rare lamb. Everything tasted like swamp water filled with rot and decay. When she looked around for the saltshaker, Henri apologized.

“We’re fresh out. I will have more tomorrow,” he promised.

Danielle was watching her. Her own food was untouched.

Kayla glanced at Danielle when the woman questioned why she wasn’t eating.

“It’s delicious, but I’m afraid I’m not hungry.” She looked at Danielle’s plate. “For a Draicon, you’re not enjoying the fresh protein, either.”

“I didn’t say I was Draicon.” Danielle studied her.

Interesting. Kayla’s newly restored senses sent a warning, but she couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong. “What exactly are you?” she bluntly asked.

“Kayla,” Guy warned.

“It’s all right, Mr. Laurent.” Danielle looked amused as she glanced at her husband. “I’m a woman in love with a werewolf. But I’m not Draicon.”

Henri reached over, clasped her palm. Kayla’s heart squeezed at the loving glances they exchanged. Could she ever have the same with Guy?

She snuck a look at him, only to see him stare with the same longing at those tightly clasped hands. Guy said he couldn’t love. What they had was mere biology.

“So where is Brianna? When can we meet her?” Guy asked.

Henri and Danielle exchanged looks. “There is something we must tell you,” Henri said. “Brianna disappeared two days ago, the day my wife arrived.”

Guy nearly shot out of his chair, restrained only by the gentle pressure of Kayla’s hand on his wrist.

“Well, son of a bitch, where the hell is she? You were supposed to keep her safe until we arrived,” he burst out.

Danielle looked ashamed. “I suppose she was too traumatized by what happened to her pack.”

“We did everything we could to make her stay here,” Henri protested.

Kayla wondered. The woman still looked upset, but she sensed something else simmering beneath the surface.

“We’ve searched, but with your excellent tracking capabilities, I’m certain you can find her, Guy.” Henri gave him a placating look. “In the meantime, please, let’s have dessert.”

Guy shook his head. “No, thanks. We need to rest, get an early start if I’m to track Brianna.” He pointed to his plate. “But I will take some of that excellent lamb up to my room, in case I get hungry later.”

When the waiter brought a large box, Guy took her elbow and bid their hosts a polite good-night. Upstairs in her living room, he clutched the Styrofoam box and began to pace.

“Well, sunshine, what do you think about this place?” he asked.

Relieved the ice was broken between them, she sat on the sofa. “Something is really odd around here. I smell something off. Danielle’s hiding something.” Deep inside, it felt as if the gift Kayla detested struggled to surface.

“Just as long as she can’t catch on that we’re hiding something, too.”

“Okay, want to let me in on what’s going on?” She pointed to the box.

“It’s not for me. Come on.”

She followed Guy, who unlocked the door adjoining their rooms. As she entered into his living area, the sweet aroma of vanilla filled the air. Kayla wrinkled her nose as he grinned.

“See, I told you. Knew it would come back to you, your sense of scent.”

But the fact he was right didn’t shock her as much as the surprise waiting in his bedroom.

On the king-size bed sat a girl in red shorts and a blue checked blouse. She looked about ten years old. Guy gave a satisfied smile.

“Hey, Brianna,” he said.

Chapter 8

Fear tightened the girl’s face. Kayla immediately went to her, crooning reassurances. “It’s okay, honey. We’re not going to hurt you.”

Her gaze went from Kayla to Guy. “I know,” Brianna whispered. “You’re the ones looking for me, who’ll take me to the States.”

“How did you…” Kayla began.

“You were hiding in the back of the 4Runner. You climbed in after watching us at the stream. Smart girl,” Guy told her.

She flushed under the praise. “You scented me.”

“Right.”

Stunned, Kayla stared. “Why did you run off, honey?”

“I don’t like it here.” Brianna’s mouth trembled. “That woman, Danielle. I saw her arrive when I was sitting on the balcony. But the taste of her in the air scared me. So I ran away before she could see me. I know the woods by the stream. But I got so hungry, I thought maybe you’d have food.” Her nose wrinkled. “All you had left was celery, tomatoes and peanut butter.”

Guy sat on the bed, opened the container and removed a plastic knife and fork. “It’s okay, little one. I brought you dinner. Relax, no one’s going to hurt you. Eat, and we can talk later.”

