Unexpected Alpha

Amber Kell

Unexpected Alpha

Amber Kell

Smashwords edition

Copyright 2015 by Amber Kell

This Edition: April 2015

Cover design: Meredith Russell

Editors: Beany Sparks, Jason Bradley

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee. Such action is illegal and in violation of Copyright Law.

Dedication

In honor of my son:

All profits from this book will be donated to the Autism Society of Washington

A special thank you to Meredith Russell and Beany Sparks for donating their time and talents to help make this book possible.

Chapter One

If Stanley Brown had known what kind of day it would turn out to be, he would’ve stayed in bed. No two ways about it. In bed with the door locked, the curtains drawn, and maybe a giant boulder in front of the entrance to his apartment building, like the ones in cartoons.

He definitely wouldn’t have gone running in the park.

Idiot.

But how was he to know something he did on an almost nightly basis would turn disastrous?

Not a lot of people visited the park at night. Technically, it closed at dusk, but Stanley considered the opening times posted as more of a guideline rather than a hard fast rule, and had discovered many fellow joggers with the same opinion. Except tonight none of his other running rebel friends were around to keep him company. Shrugging off the slight shiver tickling down his spine, Stanley continued on his routine path. He had no reason to find that night any scarier than other nights. In fact, the full moon brightened up the park far better than the pathetic glow from the dim streetlights a block away.

Hitting his stride, Stanley followed the familiar curved gravel path. The apartment key he kept on a chain around his neck and under his shirt. The small bit of metal tapped a calming rhythm against his chest with each step. A dog growled behind him. Damn, some moron had let his pet off leash again. He hated dog owners who thought the idea of a good time was to take their barely tamed animal to the park and let them run free. Those kinds of people tended to be mindless idiots who never worried about their beasts mauling some poor kid playing in the grassy field as long as Fido didn’t have to be oppressed by the leash laws.

Still running, Stanley reached into his jacket pocket and wrapped his fingers around the container of pepper spray he kept tucked inside. He might like to run amongst the trees, but this city boy never traveled without some sort of protection. He blamed the owners, not the mutts for their misbehavior, sadly it was the animals that got sprayed. Dousing the owners would’ve been much more satisfying.

The growling became louder. Maybe running away from the snarling dog had unleashed the animal’s hunting instinct. Well fuck, he wasn’t going to stop now.

Fumbling to pull the canister out, it caught on the inside mesh of his jacket pocket. A loud howl filled the air, closer this time. Before he could react, thick claws stabbed into Stanley’s back like sharp razors easily slicing through his thin nylon clothing.

Screaming, he fell face first onto the ground. Fear accelerated his heartbeat, hammering a staccato rhythm against his chest. He rolled over, still trying to pull the pepper spray out of his pocket. Stanley kicked at the creature, then pushed off with his feet and rolled away from his attacker. The dog, wolf, thing turned toward him, saliva dripping from its long snout.

What the hell is that? A feral dog? A runaway lab animal?

If he believed in monster movies, this would’ve been the perfect set up. His thoughts jabbering away in his mind, Stanley continued to yank at the pepper spray. Finally, the canister pulled free. With shaking hands, he lined up the nozzle and pointed it at the shaggy, snarling creature.

“Take that, you fucker!” Stanley stumbled to his feet and sprayed the large animal. If he found the beast’s owner, he’d sue the bastard for terrifying the crap out of him. Before he could douse the beast a second time, it jumped at Stanley and scratched the hell out of his arm. Unprepared for a second attack, Stanley tumbled to the ground. He let out a gurgling cry as the beast lunged and clamped onto Stanley's throat with its massive teeth. Like a set of Ginsu knives, the beast’s sharp canines ripped through Stanley’s flesh. His vision dimmed from lack of blood as it splashed a warm river across his throat. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, not daring to buck off the beast gnawing at his throat. Thoughts of his parents' sorrow when they heard of his death renewed Stanley’s fading determination.

Flinging out his hand, Stanley scrabbled to grab hold of anything. A piece of branch filled his palm, the wood scraping his flesh. Desperate for any bit of help, Stanley clutched the small branch. With his last surge of strength, he brought the stake up between them and stabbed the beast through its chest. Blood coated Stanley’s arm, its sticky essence soaking his shirt in a hot, crimson river. He turned his head when the first flow tried to get into his mouth. Spitting out the acrid taste spilling across his tongue, he still couldn’t quite clear his mouth of the flavor.

The beast released its grip and howled. Stanley’s ears rang from the bellowing sound of the monster’s death cry. After a few extra digs of its claws, the creature collapsed on top of him. The animal’s crushing weight pressed Stanley into the earth until his vision sparkled and oxygen became a rare commodity.

Panting, Stanley shoved. The creature toppled over, landing beside him with a heavy thud. Stanley gulped in air, but with blood still spurting from his neck, the world spun around. Curious, Stanley turned his head. He’d fallen on the top of a small rise. With steadily fading vision, Stanley watched a small red stream flow out of his body. When had it turned so cold on such a balmy night? He never discovered the answer before the world faded away.

* * * *

Whispers woke him. Not because the voices were saying anything profound, but because the noise trickled into his mind just loud enough to be irritating.

Blinking, he winced at the bright light blasting his eyes like visual pollution.

“Shhh, he’s waking up,” a female voice said.

Stanley frowned. His mother was the only female he’d trusted near him while he slept, and that wasn’t her voice. Questions spun in his mind only to vanish beneath the pounding, aching, piercing pain crashing through his brain like the sea against a cliff wall, wearing down his barriers. He yearned for a drink to wash away the desert dryness of his throat.

“Water,” Stanley gasped. His voice sounded raspy to his ears, like a pack-a-day smoker on a nicotine bender.

He opened his eyes, but the world hid beneath a foggy haze.

“I’ll go get you some water, be right back.” The strange blurry female patted him on the shoulder. He heard the sound of her footsteps scampering off.

Closing his eyes again, Stanley sank back into the darkness, ready to return to the comforting unconsciousness of moments before.

“You can only hide for so long.” A luxurious voice filled his ears, deep and luscious like everything rich and wonderful in the universe. Stanley wanted to wrap himself in the speaker’s essence and wallow in the sound.

Weird.

Opening his eyes, he braved the brightness and blur to get a look at the man with such an intriguing voice. Unlike before, this time everything came to him in sharp focus and brilliant color. Stanley’s avid gaze swept the tousled black hair and dark gray eyes of the man sitting beside him.

“Damn, you’re gorgeous.”

Shit, had he said that out loud? His brain to mouth filter must be missing after his attack. Still he wouldn’t take back the truth. Stanley wanted to sink his fingers into the man’s thick locks and absorb the flavor of his mouth. His fingers tingled with the urge to touch, and his cock hardened, eager to fulfill Stanley’s fantasies.

The stranger’s nostrils flared as if he could smell Stanley’s desire. A strange noise emitted from Stanley’s throat, almost like a puppy whine.

What the fuck was that?

A small smile tilted the beautiful man’s lush lips. He cupped Stanley’s cheek. “You’re a sweet thing, aren’t you?”

He’d be this man’s sweet thing, any time.

A long sigh slid out of Stanley, as if the dark-haired man had eased the knot of tension twisted up inside of him.

“I’ve got his water.” The female returned and pulled Stanley’s attention from his new friend.

A pretty blonde in tight denim and a cropped blue shirt stepped forward. Stanley’s temper flared when she walked closer to the handsome man.

He sat up, snatched the water, and growled. “Mine.”

Growled.

“What the fuck is wrong with me?” he asked. His emotions spun out of control like an unbalanced clothes dryer, wobbling and shaking. Hands trembling, he barely lifted the water to his lips without spilling. The stranger wrapped his warm masculine fingers around Stanley’s, soothing his nerves and helping him sip his water. “Thank you.”

He set the water on the table.

The stranger’s smile heated Stanley’s soul as if the dark-haired man had a direct connection to the sun. The stranger climbed onto the bed in front of Stanley. He wiggled until Stanley rested his head against the stranger’s chest. Stanley looked down at the soft white cotton covering his own chest. He didn’t recognize the T-shirt. Lifting the blankets, he found his lower half encased in a pair of soft gray sweats.

“You were attacked. We had to toss out your clothing,” the stranger explained.

Despite not knowing the man, Stanley snuggled in close, resting his head on the stranger’s shoulder. His bedmate smelled so fucking good. A low vibration rumbled through Stanley’s chest. He’d interrogate later. Content, he absorbed the warmth against his cheek. Questions poked and prodded at him, but he pushed them away, unwilling to mar the pleasure of snuggling next to the gorgeous man.

“Want some more water?”

“Maybe later.” Plastered in the delicious man’s arms, Stanley calmed.

“We should get you something to eat,” the woman said, reminding Stanley she remained in the room.

“Sandy, why don’t you go find him some food? He’s feeling territorial.”

The girl smirked. “He’s only territorial over you.”

“That’s because he’s mine!” Stanley shouted. Shocked, he curled into himself. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that.”

He’d always had an even temper. Shouting at people who helped him was completely out of character.

Sliding away from the man, Stanley frantically scanned the room. His thoughts were all jumbled, and he didn’t like the girl standing so close to the bed. Her proximity triggered Stanley’s temper.

“I’m Fen, and this is my cousin Sandy,” the gray-eyed man said. He watched Stanley as if worried he might attack at any moment. Hell, the way Stanley’s nerves jumbled about, he might. He felt more feral than the wild cat that used to live in the fields by his grandfather’s farm. Some days he still missed the old curmudgeon.

“Fen’s kind of an unusual name.” Stanley eyed the handsome man.

“It’s short for Fenris.”

“Parents into mythology?”

People named their kids weird-ass things, as if they were completely unaware that a living, breathing being would be labeled forever with whatever crap name they chose in their inebriated state.

Fen tilted his head like a puppy listening to a sound far away. “Something like that.”

Glancing around the room didn’t bring up any memories. The soft bed, the beige walls, the people—nothing rang any bells.

Had he gone on a bender? Did he have sex with Fen? Not that he minded, but Stanley wished he could remember. He didn’t usually drink too much and forget what he did the night before, but there was a first time for everything. Stanley took mental stock of his body. Nothing hurt, maybe he’d dreamed the entire dog thing. Why did he end up here? Had he been in a different type of accident?

“Where am I?”

“You’re a few miles away from the park where you were attacked,” Sandy replied, picking up the water glass. “I’ll leave Fen to give you the details while I get you something to eat.” Sandy gave her cousin a cheeky grin before all but skipping out of the room.

As soon as she was gone, Stanley turned to face the sexy god of his dreams. Fen’s clingy top outlined his wide shoulders, corded muscles, and six-pack abs in lust-inspiring detail. The tiny spark of attraction hovering about while Sandy had talked heated into an inferno. Stanley licked his lips. It would be a crime to leave without enjoying the man before him. From Fen’s expression, he wasn’t totally immune to Stanley’s charm. He’d worry about his pesky memory later. Right then, he had more important things, or rather a man, to do.

“Let me know if I need to stop,” Stanley warned right before he pounced.

Fen went down beneath Stanley’s body with a soft grunt. Growling, Stanley lapped at Fen’s lips until he opened up and allowed Stanley access. A low groan came from Fen as Stanley kissed and sucked at his mouth. Stanley had had more than one date come from his kisses alone. He reached down and cupped Fen’s erection through his denims, Fen’s hard cock was perfection in his hand. He knew Fen’s erection would feel even better sliding down Stanley’s throat.

“You don’t mind if I suck you, do you?” Not giving him a chance to reply, Stanley slid down on the bed, ripped open the snap then yanked down the zipper. Stanley growled over the long thick outline of Fen’s erection stretching out his underwear.

“Lift up,” he ordered.

Fen raised his hips, allowing Stanley to pull off Fen’s pants and underwear in one sweep.

Stanley threw the offending clothing onto the floor. He had better things to do than fold Fen’s pants. His mouth salivating, Stanley deep-throated Fen, showing his new lover his considerable skill. It had been a long time since Stanley was a virgin, and he’d learned a lot in the intervening years with willing practice subjects. He’d always hoped one day to find the perfect guy to appreciate his dedication research.

“Oh my fucking God!” Fen shouted.

Stanley swallowed and sucked until Fen gripped his hair in two fists and started fucking Stan’s mouth. Finally. He thought he’d have to draw the man a detailed map. He loved having his sex partner’s take control. Relaxing his throat, Stanley let Fen have his way.

It didn’t take long before Fen let out a guttural, inhuman sound and sprayed his seed down Stan’s throat. He moaned, knowing the vibration would drive Fen insane.

“Oh, yeah, baby, take it all. Take everything,” Fen muttered, his voice a low guttural growl.

Stanley kept up the pressure until Fen softened in his mouth, then he let Fen’s sensitized cock slide from between his lips. Stanley crawled back up on the bed to lie down.

Fen rolled Stanley over and roughly pulled off Stanley’s clothing. “I want to see, too.”

Laughing, Stanley allowed his clothes to be stripped away. After Fen finished, instead of taking advantage of Stanley’s newly bared body, he slid back onto the bed and cuddled Stanley in his arms.

“Get some rest,” Fen grumbled.

He should’ve been angry. Any other guy who didn’t reciprocate or at least offer him a hand job after Stan sucked them off would be shown the door. But Fen smelled too good and his warm body lulled Stanley’s eyes to close. He couldn’t get bitchy when he’d found perfect contentment. Not to mention he’d probably need a ride home.

“Mine,” he whispered because the word echoed in his head with a glow of rightness. Something inside him stirred and rumbled his agreement. Weird.

Stanley fell asleep in Fen’s arms to the slide of Fen stroking his fingers over Stanley’s hair. He woke to Sandy and Fen arguing.

“You can’t just keep him like a lost pet!” Sandy yelled.

“I’m keeping him. He’s our alpha,” Fen snapped, his tone sharper than Stan had heard before.

“He’s like a puppy dog!” Sandy argued.

Fen growled. “He said I was his.”

“We should send him back where we found him.”

“He’s mine!” Fen snarled, sounding more animalistic than human. “Besides, we can’t just let him loose. He needs to be taught.”

“Whatever,” Sandy snapped.

Stan wanted to keep his eyes open, but exhaustion pulled him down into the blackness of sleep. Tomorrow he’d worry about the strange man who smelled like spun sugar and moonlight, and the bitchy, angry woman.

Chapter Two

The next time Stanley woke up, Fen lay curled up beside him in bed. Snuggling up closer to the wonderful smelling man, Stanley sniffed his neck.

Yum.

He licked at the bare stretch of skin to see if the man tasted as sweet as he smelled. Damn, he tasted better. Heat and salty skin, Stanley wanted. Worse—he needed like a drug, or like a terrible magnet to his cheap metal.

Tilting his head, he grinned when he met Fen’s alert gaze. From the dark-haired man's expression, he’d been awake for longer than Stan’s two minutes. Memories from the day before flashed through Stan’s mind. How much time had passed?

“You doing all right? Need some water?” The gorgeous male stroked Stanley’s back as if he were trying to soothe Stan. Why did Fen seem to think Stan needed calming when they both lay in a boneless heap?

“I’m good.”

Unable to stop himself, Stanley rolled over until Fen lay beneath him. Without asking, he took Fen’s mouth in a carnal kiss. Deep inside, Stanley watched with a feeling akin to shock, closer to horror. He’d never been a take-charge, demanding man in the bedroom, and he’d certainly never attacked anyone with such ferocity. Only the moans coming from the man beneath him prevented Stanley from halting his aggressive actions.

Delicious.

“You smell so damned good,” Stanley whispered.

“Bite me!” Fen’s pupils glowed, dark and enlarged with passion.

A sharp stabbing pain shot through Stanley’s gums. His mouth ached as if he had too many teeth to be contained. Growling, he moved and bit down on Fen’s shoulder.

Fen howled and wetness shot between them. Stanley opened his mouth, absently licking at the other man’s neck until the holes left by his teeth vanished.

Stanley froze, appalled at his actions. What was he doing? Why did the wound vanish so quickly, and where the fuck did he get fangs?

“What the fuck is wrong with me?” Scrambling off the bed, Stanley bolted from the room and into the adjacent bathroom. It was only by luck that he found the right place. Leaning over, he heaved and released the contents of his stomach inside the shiny white toilet.

He heard steps approaching, but he didn’t care. A newborn kitten could’ve taken him right then. Maybe he had the flu and hallucinations from bad medication? Yeah, that sounded good.

“Shhh. It’ll be all right.”

Fen rubbed Stan’s back in long soothing circles, but he wasn’t fooled. Nothing was going to be all right again. He didn’t feel like himself, and he’d just bitten someone. Maybe he could at least keep his new lover when he woke up from this strange horror movie he’d somehow captured a starring role in.

“What’s happening to me?” he gasped after rinsing out his mouth in the sink. He felt as if his body were trying to turn inside out. “Did I catch something from that dog? Did he have rabies?”

“Come on, babe. I have a toothbrush for you.”

“Nice avoidance.”

Fen dug around in the medicine cabinet before pulling out a wrapped toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. He handed them over, then returned to rubbing Stan’s back.

“Thanks.” Right then he wanted a clean mouth more than an explanation.

He let the babe thing slide, and the back rubbing felt too good to argue about. Besides, if a gorgeous man wanted to coddle him, Stan could use a bit of kindness. How he ended up in a stranger’s house was one of the things he still needed to figure out. He couldn’t lie even to himself, if given the chance, he’d happily jump into bed again with the sexy man beside him. Multiple times.

He leaned toward Fen. Damn, he smelled delicious. A low growl rolled up Stanley’s throat.

“Tooth brushing first. Pouncing second.”

Stanley nodded. He didn’t even want to think how his breath smelled. He shivered as he remembered kissing Fen. The man hadn’t commented, but maybe he was just polite. Pushing that thought aside, Stanley unwrapped the toothbrush, then squeezed toothpaste across the bristles.

Looking up at the mirror, he dropped the brush. “What the hell?”

For the first time since his attack, he looked at himself, really looked. His brown hair was thicker and longer than when he’d last looked in the mirror. His cheeks and chin, generally smooth, now had a slight scruff growing, and his teeth were sharper and whiter. But it was his eyes that had him panicking in the dimly lit bathroom. They shone like a wild animal.

Stan snatched the toothbrush back up, then quickly brushed his teeth before rinsing. He tilted his head to examine the changes from every angle.

“Don’t worry, you’re still beautiful.” Fen’s amused tone broke Stan’s absorption with his reflection.

He spun around to stare at his companion. “I think I deserve some answers, now.” A surge of energy crackled through his body. “Tell me.”

To his surprise, Fen tilted his head and bared his throat. “As you wish. But first, let me feed you.”

Stanley could see Fen’s need to take care of him by the way he hovered and stroked Stanley’s skin. “Fine. We’ll eat first.”

Fen kissed Stanley’s cheek. “Thank you. I’ve got some spare clothes you can wear.”

Stanley followed him back to the bedroom. He accepted a fresh pair of sweats and a T-shirt. “Thanks. No underwear?”

“No.” Fen’s flashed him a wicked grin.

“Keep that up and we won’t leave the bedroom.” Despite all the questions spinning around in his head, Stan’s cock hardened at the thought of Fen walking around with nothing beneath his pants.

Fen seemed to think it over before he shook his head. “No, we need to eat. You need your energy.”

“I do.” Stan hoped his smile reflected the thoughts going through his head. He could think of all kinds of things he needed energy for.

His stomach growled like a beast was trying to crawl out and attack him.

“We’d best feed your wolf,” Fen said, laughing.

“Yeah, my wolf.” Stanley shook his head. The dark-haired man had a quirky sense of humor, but Stanley had dated much worse. He let his gaze drift up and down Fen’s firm body. Yeah, he’d slept with much worse, too.

Hoping to finally get some answers, Stanley followed Fen out the bedroom, through the living room, and into a large eat-in kitchen. He quickly discovered that as long as he stayed close to his new lover, the jittery feeling stayed away.

Remembering the things he’d done to Fen made Stanley blush. He barely knew him. He couldn’t believe he’d sucked off a complete stranger. Usually it took a few dates before he became that familiar with a man.

Sandy stood before the stove. The delicious smell of bacon filled the room along with the wonderful crackle and pop of frying meat. Stan’s stomach growled.

He gave Sandy a bashful smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” Her tone wasn’t overly welcoming, but her eyes were more cautious than hostile.

Fen put a hand on Stanley’s back, leading him toward the table. The man liked to herd him.

He briefly wondered what he’d done to offend Sandy.

A door slammed open, and a thin blond man sauntered into the room. “Hey, Fenny.”

The stranger stepped forward to hug Fen, and Stanley saw red. No one touched Fen, no one but him. Grabbing the blond by the throat, Stanley lifted him up with one hand, then flung him. He watched in surprise as the slim body flew through the air and slammed into the far wall with a loud thud.