Brianna began gulping down the meal. Kayla’s heart turned over at Guy’s gentle manner. He was good with children. Her gaze roved over the child’s thin shoulders, the corn-silk fineness of her hair. Brianna’s fresh vanilla scent filled the air, carrying the sweetness existing in all Draicon children. It would not change until puberty when she experienced her first shift into wolf.

A small gold locket hung around the girl’s neck. Kayla picked it up. Her heart hammered against her chest.

“Where did you get this?” she managed.

Brianna glanced up. “It’s from my maman. Uncle Malcolm said she never took it off because it was part of her heart.”

It wasn’t possible, yet Kayla knew with every bone in her body it was. Emotion clogged her throat.

“Oh, Brianna.” Kayla engulfed the little girl in a tight hug. Weeping, she buried her face into the girl’s hair. Brianna remained stiff as wood. After a minute, Kayla pulled away. Sheopened the golden heart and saw the familiar photo of herself and her mother.

“This belonged to my mother.” Kayla smiled at her. “Your mother. She didn’t forget me, after all.”

Guy looked shocked. Doubt etched the child’s expression. “I don’t understand.”

“Your mother was Cristina.” When Brianna nodded, Kayla continued. “My mother. I gave her this locket. That makes you my sister.”

“My mother died when I was younger. My uncle Malcolm gave it to me.” Brianna looked confused. “You’re my sister?”

Grief at losing her mother mixed with hopeful joy. Kayla nodded, hugging her again. But the child remained stiff.

“Were there other children in your pack, Brianna?” Guy asked. “Others we should know about to take to safety?”

“No. Malcolm was the youngest. He was eight hundred and twenty-three.”

Over the top of the girl’s head, they exchanged glances. In human terms, that made Malcolm elderly. Kayla’s stomach churned. Her mother had fled to raise her youngest daughter in a pack that had forgotten all about childhood.

She would make up for it.

As Brianna ate, Kayla motioned for Guy to follow her into the living room. Once there, she could no longer contain herself. “My sister,” she said brokenly. “I have a sister, Guy.”

Gently, he cupped her face. “I’m happy for you, darlin’. I’ll get her safely back to the States.”

“And after?”

He sighed. “You know what I have to do.”

“No!” She backed off, thrusting out her hands. “We have to figure something else out. You can’t give her to Dell. She’s my sister, damn it.”

“She needs the safety of a pack.”

“She needs me, Guy.” Kayla’s voice cracked. “How can you do this to me?”

Scarlet suffused his face. “Do to you? Damn it, Kayla, can’t you see I am doing this for you? We can have a life together. I promise, I’ll do my damnedest to make it good for you. But I need to stay out of prison. And that means Brianna goes to Dell. I warned you, she’s not the most important thing to me. You are. You’re my mate.”

Kayla fought the tears threatening to surface. He was selfish, thinking only of his own needs to mate, and not Brianna. There was only one way to tell for certain what he was. Just as she had done with her father, and seen the darkness inside him. The thought terrified her. But she had to find out.

Summoning all her strength, she finally called forth all her magick. Her long-gone Draicon gift roared to the surface. Kayla unleashed her powers, sending them hurling into Guy. The gift she loathed, reaching deep into the soul of another to see if it were tainted black.

Nothing but white light shone inside Guy, a steady pulse tinged with the deep blue of sorrow. Guy had been hurt, badly. But no evil lurked inside him. Nothing but pain, desperation and a deep longing to learn to love and trust again.

Pulling out, she gasped. Guy gently clasped her shoulders. “You’re trembling. Kayla, what did you just do?”

“I used my gift on you.” She clung to his arms. “I’m a Seer. I go inside people’s souls and find out what they truly are. That’s another reason I don’t want to be Draicon. I hate seeing inside people and knowing those I love, and thought were good, aren’t.”

He went still, his look guarded. “Damn, I never even felt it.”

“No one does. That’s what makes the gift so dangerous to others. I’m like a spy who can eavesdrop without getting caught.”

Anguish twisted his features. “And you saw what I am,” he said in a low voice.

Kayla’s heart wrenched. She took his hands into hers. “Yes. You’re loyal and courageous and strong, and you’ve been hurt, badly. And despite being hurt, you don’t lash out in revenge. That’s rare, Guy. My father had evil lurking inside him. He craved power to use over others and he wanted it at any cost, even killing my mother. I couldn’t find one glimmer of darkness inside you, except the darkness I also face.”