How had he done that? Stanley started to shake. Something wasn’t right with him. His body didn’t feel like it belonged to him anymore. Energy zapped through him like electricity while an unfamiliar strength invaded his body.

“Ouch.”

Sharp pains stabbed through the tips of his fingers. Lifting his right hand, he watched as his fingers stretched and grew until they resembled claws. “Fenris?” he whispered. Shock kept his fear trapped in his throat while inside he screamed hysterically.

“Shhh, babe. It’s all right.” Fen rubbed Stan’s back in slow circles.

“I don’t think back rubbing is going to make this right.” Stanley swallowed back the bile building in his throat.

“Who the fuck is he?” the blond asked, picking himself up off the floor.

“Shhh, Paul. This is Stanley, he’s having a rough morning.”

“He’s having a rough morning. I’m the one thrown around like a rag doll.”

“Then you shouldn’t have tried to touch me. He doesn’t like that,” Fen scolded.

Stanley’s fingers returned to normal. “What’s happening to me?”

“You’re a werewolf. What do you think is happening to you? Though even for a wolf, you’re fucking strong,” Paul grumbled.

Stanley burst into hysterical laughter. He must’ve fallen and hit his head while jogging in the park or something. He brushed aside the solidity of his surroundings.

“Werewolves aren’t real,” he said.

Paul turned to Fen, his tanned face paling. “Are you telling me he can toss me around and he still hasn’t gone through his first change?”

Fen nodded. “Meet the new alpha.”

Stanley frowned. “What are you talking about?” His voice came out more like a squeak than a question.

Fen pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Shhh, don’t panic. I know it’s new, but I’m going to take care of you.”

Paul laughed. “You. You’re going to take care of an alpha? You can barely take care of yourself. What makes you think he’s going to take you as a partner when he could have me?” He waved his hand to indicate his body. The man had an ethereal beauty that would appeal to many men, but he smelled wrong. Stanley wrinkled his nose and pushed Fen behind him as if he could protect Fen from Paul’s hurtful words.

Anger burned in his gut; he hated bullies. “Is there a reason you’re here?”

Paul’s eyes grew large as he examined Stanley’s expression. He quickly shifted his gaze to somewhere around Stanley’s ear. “I-I live here.”

Paul froze in place as Stanley approached. A low growl punctuated every step as he stalked closer. Stanley stopped a foot away from the trembling man. “I don’t like bullies. Don’t ever talk to Fen like that again.”

Stanley would protect Fen from harm, physical or mental. No one would treat him unkindly, or they would answer to Stanley. He couldn’t remember the last time he was so angry.

“Shhh, it’s all right. That’s just how Paul is,” Fen soothed.

Stanley leaned against Fen, immediately calming with the contact.

“Deep breaths, babe,” Fen whispered.

Turning his head, Stanley brushed his cheek across Fen’s. He sighed as the man’s natural fragrance seeped into him. He could smell their scents combining, calming him like a soothing balm. This entire thing was too fucking strange.

Paul’s shrill voice broke into Stanley’s obsession with Fen. “He’s been an alpha all of two seconds, and you already imprinted with him. You opportunistic bastard!” Paul’s eyes glowed an eerie yellow as he tried to catch sight of Fen standing behind Stanley’s protective guard.

Sandy, quiet this entire time, took that moment to speak. “Quiet, Paul. Stanley, you’re really a werewolf and apparently an alpha, which is good since you killed our last alpha after he bit you.”

“Why did he bite me?” He could go along with this until he figured out what was really going on. Obviously reality had taken a hard U-turn into weirdville.

Sandy put a big plate of crispy bacon and scrambled eggs on the table.

“Come, sit and I’ll explain everything to you,” Sandy said, patting the back of one wooden seat.

Stanley took the seat indicated after making sure Fen didn’t have to sit next to Paul.

The blond rolled his eyes and took the seat farthest from them. “I get it. Paul bad, Fen good mate.”

Sandy smacked him on the back of the skull.

“Ouch,” Paul frowned at her as he rubbed his head.

“Stop being an ass, or I’ll beat you myself,” Sandy scolded.

Stanley hid his smile behind his coffee cup. With Paul across the table, he didn’t feel the odd, overwhelming urge to snap the man’s neck. Fen rubbing Stanley’s leg didn’t hurt either, if he could just move his hand a little to the left.

He gave Fen a warm smile, pleased when that same delicious scent filled the air. Stanley forgot everything in the room except the gorgeous dark-haired man.

“Fen!” Sandy snapped. “Maybe you should go for a walk while I talk to Stanley.”

Stanley shook his head. “It’s not safe outside.” He didn’t care if their alpha was dead. There were obviously other werewolves or whatever the hell they were called, out there. Fen could be hurt. Stanley couldn’t allow that.

Fen gave Stanley a sweet smile. “I can go wait in the other room. Nothing can hurt me there.”

“You can wait here,” Stanley patted Fen’s hand before turning back to Sandy. “Now tell me what the hell is going on.” Inside, he quaked at his tone. His mother raised him to be more polite than that.

Sandy sat down at the table, a cautious eye on him as she settled into the chair across from him. “Our last alpha was a little unbalanced.”

“She means bat-shit crazy,” Paul interrupted.

“Shush, Paul,” Sandy scolded. “He wasn’t that bad.”

“He bit random strangers if he scented they had the gene. That’s why he’s dead. The Overseer heard about his antics and planned to have him killed. When he bit you, it signed his death warrant,” Paul said.

“Overseer? What’s an Overseer?” Stanley was still torn between thinking he’d fallen in with a group of wackos and hoping he had, because if they weren’t insane, he was a werewolf. He kind of hoped they were off their rocker.

Sandy took a sip of coffee. “The Overseer is basically the final law for werewolves. If a shifter goes rogue, the Overseer takes care of him.”

“Like a hunter of werewolves?” Stanley asked, thinking of all the werewolf movies he’d seen in the past. Wasn’t there always a hunter?

The other three nodded.

“How did I get here?”

“I was following the alpha. When I found he’d attacked you, I brought you home,” Fen explained.

Stanley rubbed his head. “At least I didn’t lose too much time. What is it, Sunday?” He’d gone out for a Saturday jog.

Fen cupped Stan’s cheeks, forcing him to look his lover in the eye. “Babe, you’ve been out for two weeks.”

“What do you mean I’ve been here for two weeks? I-I have to get home! I’ve got responsibilities. I have a job, or at least I used to.”

Stanley’s breath came in big gasps. He couldn’t breathe. How could one wolf bite ruin his life? His parents must be frantic.

Fen slid onto Stanley’s lap, putting one thigh on either side of his hips. Their groins pushed delightfully together.

“Calm, honey,” Fen ordered.

Distracted by the gorgeous man sliding across his crotch, Stanley didn’t get a chance to explain his panic before Fen captured his lips in a kiss that promised unending pleasure.

“If you’re going to fuck at the table, could you pass the bacon,” Paul’s snide voice cut through Stanley’s haze of lust.

Sliding a hand through Fen’s hair, he reluctantly pulled him away. “I need to get home.”

“You are home,” Fen said. The look in Fen’s eyes told Stanley that, for the shifter, life was just that simple.

“I have a job, family, and friends I have to get back to.”

“What kind of friends?” Fen’s eyes narrowed. Did his teeth look a little sharper? “Boyfriends?”

“No one you need to worry about. I’m not seeing anyone.” Stanley stroked Fen’s back, trying to calm the agitated man like Fen had calmed him. There must be a patch on the spine to soothe werewolves because Fen immediately lost his ire.

“What do you know about your family?” Sandy asked.

It took effort to tear his eyes away from Fen. “Go sit over there. I can’t think with you on me.” He gently nudged Fen away so he could concentrate on what Sandy had to say. With a smile, Fen retook his seat before handing Stanley another fork.

“I’m adopted,” Stanley said in response to Sandy’s question.

“Oh.” Sandy’s disappointed expression made him want to make it up to her, but what could he do? He couldn’t change the facts of his life to suit her.

Stanley shrugged, but in the back of his head, he was wondering what the hell he was going to tell his boss. Well, it probably wouldn’t matter since he more than likely no longer had a job.

Standing up, he faced the trio. “Thank you so much for taking care of me, but I’ve got to head home now.”

Surely he could get a taxi to take him home.

Paul threw back his head and laughed. “And do what? You can’t just walk back into your old life and pretend nothing happened. The first time you growl at someone you’ll probably get arrested. Besides, as an alpha, you have responsibilities now.”

“What responsibilities? So far I’ve been attacked, transformed, and probably lost my only source of money. Now you’re telling me I owe you something?” Stanley snarled. He didn’t have to take this crap. He had a life to get back to.

“What about Fen? Now that you claimed him, are you going to toss him aside?” Paul sneered. Stanley really wanted to smack the guy. He had to purposely relax his fists before he gave in to the impulse.

Looking over at Fen, he saw adoration and longing in his eyes. Stanley’s anger faded. As much as he hated to admit it, Paul had a good point. Stanley couldn’t abandon the man. Their connection resonated in his soul.

“I’ll take Fen with me.” There, problem solved. What the hell he was going to do with him Stanley didn’t know, but he couldn’t just leave Fen there. Fen’s smile warmed him from the inside out.

Paul laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “You don’t get to pick and choose your pack. You get whoever is assigned to you. You have to wait for the Overseer to tell you who belongs in your pack.”

Anger rushed through Stanley at the thought of someone else telling him what to do. The tips of his fingers ached.

Fen rushed over and wrapped himself around Stanley. “Breathe.”

Immediately, he calmed beneath Fen’s touch. These up-and-down emotions were exhausting. Stanley gave a rough laugh. “I can’t just take you with me everywhere like a teddy bear to cuddle when I get upset.”

“After a while, you’ll learn control.” Fen kept his arms around Stanley. “The first few changes are the worst.”

“I still need to get home.” He pulled out of Fen’s arms, but entwined the fingers of his right hand with Fen’s left. “Come with me, and you can tell me everything I need to know.”

“Okay.” Fen nodded after a quick glance around the room. The other two shifters didn’t say anything more, but their disapproval pressed down on Stanley’s chest like a five hundred pound barbell.

Before Fen and Stanley took more than a few steps, the doorbell rang.

Fen sniffed the air, then stiffened beside him. “The Overseer is here.”

Sandy rushed to answer the door while Fen, Stanley, and even Paul remained in place. They didn’t speak as they listened to the door open and close, but a familiar voice had Stanley squeezing Fen’s hand in a tight grip. Taking a deep breath, he waited until the man emerged from the hallway.

“Hello, Father,” Stanley greeted the newcomer. What were the chances that the man who adopted Stanley at the age of five just happened to be an Overseer of the werewolves? From the lack of surprise on Dr. Leon Brown’s face, Stanley had a feeling his attack wasn’t quite the accident everyone claimed.

“Stanley.” The man the werewolves called Overseer, but Stanley had always called his father, rushed over to him. Familiar hands tilted his head up. “They told me you’d changed, but I had to see for myself.”

Stanley released Fen’s hand to smacked his father’s away as his anger spiked once more. “You said you were a business advisor,” he accused.

How could the man he’d known and trusted all his life turn out to be someone completely different?

“I couldn’t exactly tell a five-year old I exterminated corrupt werewolves for a living,” Stanley’s father explained.

“And later?” Stanley crossed his arms over his chest and waited for whatever bullshit explanation his father could come up with. “I haven’t been five in a long damn time.”

Stanley’s father scowled. “Later, I didn’t want to scare the crap out of you by telling you there were werewolves. I was trying to protect you.”

“Well, you can see how well that worked out.” Stanley stormed away only to turn back and face his father. “Are you a werewolf, too?”

His father shook his head. “I’m the person werewolves fear. I hunt them down and kill them if they go bad.” The cold light in his father’s eyes was one Stanley had never seen before and hoped never to see again. However he wasn’t about to back down now. Not with the beast inside him growling about another alpha male in his territory.

“Did you know about me?” Had his whole childhood been a sham? Why hadn’t he known about this side of himself? It would make him feel less of a fool if he could claim to have had a clue before, but nothing had ever triggered this supposed inner voice before.

His father nodded. “Of course. But I thought you were latent enough to not have any problems until you were older. I figured if you did convert, I would be the best person to help you deal with it. Your mother and I didn’t adopt you for your wolf potential. We adopted you because we love you.”

Stan’s mind reeled as he remembered all the times he’d thought his father was working late and instead was probably hunting down werewolves. “And Mom?”

“What about your mother?” The Overseer frowned.

“Does she know what you do?”

“We’ve been married for thirty years. Of course she knows. There’s nothing I can keep from that woman.” The Overseer clenched his hands into fists, his expression frustrated.

Stanley ran his fingers through his hair. His entire life had been a lie. He turned to pace again only to run into Fen.

“Shhh, it’ll be fine.” Fen wrapped Stanley in his arms, smoothing out his spiking emotions.

Stanley leaned into Fen’s embrace, soaking up the shifter’s calm like a thirsty sponge.

“What are you doing?” His father’s hard tone had Stanley pulling away from Fen to face his father.

“What do you mean?” He didn’t know what caused his father’s sudden anger, but he scooted closer to Fen. Instinct demanded he protect the kind wolf.

“Why is he touching you? Before your change, you shouldn’t be able to tolerate anyone’s touch but your mate’s.” His father’s harsh tone set Stanley’s back up.

Stanley frowned. “Father, you knew I was gay.”

“Gay is one thing. Mated to a lesser wolf is another. I’ll not tolerate this match. It’s just the imprinting. When you get away from him, we can find you a better mate. A stronger one. I have a couple of wolves in mind that would suit you much better.”

Fury burned through Stanley, and even Fen’s touch didn’t calm his rage this time. “Are you fucking kidding me! I’ve been bitten, changed into a werewolf, and I’m pretty sure my job is gone, but you’re worried about matchmaking?”

“Babe.” Fen’s calm tone slid off his anger like water off an umbrella.

“I can’t believe this. If you’d killed that alpha before he bit me, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.” The flash of guilt in his father’s eyes told Stanley everything he needed to know. “You set me up!”

“Now, Stanley!” His father stepped back.

“You knew I always jog in that park,” Stanley accused.

“I can’t control which way a psychotic wolf goes,” his father protested.

“No, but you could chase him in a certain direction.” All the facts were tumbling into place, and Stanley didn’t like the picture they formed.

“It wasn’t supposed to work out that way. You were supposed to be found by Sebastian.”

“Fuck that,” Fen growled. Stanley turned in shock to see Fen’s calm gray eyes stormier than the sea. “That guy’s an asshole.”

“But he’s a wealthy asshole who could put Stanley up in style.” He turned to Stan. “You work too hard, slaving away for others, son. I wanted you to have an easier life. Sebastian really liked what he saw when I showed him a picture of you.”

This was beyond matchmaking. This was betrayal. His father wanted Stanley to be a beast. He would show him a beast. With a howl, Stanley shifted.

Chapter Three

Fen watched his handsome mate transform into a beautiful wolf in the smoothest transition he’d ever seen, from human to animal within seconds. Stanley’s smooth gray fur had silvery tips that shimmered beneath the lights like a winter holiday in wolf form. If it wasn’t for him snarling at the Overseer, he would’ve been pretty. To Fen, the snarling made him even more stunning.

The Overseer’s eyes went wide. Served the bastard right for trying to run Stanley’s life like a puppet on a string. Well, his baby was going to cut those strings, wolf-style.

“Now, Stanley, I only have your best interests at heart. You’ll make an amazing alpha. You’re a born leader, not a person who should be stuck in a dreary office. I picked the strongest alpha I could find to be your mate.” The Overseer looked around their den, frowning. “You can do so much better than this. We’ll discuss this again when you’re feeling rational.”

Fen wondered what his mate did during the day, not that it mattered. Fen would take care of his alpha while the man took care of the pack. Sebastian wasn’t going to get a paw on his man.

The Overseer gave him a lethal stare. “You could help.”

Fen crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes, I could, but sadly I’m too weak of a wolf to stand against my alpha.” Yep, his in-law relations were coming along just fine.

The Overseer took another step backward as Stanley stalked forward. “Stanley, I don’t want to hurt you. Your mother would never forgive me if you were injured during your first shift. I’ll see you later. Call me when you’ve decided to be reasonable.” He turned around then walked out of the room.

Stanley trotted back to Fen. Plopping down at Fen’s feet, his tongue came out in a goofy puppy manner.

Fen couldn’t resist. He reached down and scratched Stanley behind the ear. “Who’s a good alpha, hmmm? You are! Yes, you are!”

“Oh please! Make it stop. You’re living in a dream world if you think he’s going to approve this mating.” Paul stomped over, wisely stopping a good three feet away from the alpha. “The Overseer’s son! We can’t keep him. He’s not a stray dog who followed you home. He’s the son of the most powerful man in the country. The Overseer wants his son to mate with another alpha.”

Fen lifted one brow. “Then he’s doomed for disappointment. Stanley is mine, and I’m not giving him up.”

“So you’re going to what? Go against the Overseer and keep his son for yourself.”

Fen scratched Stanley behind the ear. “If I have to.”

For the first time, his family being in a criminal organization was going to pay off. The Overseer might think Fen was a lesser wolf, but the man had no idea what Fen was willing to do to keep his man.

Fen sat on the floor with the wolf, petting his mate and massaging his furry legs. Sometimes the first shift ached like a son of a bitch. Stanley licked Fen’s cheek.

“Yes, I know. It hurts a bit, but only the first few times. You did a good job protecting me, but I want human Stanley now. Do you think you can be human?”

The wolf gave a soft whimper.

Fen scratched Stanley behind the ears. “Come on. Think of long legs, smooth skin.”

Another whimper.

Paul came to stand beside Fen. He folded his arms as he looked down at the wolf. “If you can’t be human, you can’t fuck Fen.”

A loud crackle filled the room. Stanley’s body elongated, and his fur sank into his skin in an odd reverse growth process as if his humanity sucked the animal inside. Within minutes, the wolf became human.

“There you are,” Fen smiled down at his mate.

“Ow,” Stanley said. He accepted Fen’s hand to pull him to his feet.

“My father is being a jerk. Don’t listen to anything he says.” Stanley pulled Fen close. “My mother is going to kick his ass when she learns what he’s been up to.”

Fen rubbed his cheek against Stanley’s, discreetly marking him.

Paul snorted beside him. “Smooth, Fen.”

He wondered briefly if having Paul killed could be traced back to him.

Stanley growled. Paul tilted his head and looked away. Fen smirked against Stanley’s neck. He’d let Stanley take care of Paul for now, but if he continued to give them trouble, Paul would have to find another pack. Some people judged the viciousness of a person by the strength of their wolf. Big mistake.

“Come, Stanley, let’s get you some clothes, go back to your place, and take care of whatever you need to take care of.”

Stanley ran a hand through his hair. “I need to call work.”

Fen tilted his head. “What are you going to tell them?”

“It’s more about asking them when they want me to come clear out my desk. I’m pretty certain I’m fired,” Stanley admitted.

“What do you do?” Fen had wondered about his lover’s occupation since the Overseer sneered at him.

Stanley shrugged. “I’m an accountant.”

“Do you enjoy it?”

Stanley stilled for a moment as if really thinking about it for the first time. “Yeah, I really do. I like to take the small accounts and help new businesses figure out the best way to set up their companies. I specialize in Business Analysis.”

The sparkle in Stanley’s eyes told Fen his mate really did like his job.

“We can set you up as a private consultant. Werewolves can use those kinds of services, and no one would make a fuss if you needed to take off during the full moon because everyone else will, too.”

Fen basked in his mate’s smile. “That’s a really good idea, Fen. I think I would enjoy that.” He frowned for a moment. “I would need some capital.”

“Don’t worry about that. The pack will provide enough to help you get on your feet. We have a special cash pool for new changes. We call it the welcome to the werekin fund.”

Stanly almost dreaded going back to his apartment. Two weeks of not checking his mail or watering his ficus wasn’t going to be pretty.

“You don’t have to go with me, you know,” Stanley told Fen for the hundredth time.

“Of course I do. I want to see where you live.”

When they reached the elevator, Stanley fidgeted. The strange beast inside him bounced in excitement, happy to show Fen his lair. Only the human half, who rarely brought men home, twitched with nerves.

“It’ll be all right.” Fen kissed Stanley’s cheek in a move Stanley was starting to recognize was both a sign of affection and a not so sneaky motion to mark his scent across Stanley’s skin.

“You’re not as subtle as you think,” Stanley chided him.

Fen smiled. “It doesn’t matter, just as long as you let me do it.” The smug expression on the werewolf’s face made Stanley smile. There was nothing he didn’t like about Fen, from his sexy smile to his lean gorgeous body. Not to mention the guy was super nice, until the elevator doors opened on Stanley's floor and Fen started to growl.

“Um, what are you doing?”