She paused. “The darkness of being alone.”

Gently, he squeezed her palms. “You’re not alone anymore. Kayla. As much as I want to give Brianna to you, I can’t. But I’m not heartless.”

“We’ll figure out something else. We must,” she assured him.

Suddenly a surge of cold foulness slammed into her. It was as if once she’d opened the door to her powers, something else rushed in. Kayla moaned, wrenched her hands free.

“What’s wrong?” he asked sharply.

“I don’t know—it’s like tasting something nasty in the air.”

A horrid suspicion seized her. Kayla headed back to Brianna. “Honey, you said the taste of Danielle was all wrong. What exactly did it taste like?”

Her little sister set aside the now-empty container. “Like something sweet, but yucky underneath. Like…”

“Bad swamp water?” Kayla guessed.

Brianna nodded, her eyes wide.

“What is it?” Guy asked urgently.

Kayla turned to him, her heart pounding hard. “You know that thing Bernard mentioned at dinner? The Remorae isn’t legend, after all. We have to leave, right now!”

He wasted no time in grabbing their bags. But as they opened the door, Danielle stood outside with Henri, who held a pistol.

“How nice,” she drawled. “Dinner is served.”

The crack of gunfire followed, tainting the air with the sharp scent of cordite. Burning pain seared her shoulder. Kayla cried out and staggered back.

Ribbons of clear water shot from Danielle’s hands toward Brianna. They pinned the screaming girl against the wall.

Brianna was trapped as Danielle began stalking toward her.

Chapter 9

Shock turned to fury as Guy looked at his wounded mate. His powers surged as he shifted into wolf, ready to tackle the bastard.

But Henri made a tsking sound. “Try anything, Laurent, and I’ll put a bullet in her brain.”

Guy snarled, but remained motionless. Blood drained from Kayla’s face as she clutched her shoulder. He felt the agony burning through her body. With all his strength, he sent soothing warmth streaming into her. He poured all his strength into her. The deep affection he felt. Not love. He could not love.

Hang on, sunshine. Use your energy to try to get the wound to heal. Can you do that for me?

Yes.

The Draicon smiled as he glanced at Danielle. “Isn’t my wife lovely? She left me, you know. There were no Draicon children for her to feed upon. They were too well-protected. So I made arrangements here with the Morphs. I gave them the location of Cristina’s pack. They killed the adults and I got Brianna. It was easy to fool Bernard into thinking I was Brianna’s protector. His senses are dulled and I’m not Morph so I don’t have their scent.”

The Remorae shifted into its natural form. It resembled a large colorless slug as she inched on two legs toward a screaming Brianna.

Guy snarled in frustration. But inside his mind, Kayla spoke. Keep him distracted. I’m going into Danielle.

Fear raced through him. Don’t. You’re hurt and you may not have enough energy to leave her.

It’s the only way to find out what our best offense is.

Guy waited, watching Henri. Then Kayla spoke into his mind. We need salt. This is why Henri lives here, to avoid suspicion. No one would think of a Remorae living by saltwater.

There’s salt in the cooler, Guy told her. When I give the word, throw it at Danielle.

Using all his powers, Guy nudged the cooler open. The top of the shaker unscrewed, then the container floated out, skimming near the floor. His attention riveted to their faces, Henri didn’t notice.

Guy placed the saltshaker in Kayla’s opened hand. Now!

The Remorae’s mouth was an open pucker as it rested against Brianna’s forehead. Brianna screamed as the creature began to suck.

With a loud snarl, Guy charged Henri, using his telepathy to jerk the gun out of his grasp. Kayla whirled, dashed the shaker’s contents at the Remorae.

Salt sank into Danielle’s skin, releasing a gush of colorless fluid. She screamed, breaking her hold on Brianna.

It was all he needed. Guy shifted back, grabbed the Remorae and lifted her, and whirled toward the open balcony doors.

With all his might, he threw her downward. Guy winced at the horrid screams that followed as she splashed into the bay.

“No!” Henri wailed and ran outside, leaping over the railing after his wife. The Draicon fell into the sea.

It was over.

The drive back to the city was agonizingly long. Kayla lay against the seat. Her energy levels depleted, she needed medical attention to heal. His mate was hurting, and he was powerless to help her.

When they arrived at the hotel, Bernard, alerted by his phone call, scrambled out of the hotel with an army of staff. They placed Kayla on a stretcher and wheeled her away.

Guy started after her, but his friend stayed him. “She’ll get the best care. There’s nothing more you can do for her. Take care of the little one.” Bernard nodded toward Brianna.

Frantic with worry, he forced his emotions to calm as he paced in the lobby. Brianna sat quietly by one of the stone statues.

It would be okay, he assured himself. When Kayla healed, they’d return, and give Brianna to Dell. The little girl needed a pack, a Draicon life.

And what of her real family, his conscience asked.

His stomach knotted. Kayla would accept it. She must. They were destined mates. They would make a life together.

Brianna touched the statue of a mother holding her child and called to Guy. He squatted down besides her. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“What is that woman doing?”

Puzzled, he glanced at the sculpture. “She’s hugging her child.”

Her small fingers rasped against the stone, caressing the raised ridges of the mother’s carved hair, tracing the gentle curve of her upturned mouth.

“Why is she smiling?”

“I don’t know. Probably because she loves her.”

Brianna looked confused. “The elders in the pack didn’t do this.”

“They didn’t hug you?” he asked, stricken.

She shook her head. “Is that what Kayla did? She hugged me?”

Guy stared. Brianna had never felt the warmth of arms embracing her in love. In a way, she was like him. He’d suffered through thirty years of a stone-cold prison. But she’d been imprisoned, as well, inside a stone-cold pack that never expressed simple affection.

“Yes, because she loves you,” he told her.

“Oh! I liked the feeling,” she admitted.

He knew then what he must do. Brianna needed her big sister. And Kayla needed to be happy. Brianna would make her happy.

I can’t do this, he thought frantically. If I don’t give Brianna to Dell, I’m screwed, back in prison again. Prison would make him as wretched as he’d been before.

Just as alone.

His fingers sought the Identi chip buried just beneath the skin on his wrist.

I’m sorry, Brianna, he silently told her as he watched the little girl put her arms around the stone mother. I can’t do it.

Every wolf for himself.

But this time, the adage made him want to scream.

Chapter 10

Three days later, Kayla awoke in her hotel suite. Fully healed, her shoulder no longer ached. She showered, dressed and walked into the kitchenette.

They were leaving today.

Three days spent with Guy, making love, talking, getting to know him. Getting to know Brianna. His gentleness with her sister had turned her heart over. His fiercely protective manner and devoted attention had made Kayla finally drop all her defenses.

Nothing would change in this room after they left.

But everything would change for the two people sharing it now.

The coffeemaker was filled. Guy’s thoughtfulness touched her. He knew exactly how she liked it, and had it waiting when she awoke.

He sat outside on the balcony. Kayla poured herself a cup. She sipped as she studied him through the beveled glass sliders. The bitter Arabian coffee lingered on her tongue. It tasted like salty tears.

She opened the sliders and went outside to join him.

He was staring at the mountains, his feet were propped up on the planter. Scraggly ferns leaned over and tickled his bare feet like playful children.

He was not smiling.

Kayla stood next to him. Her throat closed tight.

“I made all the arrangements. Instead of flying into Fort Lauderdale, we’re flying into Miami so Dell won’t see you, and then you take Brianna to your home,” he said quietly.

She started to argue, when he turned toward her. Kayla’s heart lurched at his stark anguish. “Take Brianna, give her a good home. I trust you will.”

“You said she needed a pack.”

“She needs her big sister more.” The blue in his eyes blazed like incandescent light. “She needs love, Kayla. And if she goes with Dell, she won’t find it. She needs that more than anything the Draicon can give her.”

“I need you,” Kayla whispered.

“I need you—hell, sunshine, more than you can know. But more than that, I need you to be safe and happy. I’d do anything to see that.”

Roosters crowed in the distance. The world was waking up. How she wished it would sleep, and leave them be for a while longer.

“Our world is growing too dangerous.” He shoved a hand through his shaggy hair. “We don’t have to worry about just Morphs now. That damn Remorae nearly killed Brianna.”

“But what will you do, Guy?”

“I’m turning myself over to the Phoenix.” His jaw tightened. “And then back to prison.”

He stood. Her coffee cup clattered to the ground, the brown liquid an exclamation mark against the stark-white marble.