“Shhh.” Fen pulled Stanley off the elevator, but kept him behind Fen. “It might not be safe.”

Stanley looked around the perfectly empty hall. “I don’t think the ugly paintings are going to attack.”

“Shhh.”

Stanley rolled his eyes and pulled his key off the chain around his neck. Good thing he hadn’t lost it while jogging.

The closer they got to his door, the more Stanley noticed a strange odor.

“What is that smell?”

Fen snapped his head around. “What part of shhh don’t you understand?”

He resisted the urge to smack Fen on the back of his gorgeous head, but it was close.

“Which apartment is yours?”

Stanley didn’t answer.

Fen turned around to face him.

“What? You told me to be quiet.”

“Which apartment?” It was really cute how Fen gritted his teeth. The tips of his canines peeked through his lips. “Stanley!”

“Three hundred and five.” He dangled the key at Fen.

Growling, Fen snatched it out of his hand. He stomped over to Stanley’s front door to shove the key into the deadbolt, only to have it swing open on its own.

“That can’t be good,” Stanley muttered.

Stanley rushed past Fen into his apartment, his protective instincts screaming to protect his mate.

Disaster. The destruction of his apartment had his heart pounding a panicky rhythm in his chest. He bit his lip to hold in a cry over the claw marks on everything. Stanley’s couch tilted drunkenly on one side, the cushions ripped apart, and his entertainment center resembled toothpicks with his television shattered and the smell of urine saturating everything.

“I’m sorry, babe.” Fen’s calm tone helped settle some of Stanley’s panic. “Are you sure you want to see the rest?”

His bedroom!

Stanley nodded. “I have to see.”

It was like being that stupid heroine in the spooky movie, knowing you shouldn’t go into the dark cellar of a haunted house in the middle of the night, but still feeling compelled to check out the spooky noise you heard.

Fen tangled his fingers with Stanley’s, squeezing his hand in a show of support.

Stanley gave Fen a sickly smile, hoping he looked more confident than he felt.

Taking a deep breath through his mouth, since the stench made his stomach swirl queasily, Stanley walked down the short hall. His bedroom door dangled solely by the lower hinge, long scratches scarred the surface, and someone had carved the word ‘mate’ into the wood.

“What the hell?”

With a bit of effort Stanley pushed the door open. He sucked in his breath. Someone had used red paint to cover the wall with the word Mine in big letters.

“That’s paint, right?”

Fen gave a shaky laugh. “Yeah. I don’t think you want to sleep in your bed, though. He peed all around it.”

The bed itself was pristine, until he realized he never made his bed and he certainly never folded down the covers.

“Who would do something like this?”

“Sebastian. It stinks of him. You might want to check with your dad about what exactly he promised the alpha. It looks to me like he considers you as good as claimed.”

“Yeah, because I always fall for guys who trash my stuff, then pee on it.” Stanley couldn’t convey all of his disgust with words, some of it would require beating the crap out of the asshole alpha.

Fen shrugged. “He probably figures you’d be more open to staying with him. He doesn’t expect you to have someone who recognizes his scent. Having you vulnerable and scared makes you more malleable. After all, he wants to immediately establish the power structure between you. If you’re weaker, he gets not only a strong mate, but two alphas will draw stronger wolves to the pack. Sebastian wants to take over the city, and you’re the man he’s chosen to help him do it.”

“It’ll be hard to take over the city with my shoe up his ass,” Stanley growled. “First I’m going to call the police and report this, then I’m going to call my mother and cry on her shoulder until she invites me to dinner where I can explain to her how I got in this situation.”

Fen smiled. “And then?”

“Then I’m going to watch my sweet mother kick the big bad Overseer’s ass.”

Chapter Four

After filling out forms for the police and calling his insurance company, it didn’t take much effort to finagle a dinner invitation from his mother.

“Is it all right if I bring a friend?” he asked her on the phone.

“Of course, dear, I’d love to meet your friend,” she said in a delighted tone. “Come early, and we can have a chat. I haven’t seen you in so long.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.” Stanley smiled. He gave the usual good-byes before disconnecting.

“Is it just me, or are you enjoying this too much?” Fen asked.

“It’s you. After the day I had, I’m enjoying this just right.”

Fen laughed.

“Come on, Fen, let’s go have dinner with the parents.”

“Are you an only child?”

Stanley nodded. “After they adopted me, my mother said I was enough.”

“Hmmm,” Fen said. “I’m thinking your mother is a wise woman.”

Stanley hooked his arm through Fen's and walked him out of the mess that was his apartment.

The drive to his parents’ house only took a few minutes, but he could feel Fen’s nerves ratcheting up as they pulled through the mansion gates. “Relax, hon, they aren’t monsters. Well, at least mom isn’t. I make no promises about a guy you call the Overseer. What does that mean anyway?”

Fen shrugged. “You’ll get more information talking to your dad.”

Stanley smirked. “Yeah, he’s a fount of information. He’s told me nothing my entire life.”

A squeeze on Stanley’s arm conveyed Fen’s sympathy. “I don’t know all the details, but there is one Overseer per city. They are born hunters who have the natural skills to kill rabid wolves.”

“So are they in charge of you?” Stanley pulled up and parked in front of the house as he waited for Fen’s response.

“No. They are sort of like supernatural cops. They can’t kill unless there are documented problems. That attack by Sebastian will be sent to the proper authorities. Though he’ll probably only be fined, it will be added to any other behavior issues.”

“Good.” Stanley turned off the engine. “Let’s go have dinner.”

The door opened as they approached. Stanley leaned forward and kissed the housekeeper on the cheek. “Evening, Lee Ann.”

“Stanley.” The housekeeper’s dark eyes sparkled as she looked Fen over. “Your mother said you were bringing a friend.”

“This is Fen.” He wrapped an arm around the werewolf and brought him forward. “Fen, this is Lee Ann. She’s worked for my parents since I was a little boy.”

“Nice to meet you.” Fen took one careworn hand and kissed the back of her fingers. “You’ve done an excellent job helping to raise Stanley.”

Lee Ann blushed. “I’ve always thought so. Come in, you two. Your father brought a friend also.”

Fen’s head snapped up, his nose twitching. “Sebastian,” he growled.

“Yes,” Lee Ann said with a smile. “That’s his name.”

Stanley’s stomach gave a flip. “This should be interesting. Let’s go say hello to mother first.”

“Go on inside.” Lee Ann closed the door behind them before heading back toward the kitchen, no doubt to give his mother a hand.

“There he is.” His father’s voice boomed across the foyer. Standing next to him was a striking blond. Six foot tall with rippling muscles. The smug expression on his face sent Stanley’s blood boiling. “Stanley, this is Sebastian.”

“Just the man I wanted to meet,” Stanley announced. Marching over to blond, he pulled back his arm and slammed his fist hard into Sebastian’s face.

Sebastian’s eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he toppled over with a satisfying thud.

Stanley turned to his father. “Any other surprises tonight?”

To give him credit, his father looked calmly at his unconscious guest before turning back to Stanley. “No, I think that’s about it.”

“Good evening, dear.” Stanley’s mother, all five foot nothing of her, walked out of the kitchen. Dressed in a casual dress with not-so-casual jewelry, she approached with a wide smile and a sprinkling of flour across her cheek. Stanley decided not to mention it. The white speck added to her charm while her blond hair had the look of a recent touch-up.

“Nice hair, Mom.”

She turned a baleful blue gaze to her husband. “At least somebody noticed.”

Stanley bit back a laugh, but Fen chuckled behind him.

“And who is this?” Stanley’s mom held out her hand to Fen and shook it warmly. “You must be Stanley’s new man.”

Stanley’s father growled. “They aren’t together.”

“Of course they are. Anyone can see that.” She looked at Sebastian laid out on the floor. “What did he do?”

“You mean besides convince Father to sell me to him for a groom price, then destroy and pee on all of my stuff?” Stanley shrugged. “Nothing much.”

“You did what?” Her warm eyes turned an arctic shade of blue as she turned to face her husband.

Stanley took a step back and pulled Fen with him.

His mate leaned over and whispered in his ear. “What’s she going to do? She barely comes up to his shoulder.”

“Trust me, sometimes size doesn’t matter.”

“Now, Millie, I was looking out for our boy.” Stanley’s father took a large step back from his wife.

“That’s true, Mom. That’s what he told me when he made sure I was bitten and turned into a werewolf,” Stanley said, hoping he infused just the right amount of earnestness.

From Fen’s choked laugh behind him, he might have overplayed his hand.

“Are you telling me you endangered our child so you could plan out his life for him?” A fine level of rage vibrated her voice. Stanley had the pleasure of seeing his father turn paler and paler.

“I was thinking of his future,” he protested.

“Did you not think he might want to plan his own future, or that maybe he didn’t want to be a werewolf? Or maybe that he might have decided he’d prefer the nice man beside him than some were-scum you drag in off the street?”

“Hey!” Sebastian sat up and blinked up at her.

“Did you destroy my son’s apartment?” she demanded.

“He had to learn his place,” Sebastian snarled.

Stanley barely saw the blur of his mother’s foot as she kicked Sebastian in the face. The alpha’s head made a delightful thud when he hit the floor.

“Shit, she’s fast,” Fen whispered.

“Black belt,” Stanley whispered.

“What level?”

Stanley looked over his shoulder. “There are levels?”

“Ow, damn it, Millie.”

Stanley turned back to watch his parents. He didn’t want to miss anything. The way his father was rubbing his shin, Sebastian wasn’t the only one kicked.

“You leave Stanley alone and take this thing and send him back where he came from. He’s not worthy of my son.” Stanley’s mother crossed her arms over her chest, and Stanley knew the discussion was over.

His father glared down at Sebastian as if he were the source of all his father’s problems.

She gave Stanley a sunny smile. “Why don’t you come with me, dear, and help me get everything onto the table. We can discuss how to fix the mess your father created.”

Stanley grabbed Fen’s hand and walked past the other two men. He flashed his glaring father a bright smile.

“Don’t forget to take out the trash before dinner,” he taunted.

His father gave a wolf-worthy growl.

After laying out all the food and settling in the formal dining room, Stanley’s mother continued their conversation. “So when did you get transformed into a werewolf?”

“A couple of weeks ago. I slept for a while before I woke up to being a shifter.”

“Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m feeling better. Fen helped me a lot.”

She smiled at Fen. “You sound like you’re good for our son.”

“He’s not Stanley’s mate!” his father snarled.

His mother frowned. “Why?”

“I had Sebastian planned for him…” His voice faded at the look his wife sent him.