“No, Guy, no, you can’t go back there.” She wrapped her arms about his waist as if to anchor him to her. “Run away, you can hide.”

“You know I can’t,” he said gently.

Guy smoothed back her hair from her face. “I have to turn myself in, sunshine. There’s a chip beneath my skin that will be activated today if I don’t. I can finish my sentence, as long as I know you’re safe.”

A sentence in a living hell. Tears trickled down her cheeks as he buried his face in her hair. Then he lifted her chin with his hand. His kiss was deep, hard and desperate as his lips moved over hers.

As if he kissed her for the very last time. The hell with that, she thought savagely.

Minutes later, while Guy was showering, she made a phone call to the States. Jack and Denise agreed to help. Kayla hung up, feeling a faint glimmer of hope.

This could work.

Her plan went smoothly. Their plane arrived at Miami International on time. Guy kept glancing down at his wrist where the Identi chip was buried.

Soon, it would start pulsing again.

At the baggage carousel, she saw Denise. The redhead nodded and ducked into the ladies’ room. Kayla took Brianna’s hand. “Guy, we need to use the restroom. Why don’t you get our bags?”

He nodded, looking distracted. She longed to touch his arm, assure him everything would be all right.

Inside the restroom, Denise handed her a small bag she’d requested. Her friend gently took Brianna’s hand. “Honey, you need to come with me. Kayla has something she needs to do. I want you to wear this hat. You can trust me, okay?”

Kayla held her breath, not sure if her little sister could trust a human. But Brianna inhaled, smiled at Denise as her friend tucked the girl’s long blond hair beneath the pink cap. Kayla gave Brianna a goodbye hug and watched them leave. Taking a deep breath, she exited the restroom.

Guy stood with the bags near the carousel. His eyes narrowed as he saw she was alone. “Where is she?” he demanded.

“Safe. She’s with my friend. I’m staying.” Kayla fished in the black bag and drew out a small knife. “Brace yourself, this is going to hurt. I’m getting that damn chip out of you so you can be free.”

Torment swirled in his gaze. He grazed her cheek with a soft kiss. “Sunshine, you are one hellava woman. I love the fact you’re willing to do this. But it’s impossible. It’s wired to my heart. The minute you try to dig it out, it delivers enough juice to kill me.”

Her throat closed. Kayla put the knife back. “Then we’ll find another way. I can’t just let you leave, Guy.”

A barely perceptible beep sounded from Guy’s wrist. “You have no choice, darlin’. My sentence just started again.”

“We can run,” she said desperately.

But even as she took his hand, light flashed nearby. A tall, intimidating man leaned against a rack of baggage carts. Kayla’s breath hitched.

The Phoenix.

“Time’s up, Guy. Where’s Brianna?” he asked.

Guy closed his eyes. “I’m not giving her over, Tristan. She belongs with Kayla. Brianna is her sister.”

“Those weren’t the arrangements,” the Phoenix told him.

“I know.” Guy held out his wrists. “So sue me.”

The humans milling about them seemed oblivious. Tristan had obviously mind-shielded them from seeing.

“No!” she screamed, surging forward as the green-eyed immortal snapped silver handcuffs around Guy’s shaking wrists. “You bastard, don’t take him back—they’ll hurt him again, they’ll…”

“Sorry, Kayla,” the Phoenix said gently. “Rules are rules.”

“Please,” she begged, looking at Guy. I know you can’t love me, but I love you.

Anguish etched Guy’s expression. “I was wrong, sunshine. I can learn to love again,” he whispered.

Tristan waved his hand. They vanished like mist beneath the hot Florida sun. Burying her face into her hands, she let the tears fall. He was gone for good.

She could never get him back.

Chapter 11

The stone-cold concrete floor of his cage sank into his very bones. Naked, in human form five days after his arrival, Guy huddled in a corner of his cage. His body ached. But the physical pain was little compared to the emptiness inside him. He missed Kayla, and it hurt so bad he wanted to die.

Then, suddenly, a gentle voice sounded in his mind. Guy, I’m here.

Lifting his head, he caught the delicious scent of honey and wildflowers. “Kayla,” he whispered.

The rasp of metal sounded. Guy raised his head, his heart thudding furiously as he watched a silent figure jimmy the lock, open the door and slip inside.