“Uh-huh, and it had nothing to do with the pile of cash Sebastian must have offered you for our son.”

Wow, he’d never seen his father blush before. It was kind of disturbing.

“I want to see him settled,” Stanley’s father protested.

“I am old enough to make my own decisions. I’m not a child anymore.” Listening to his parents arguing made him feel about seven.

His father turned to him. “You need to find a permanent mate and stop going to all those dance clubs.”

Stanley took a deep breath. “What are you talking about? I’ve gone to maybe six night clubs in the past three years.”

“You were at one last month,” his father stubbornly insisted.

“And how would you know?” His mother asked the question burning on Stanley’s tongue.

“I have him followed, okay? You always pick the wrong men.” Stanley’s father grumbled. He didn’t meet Stanley’s eyes as he focused on his plate with suspicious attention.

“Is that what happened to him?” A light went on in Stanley’s head.

“Who?” his father asked.

“The guy I went to dinner with. He never came back from the bathroom. I thought he was just a jerk. Tell me you had nothing to do with it.”

“Ouch.” His father jerked. “Millie, you kicked me.”

“I can’t believe you did that,” she scolded, blithely ignoring his indignation. “I told you Stanley has to meet a few men before he finds the right one.”

“Like he’s going to meet someone proper in a sleazy club,” his father scoffed.

“You can stop worrying. Stanley has someone now.” Fen’s voice was barely one step below a growl.

His father raised one eyebrow. A move which meant he was gearing up to say something to completely drive Stanley insane.

“And what makes you think you’re good enough for my son?” Stanley’s father asked in icy tones. “Dammit, Millie, stop kicking me.”

“Then stop being an ass. Fen seems like a nice boy. What is your last name, dear?”

Stanley jerked around to face Fen. “You have a last name?”

Fen laughed, breaking the tension of a moment ago. “Of course I have a last name. I’m not Madonna.”

“Then what is it?” Stanley couldn’t believe he didn’t know something so basic about Fen.

Stanley knew from the way Fen bit his lower lip, he wasn’t going to like the answer.

“Harven.”

A chill went up and down Stanley’s spine.

“Yeah, your sweet boy is related to one of the biggest crime families in the city,” Stanley’s father said.

Huh, his mother could growl, too. Maybe it was a family trait.

Fen watched Stanley’s parents argue for a while, though he had no doubt Millie would get the upper hand. He would almost feel sorry for the guy if the Overseer weren’t such an ass and trying to arrange Stanley’s life in a way that didn’t oppose Fen’s claim.

“Are they always like this?” he whispered in Stanley’s ear. The slight shudder his mate gave over Fen’s breath against his lobe made Fen smile. The beautiful man was putty in his hands. Stanley might be a natural alpha, but Fen knew it would be his job to make sure things ran smoothly for his mate.

“Yeah,” Stanley whispered back.

Done bickering, Millie turned back to Fen. “I’m sorry my husband was so rude. You can’t help what family you were born into. Are you estranged from your family?” Her sympathetic expression almost made him lie.

“Um, no, we’re actually pretty close.” He flashed a rueful smile. “We get together once a week for dinner.”

The Overseer stayed silent during the gentle interrogation. Fen almost wished Stanley’s father would jump in and say something to draw attention away from him.

“Tell me about them. Are both your parents still alive?”

“Yes, his father runs an import business and his mother sells drugs,” the Overseer drawled.

Sure, now he talks.

“My mother is a pharmacist, not exactly a cocaine peddler,” Fen interrupted.

Millie gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry about my husband. He hates it when his plans don’t work out. And your father’s import business—what does he import?”

Fen leaned back in his chair. “Mostly stolen goods. My cousins help him.”

Stanley stared at him with an appalled expression on his face. “Your father is a thief?”

He bit back a smile. He really was starting to enjoy himself. “Don’t you want me for a mate anymore, dear?” He dramatically batted his eyes at Stanley.

“I guess that depends on whether you help him or not.” Stanley narrowed his eyes. For an adopted child, he’d definitely picked up some of his father’s mannerisms.

Fen bit his lip. “Why don’t you wait for judgment until after you meet them.”

“Why don’t we have them over for dinner? I love to meet new people,” Millie gushed.

“You like to interrogate new people,” the Overseer muttered, loud enough for Stanley and Fen to hear, but quiet enough to be safe from human ears.

“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t catch that,” Fen said politely. He’d vow to Stanley later that the devil made him do it.

“I said that was a great idea,” the Overseer said.

If looks could kill, Fen would’ve died about ten minutes ago. He gave his mate’s father a cheery smile before giving Millie his attention. “I’m sure my parents would love to have dinner, but I should warn you—my parents are divorced.”

“Oh,” Millie gave him a shocked look. “I thought wolves mated for life?”

Fen cleared his throat and contemplated his water glass. Explaining his family dynamic was difficult. “My father is a wolf, my mother isn’t. For some reason, the gene skipped her even though both of her parents and her sisters are shifters. We later learned she doesn’t even have it in a recessive gene. My father tried for many years to turn her, but eventually it tore them apart.” He met Stanley’s sympathetic gaze. “They are one of the few cases where a mating shouldn’t have been. My father never remarried. My mother did, to a human, but it’s always best to keep them apart, especially right before a full moon. My father’s wolf doesn’t always respect the divorce.”

“How sad.” Stanley patted Fen’s hand in silent commiseration.

“Yeah. I mean the guy she married is nice enough, but he’s not her mate.”

Stanley intertwined his fingers with Fen’s. “We won’t have that problem. We both can turn into wolves.”

Fen gave his mate a half-hearted smile. Discussing his parents was always bittersweet. He loved them both, but thinking of them not together always made his heart ache a little. For a long time, he’d thought maybe he would be fated to have a mismatch also. Looking at his gorgeous mate, Fen knew this time whoever matched up wayward wolves got it right.

“I still think you just imprinted on the first wolf you met,” the Overseer said to his son.

“Shut up, dear.” Millie’s sweet voice had an edge to it Fen wouldn’t want to cross. “You lost, now be gracious about it.”

“Sebastian’s not going to be gracious once he wakes up and discovers Stanley won’t have anything to do with him,” the Overseer snarled.

Millie’s expression was as calm as if she were discussing the table settings. “We’ll deal with Sebastian if he starts to cause trouble. I’m pretty sure between us we can handle one wolf.”

“He’ll bring backup next time.” Fen didn’t want Stanley’s mother to have a false sense of bravado and get killed. “Sebastian’s an alpha and usually pretty tough. You took him by surprise, but he’ll be ready and bring help.”

“Perfect.” Millie gave him a blinding smile. “I haven’t had a chance to do target practice in a while, and I got a new shiny pistol for Mother’s Day.”

“I thought you said you got her something personal,” Stanley said to his father.

The Overseer shrugged. “I didn’t want you to ask why I was getting your mother a weapon.”

“Are they always this protective?” Fen couldn’t help asking. He’d never seen such unnecessary hovering in his life. Of course his parents knew he was a wolf and had always been one. Maybe humans had a different take on child rearing than sending their child to the movies with a wad of cash and an admonition to not kill anyone.

Stanley nodded. “I kind of thought they might pull back now that I’ve been changed.”

The Overseer glared at his son. “There are bigger dangers now than ever before. Except now I can tell you they are coming. You’ve got a powerful alpha angry at your poor choice of mate and a shiny new mob connection, so you’ll have to excuse me if I’m concerned.”

“If you put Fen down one more time, you’re not going to have to worry about mob connections,” Stanley growled. Fen could see his mate’s wolf pushing to the surface.

Millie sighed. “Stanley dear, don’t threaten your father. That’s my job.”

“Sorry, Mom.” Stanley gave his mother a brilliant smile.

Fen threw back his head and laughed. At least he’d never be bored with his in-laws.

Chapter Five

Stanley followed Fen home. His place still stank and the idea of a bed with Fen in it was definitely a worthy lure. It turned out that Fen owned the building, and the others lived there as part of a pack agreement.

“Though if you don’t want them there, we can kick them out. It should be the alpha’s home now,” Fen said with an earnest expression.

Stanley didn’t feel completely comfortable throwing people out of their apartments. “I don’t want to throw them out. I mean how long have they lived with you?”

“Too long.” Fen rolled his eyes. “Sandy is a kick-ass cook, though, and even though Paul is a bit of a tool, he knows stuff about security.”

“Well, as it’s your house and I’m your mate, do you want them out of there?”

Fen shrugged. “Packs usually live in groups, but it isn’t that large of a place. How about we look around for other lodgings everyone can move into? Our last alpha liked his privacy, which probably should’ve sent warning bells to everyone. We’ll look for a nice building everyone can live in.”

“Is it just us? I mean the four of us?” Stanley didn’t know why four people needed an entire building, but then he didn’t know much about pack politics.

Laughing, Fen opened the door and ushered Stanley inside before him. “No, there are twenty of us. We thought it best to wait a bit before introducing the others. You were a little overwhelmed with just the three of us.”

“Twenty? I’m responsible for twenty people?” Stanley couldn’t even take care of a goldfish as proven by the demise of Goldy one through thirty. How could he possibly oversee the care and protection of twenty people?

Fen kissed him on the cheek. “You don’t have to watch over us. Well, except me. They all have jobs, and some even have families of their own. You just have to look strong and studly.”

“And kick the ass of any alpha who threatens us,” Paul interjected from where he lounged on the couch, his feet on the coffee table.

Sandy nodded from her spot, curled up on a love seat with a gossip magazine. “Defending the territory, acting as an advisor, and watching out for our finances are all alpha tasks.”

“And you already punched Sebastian, so you have one job down,” Fen offered.

Sandy dropped her magazine. “You punched Sebastian? What did he do?”

“He bled on the floor,” Fen announced with glee.

Sandy and Paul stared at him at him intently as if he’d grown another head. The look became so prolonged he almost checked to see if he had. “He deserved it. He peed on my stuff!” Stanley protested.

Paul laughed. “Trying to bring you to heel, was he?”

“Apparently my father promised me to him.”

Sandy nibbled her lower lip. “He might try to retaliate. It’s best we get the pack moved into a secure building. The better to shore up our defenses.”

“You’ll have to quit your job,” Paul told him.

“I know. I can do accounting work anywhere.”

Paul stood up from the couch. “Dude, you’ve got a family to take care of. What is Fen going to do with his pretty self all day while you’re crunching numbers?”

Good thing Paul had fast reflexes. Stanley didn’t even see the book Fen threw before Paul ducked to the side to avoid it impacting with his skull.

“He’s right, Stanley, I hope you weren’t in love with your job. Most alphas can’t keep up with their responsibilities and a regular job, too. Being an alpha is a full-time occupation,” Sandy added.

“I’m beginning to see that. I’m up for the job.”

Paul nodded. “That’s the spirit. Just think of it as a really physical accounting job where you might need to shift into a wolf and battle to the death.” He turned to Sandy. “I give him a month.”

A loud thud echoed in the air as Paul hit the floor.

Stanley turned a shocked gaze to his mate.

Fen shrugged. “I guess he forgot to duck.”

Shaking his head, Stanley headed for Fen’s bedroom. Only a minute later, his mate followed, practically on his heels.

“See you tomorrow,” Fen called gleefully as he slammed the door behind them.

Stanley watched with amusement as his mate stripped out of his clothes, then threw himself onto the bed. His muscular form bounced lightly on the mattress as he landed.

“Come ravish me!” Fen demanded.

Stanley threw back his head and laughed. Still smiling, he approached the bed and sat down on the right side. Fen scooted over to give him room to sit.

Fen raised a brow. “It’s kind of hard to have sex with you fully dressed. I don’t think you’re getting into the spirit of the ravishment. Do you need instructions, pictures, maybe finger puppets?”

Stanley pretended to give it some thought. “You have finger puppets?”

“Oh shut up and get naked!” Fen said, rolling his eyes.

Leaning over, Stanley placed a hard kiss on Fen’s mouth. He stood up and slowly slid apart the buttons of his shirt, making sure his mate saw each piece of skin exposed.

“Tease.” Fen’s husky tone and hot gaze belied his complaint.

“Well, if you don’t like the teasing…”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it. Did you see Mr. Happy?” He pointed down at this erection. “Just tease faster.”

Stanley shook his head. “I don’t think I can have sex with a man who calls his dick Mr. Happy.”

“I’ll name it Stanley-ass-seeker if you just get yourself over here and stop torturing me.”

It was difficult to remove your shoes and laugh hysterically at the same time. Stanley learned that the hard way as he tumbled to the floor.

“Oh that’s it.” Fen slid off the bed. Growling, he leaned down to reach Stanley. Snarling, he ripped off Stanley’s shoes. A loud tearing sound filled the room as Fen’s claws shredded Stanley’s clothes and tossed the pieces aside. “Much better.” Fen said, admiring his work.

He reached a hand down to help the Stanley up. With a yank, Stanley pulled Fen down to the floor. Quickly, before Fen could object, he rolled until Fen’s hard body lay beneath him.

“I think you’ve forgotten that I’m the alpha, my mate.” Stanley let a low growl roll up his chest.

Fen tilted his head, exposing his neck submissively. Stanley licked a line up Fen’s neck before biting hard at the base, between shoulder and neck. “I’ll be the one fucking you.”

“Yes, mate.” Fen swallowed hard, and the smell of lust practically burned the air with its heat.

“Now for the important question of the night.”

Fen’s eyes widened with surprise. “What question?”

“Where’s the lube?”

Fen’s expression made him feel a hundred feet tall. Heat, need, and a warmer emotion he hesitated to claim as love filled his mate’s eyes. Stanley’s heart rolled in his chest when a slight smile tilted Fen’s mouth up at the corner.

Damn, he’s beautiful.

After the playful mood of a minute before, Stanley’s bond with Fen strengthened. Heat filled his chest, startling him.

Fen laughed. “You’re feeling me.”

“What?”

Fen stroked Stanley’s face, a gentle, comforting touch. “We’re bonded.” Fen nipped at Stanley’s mouth. “Over time we will come to feel each other's emotions, some mates can even hear each other's thoughts.”

“Do you think we’ll reach that stage?”

Fen shrugged. “I’m not going to lose sleep over it.” His eyes gleamed in the dim light. “I’ve been blessed with you. I’m not going to be greedy and ask for more.”

Stanley didn’t know how to respond to that statement. Instead he stood then leaned down to scoop Fen up in his arms. Turning he tossed Fen on the bed before sliding in beside him. Soft kisses changed to harder kisses, which transformed into hot needy touches.

He couldn’t get enough of Fen’s hard muscles, soft skin, and silky brown hair.

Brown?

Stanley’s head jerked up. Fen didn’t have brown hair!

Fen laughed. “I guess you can read my mind.”

Shaking his head at his mate’s antics, Stanley grabbed the lube Fen handed over to him. Slicking up his fingers, he plunged two fingers inside.

Fen gasped, arching his back as he instinctively tried to escape the sensation, to avoid the invasion of his body.

“Shhh, babe, I’ve got you,” Stanley crooned. Twisting his fingers, he stretched until he heard Fen give a soft howl. “Found it.”

He spent several more minutes loosening Fen up before slipping his fingers out then sliding in his slicked up his cock. Stanley lined up his body and pushed inside, a growl escaped him at the contact.

“So big,” Fen sighed. Eyes full of trust and need, Fen relaxed and let Stanley in.

“Good boy,” Stanley praised. He pushed until his balls nestled against Fen’s ass, then paused to let Fen adjust to him.

“Move!” Fen growled.

Stanley smiled. “Are you trying to order your alpha around?”

Fen gave a dog-like whimper. His clutched the sheets by his hips with a white-knuckled grip.

With slow measured movements, Stanley slid out and in, a study of patience as he kept his pace.

“If you don’t fuck me properly, you’re going to have an unhappy mate.” Fen growled to show his displeasure.

Stanley placed a playful kiss on his mate’s nose. “I didn’t know there was a proper way to fuck.” He slammed into Fen, who moaned, a low and dirty sound. Leaning over his mate’s ear, he whispered. “I thought the best way to fuck was improperly.”

Gripping Fen’s hips, he proceeded to show his mate exactly how improper he planned to be.

Fen’s howl echoed through the room with Stanley quickly following. When matching howls came from the living room, Stanley started laughing.

“Fuckers,” Fen muttered. The twinkle in his eyes told Stanley his mate didn’t really mind.

* * * *

Fen opened the door to the study and stopped at the sight before him. Stanley sat at the desk Fen had bought for him, going through the pack’s financial records. Apparently, although crazy, the old alpha had been financially clever.

Stanley smiled at Fen as he entered, erasing his brain of every last damn thought. Fen admired his mate’s shiny brown hair and the dimple on his left cheek. He fought his wolf’s urge to fling himself over the desk and tackle his mate.

Need burned through his veins as the whiff of desire drifting off Stanley’s skin made a low growl roll up his throat.

“Hey, babe.” Unaware of his danger, Stanley turned his attention back to his papers. “The books are in good shape. I’d say we definitely have enough money to buy a building, maybe a fixer.”

Fen shrugged. “We’re all fit and capable of doing physical labor. I’m sure everyone would be willing to pitch in.”

“Good.” Stanley didn’t look up as Fen stalked closer.

Silly, pretty, mate.

With a growl, Fen leapt across the desk and tipped Stanley’s chair over. They slammed into the floor with a loud thud.

Stanley’s surprised expression was worth the bruised knees.

“You could’ve just asked if I wanted some afternoon nookie,” Stanley said, smiling. The calm oozing off his mate soothed Fen like nothing else. He didn’t understand how a man could go from human to werewolf and take everything in stride.

“Do you know what an amazing person you are?”

Stanley blushed. “I’m not that amazing. I still haven’t met with the pack.”

“That’s what I’m here for. We’re going to have a party tonight. I thought it was time to introduce you to the pack.”

Fen kissed Stanley’s open mouth, humming at his mate’s wonderful flavor. Entangling his tongue with Stanley’s, they moaned together. He wrapped his arms around Stanley and rolled them over until they were away from the chair and Stanley lay on top.

Giving a low growl of need, Stanley took control. “Feeling frisky?” Stanley’s voice, rough with passion, made Fen’s cock harden. He’d come in the hope of luring his mate away from his work and got so much more.

Stanley’s kiss was hard, commanding, and yanked a broken moan from his throat with unflattering ease. Fen’s body relaxed beneath his mate’s domination. He melted and conformed his body to meet his lover’s demands.

Just as Stanley’s hand slid to where he wanted it most, the office door swung open.

Paul’s voice cut through their passion like a frigid breeze. “Really, you two can’t keep it to the bedroom? Fenris, you’re such a slut!”

Fen didn’t know Stanley could move faster than sight.

Before he’d cleared his throat to respond to Paul’s comment, Stanley had Paul slammed against the wall and dangling by one hand around his throat.

“Don’t ever talk to my mate that way again.” With each word, he slammed Paul against the wall. “Show some respect.”

Until that moment, Fen would’ve put good money down that Paul feared nothing or no one, but the scent of terror pouring off Paul filled the room.

“I-I’m sorry, F-Fen,” Paul stuttered.

Fen rushed over to pull Stanley away.

Stanley’s mouth opened. It was like watching a monster movie in slow motion. Huge fangs elongated like a saber-toothed tiger. Fen had never seen anything like it in his life. Most shifters were an all-or-nothing affair. Sure, they could bring out their claws and the occasional slight fang, but this was more than that. It was like Stanley was channeling an entirely different animal, one who could nick a major artery with a light scrape of a tooth.

Chills ran up and down Fen’s skin. For the first time, he realized Stanley might really kill Paul.

“It’s okay, Stanley.” Fen stepped forward, keeping his voice calm and even. “Let go of Paul.”

Stanley’s head snapped around, and his eyes met Fen’s.

“Oh shit,” Fen whispered.

His kind, sweet mate’s eyes were feral. The wolf was now in charge, and it hated Paul. He could feel the intent in the wolf-man before him.

“Now, honey, let Paul go. He didn’t mean it, did you, Paul?”

“N-nope. N-not a b-bit. I-I completely r-respect Fen.”

Paul’s eyes were squeezed shut, and he had turned his head to submissively expose his neck. He wasn’t taking any chances of further enraging the alpha.

“See, now just release your fingers.” Fen took a cautious step closer, hoping his presence would calm his mate. He took the hand not strangling Paul in between both of his. “If you let Paul go, I’ll give you a kiss.”

“You’ll give me a kiss anyway,” Stanley growled. With a move he never saw, Stanley wrapped an arm around Fen and yanked him closer. Still pinning Paul to the wall in an effortless hold, Stanley kissed Fen with a hard, commanding touch, letting him know who was completely, utterly in charge.

Fen melted. He didn’t know if it was from the heat of the kiss or the passion behind it, but his body relaxed beneath Stanley’s touch as he molded his form to the stronger body of his mate.