His breath hitched as Kayla approached. He struggled to his feet, threw his arms around her and buried his head into her hair. For a moment they remained in each other’s arms. Then she gently untangled from him.

“If you can’t come to me, then I’m coming here to live with you. Jack and Denise will raise Brianna.” Kayla bit her beautiful lower lip. “I can wait for you to love me.”

He brushed the hair back from her face. “You don’t have to wait any longer.”

In a flash, she shifted. The beautiful silver-gray timber wolf looked expectantly at him. Just as long as they don’t expect us to publically mate or something gross like that.

Guy sank to his knees, running his hands over her fur. He marveled at her tremendous sacrifice. No one had ever loved him this deeply, or completely.

Light flashed in his cage. Guy gave a low snarl and put his body protectively before her as Tristan appeared. The immortal leaned against the wall, regarded them both.

“Don’t you dare hurt her, Phoenix. If you want to blame someone, blame me. But let her go.”

“You’re both free.”

Tristan depressed a button on a small box and the chip deactivated. He squatted down, removed a tool from his pocket. Guy grimaced as the Phoenix used it to remove the Ident chip, then blotted his bleeding wrist with a clean square of gauze.

It’s gone now. For good.

Kayla shifted back to her human form. Naked, she curled against Guy.

Tristan waved a hand, clothing them both. He smiled. “There’s a new car waiting for you outside. A bank account in both your names with the forty thousand dollars promised to Kayla, plus an additional thirty million dollars, ten million for each decade you suffered in prison, Guy.”

He felt as if the Phoenix yanked out an invisible rug from under him. Guy stared at the Phoenix, wondering when the guy would start cackling about it being a cruel joke.

“I don’t get it. What about Brianna?” Kayla faced Tristan. “I’m not giving my little sister over to Dell.”

“Dell never did want Brianna. I only told you that to test Guy.”

“And why the hell would you do that?” Guy demanded.

“To see if you’d put another’s needs before your own, or if prison had ruined you. When you sacrificed your freedom for Brianna, I already made the choice to free you. But I decided to see what Kayla would do. When she chose to be with you, I knew you both were the right choice for the job.”

The Phoenix turned to Kayla. “You have a rare gift. You can detect evil, no matter how it’s disguised. Danielle wasn’t the last Remorae. There are others looking for the Draicon orphans hiding in the mountains of Île de Sanglier. We need you and Guy to find these children and bring them to safety.”

“Is that the condition for my release?” Guy asked.

Tristan shook his head. “You’re free, regardless. The choice is yours.”

“You’re immortal. Can’t you do it?” Kayla asked.

“I’ll help as I am allowed, but I can’t give these children the love and attention they need. Not like the type you and Guy can give them.” He looked steadily at them. “Will you do it?”

“What about my business? Denise and Jack need me,” she protested.

The immortal smiled. “Denise and Jack will follow you wherever you go, Kayla. They’re Draicon. You can train them to help.”

She gasped. “Draicon! All this time they acted human. I couldn’t even scent them.”

“They disguised their scents. Dell sent them to look after you,” Tristan said gently. “He isn’t such a heartless bastard, after all. They volunteered, because they didn’t want you to be alone, either.”

Resolve shone in his mate’s eyes. Suddenly for the first time in decades, Guy felt renewed purpose. He took Kayla’s hand, turned it over. “Kayla, I’m willing, and able. If you’ll stand by me, I say let’s do it.”

She squeezed his fingers. “It will take some organizing, and I’ll need time to regain my full powers, but those little ones need us.”

“Good. In one month, go visit Bernard and he’ll have an assignment waiting for you.” Tristan waved his hand.

They found themselves outside the zoo, a sleek black Camry waiting for them. Keys were in Kayla’s hand. She grinned, and Guy’s heart turned over.

“I guess the Phoenix thinks I’m a better driver than you are, wolf.” She laughed.

He took her into his arms, gave her a long, slow kiss, loving the feel of her warm, soft mouth against his. He could face an army of demons, Morphs and Remorae, as long as Kayla was by his side.

“I don’t mind,” he murmured against her lips. “So long as I get to pick the music. And it’s not ‘Jailhouse Rock.’”

ISBN: 978-1-4268-3861-3

Darkness of the Wolf

Copyright © 2009 by Bonnie Vanak

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