Once he was about to collapse in a puddle of goo, Stanley lifted his mouth and settled Fen back on his heels. Until that moment, he hadn’t realized he’d gone on tiptoes to get closer to his mate, to absorb more of his embrace.

“Fen,” Paul’s hoarse whisper brought him back to reality. Even during their kiss, Stanley hadn’t lost his hold.

“Could you let him go? Please,” Fen asked.

Stanley slammed Paul once more for good measure before yanked him away from the wall and tossing him out the open door.

Fen heard a crash where Paul must have hit something, but he didn’t know what and he wasn’t going to take his gaze from Stanley in order to find out.

“I let him go.” Stanley’s eyes had shifted back to normal, and his fangs were gone. “I believe you owe me a reward.”

Fen gave his mate a wide smile. “So I do.”

He didn’t get a chance to say anything else before Stanley pinned him to the wall with his strong muscular body. Lucky, lucky Fen.

A moan escaped him as Stanley’s erection rubbed against his. Even with two layers of clothing between them, Fen could feel Stanley’s hardness and heat. “My, what a big bad wolf you are!” Fen teased, looking at Stanley through his lashes.

Stanley laughed. Fen could almost feel the rest of his temper sliding away. “Big bad wolves who daylight as accountants do it for you, huh?”

“Oh yeah!” If he were a cat, he would’ve purred.

Stanley caught the door with his foot and shoved it closed. He slid his hands around Fen and cradled him near as if he were something worth treasuring. “Did you come find me for some afternoon nookie, or was there something else?”

His erection promptly deflated. “My mother called. She said she’d like to meet you and your family.”

Stanley stiffened. “Well, since you had to meet my parents, I could meet your mother and her husband.”

“His name’s Abraham.”

“Ah.” Stanley rubbed noses with Fen. “Do we like Abraham?”

Fen shrugged. “He’s okay. You know how kids are. When their parents divorce, they always think some day they’ll get back together.”

“Well, I can see how in your case, you might think they really would.”

“Yeah. Anyway you don’t have anything to fear, you’re an alpha.”

Stanley frowned. “What does that mean?”

Fen grinned him. “That’s like bagging a doctor in human terms. You’re golden.”

Laughing, Stanley kissed him. “I’m glad. My mother liked you, too.”

“Yeah, but your father didn’t.”

Stanley shrugged. “He’ll adapt.”

“What if he doesn’t?” Fen didn’t want to push, but he also didn’t want to cause a rift between his new mate and his parents.

“Trust me. He’ll adapt. My father is currently disappointed his plans didn’t work out, but deep down he wants me to be happy.”

Fen wasn’t going to borrow trouble. Stanley knew the Overseer better than anyone with the exception of Stanley’s mother. If his mate felt no concern over the situation, then Fen wasn’t going to lose sleep over it.

“Mom wants to have dinner with you and your parents. She says in-laws should get to know each other,” Fen prompted.

“I’ll call my mother and figure out a good time. She said last night she wanted to meet your parents so I’m sure there won’t be any problems.”

A wave of relief swept through Fen. He fingered Stanley’s collarbone where it showed above his shirt. “There’s only one more little thing. It’s barely worth mentioning.”

“Uh-huh.” Stanley’s disbelieving tone made him smile. Smart man.

Fen kept his gaze on his finger and avoided his mate’s eyes. “I told the pack you’d host the next full moon hunt as a way to get to know them.”

Stanley lifted Fen’s chin with one finger. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“If Sebastian wants to challenge you for the alpha position and merge the two packs, he’ll do it at the hunt,” Fen confessed.

“How does he know where we’ll meet?”

Fen smiled. “We’ll tell him, of course. We’re wolves. We don’t hide from snakes.”

Stanley laughed. “When am I hosting this shindig?”

“In three nights. I’ve already arranged for the food.”

Fen closed his eyes as Stanley ran his fingers through Fen’s hair in long, gentle strokes. “You take good care of me, mate.”

“I’ll always take care of you. That’s my job.” Fen rested his head against Stanley’s shoulder and sighed.

Chapter Six

As it turned out, the family dinner fell on the night before the full moon.

“Your father isn’t going to invite any unmentionables to dinner again, is he?” Fen asked as he tossed aside the clothes Stanley had chosen and pulled a suit from a dry cleaning bag.

“If he did, I wouldn’t be able to mention it,” Stanley teased. “And where did I get this suit? I’m pretty sure none of my other clothes are this nice.” Although he did wear a suit to his old job, none of his previous suits looked like they were featured in a menswear magazine.

“Consider it one of the perks of being the alpha. Your mate does your shopping.” Fen gave a sniff. “From what I can see, you need it.”

Stanley shrugged. “You didn’t dress up to visit with my parents.”

Fen smiled. “I thought you’d tell me if they were formal. Besides I don’t like your father. I would’ve dressed up for your mother, though. She’s my favorite new in-law.”

Laughing, Stanley took off his sweater and jeans and dressed in the outfit Fen brought. “Better?”

Fen stared at him so long Stanley worried he’d done something wrong. “Huh? Oh sorry, I was just admiring the scenery.”

Shaking his head, Stanley smiled at his mate. “If we’re going to get to this thing on time, you need to get dressed, too. Why did you decide to have dinner at that new Italian place anyway? My mother would’ve loved to cook.”

“Because I know your father won’t start anything and my parents won’t argue if we’re out in public in front of the humans.”

“Why didn’t we just have dinner with your mother and then your father? Why everyone at once?” Stanley was missing something in this whole arrangement, he just knew it. “You’re holding out on me about something.”

Fen froze in the act of tying Stanley’s tie. “I think holding out is a rather strong statement.”

“You’re handling me again.” Stanley narrowed his eyes at his mate. Over the time they’d come to be mates, Stanley had noticed Fen’s role was to keep the alpha happy. And if Fen thought Stanley would be happier unaware, the other wolf kept things from him.

“Now, love, it isn’t a matter of keeping things from you. Just I’ve always thought my parents should get back together, but there’s only a limited number of reasons you can get them in the same room.”

“So you’re using our dinner to get your parents to sit down at the same table. What about your mother’s husband?” Stanley asked.

Fen shrugged. “I’m sure we can find him a new wife.”

A startled laugh burst out of Stanley. “What if he doesn’t want a new wife?”

“Then he’s out of luck. Mates shouldn’t separate. I’ve known this all my life, but they stay apart. I can see my father still pines for her, and my mother doesn’t look happy. Now that I know what it’s like to have a mate, I’m even more determined that my parents get back together.”

Stanley sighed. Wrapping an arm around Fen, he pulled his mate close. “Babe, you can’t organize other people to do what you think they should. Your parents have to choose their own paths even if you think they’ve made the wrong choices. Don’t turn into my father.”

Fen patted Stanley on the chest. “I’m not. My parents deserve to be together.”

“I’m not going to change your mind, am I?”

“Nope,” Fen said.

“At least make sure everyone knows it isn’t my fault when this entire thing explodes in our face.”

“I will.” Fen promised. “But this will work.”

“Of course it will,” Stanley said, keeping his tone mild and his eyes wide with innocence.

Fen dressed himself quickly and led the way out of the bedroom. “You look great and this dinner will be a success.”

Stanley looked down at his designer suit. “So far, you’re doing well in the clothing department. Let’s hope your people sense is as good.”

Fen gave him a wolfish smile that did nothing to reassure Stanley. “My parents won’t even know what hit them.”

Despite his mate’s cheery outlook, Stanley had a feeling there was no way this night would work out. “Maybe it’s not too late to be a missing person,” he mused on his way out the door.

* * * *

The restaurant had the whole Italian villa stucco thing working for it with soothing Italian music pumping through speakers. They were led to a table in a beautiful courtyard set with white linen and wine glasses. Stanley didn’t know if werekin and wine were a good combination, but he figured Fen would know better than him.

A taller, more muscular version of his mate sat at the table, alone. He stood when they approached.

“Papa, this is my mate, Stanley Brown. Stanley, this is my father, Van Harvin, short for Vánagandr, but no one calls him that.”

Van gave Fen a quick manly hug and shook Stanley’s hand. A weird sensation tingled across Stanley’s body at the touch. It tickled. Van screamed and fell to the ground.

“Damn, are you okay?” Stanley crouched beside the man rolling on the floor.

“Step back, baby,” Fen coaxed, scooting Stanley away from his father. Stanley straightened, feeling helpless at the other man’s discomfort. “Up you go, Dad. That’s what you get for playing the show-me-your-power game with my Stanley,” Fen scolded.

Van’s hand trembled as he picked up his water glass. “Fen didn’t tell me you were a Prime Alpha,” he grumbled.

Stanley leaned over to whisper in his mate’s ear. “What’s a Prime Alpha?”

“Someone who its dangerous to play power games with.” Fen didn’t bother to lower his tone. “Papa thought to intimidate you, my love, but your natural ability rebounded his rudeness back at him.”

“I did that?” Stanley raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Van gave a snort. “I don’t know if I should be concerned that my alpha power rolls off you without effect or frightened that you didn’t even try and still brought me to the ground.”

Fen pulled out a chair for Stanley who sat because he didn’t know what else to do. Would it be the right thing to apologize to his father-in-law even though it wasn’t his fault?

“Let it go, my love, Papa’s sorry and won’t do it again, will you?” Fen’s tone indicated agreement was the only answer that would work.

“Hell no, that fucking hurt.” He gave Stanley a respectful look. “I guess I don’t have to worry that Fen’s mate won’t be able to take care of him. Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, sir.” Stanley would take grudging acceptance for the time being. He hoped eventually it would grow into fondness.

“Good afternoon,” a female voice called out.

Stanley stood to greet his parents. The fathers exchanged glares, but Stanley’s mother turned on the charm and received a much warmer greeting.

They’d barely been seated when another female joined them, but she arrived alone.

“Where’s your husband, Mama?” Fen asked, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.

The woman redefined elegant. Her dark hair brushed her shoulders, and if Stanley had seen them in a crowd, he would’ve thought Fen and his mother were brother and sister.

She ignored Fen’s question and focused on Stanley. “Is this him?”

“Yes, this is Stanley.” Fen really wanted to know what was going on.

“Oh, Stanley, it’s so nice to meet Fen’s mate,” she gushed, shaking his hand.

“He’s not going to stay his mate,” Stanley’s father growled. “Ouch.”

Millie stepped forward, a forced smile on her face. “Ignore my husband. He has buyer’s remorse. It’s his fault Stanley converted, and he’s upset our son didn’t follow his father’s master plan.”

“They rarely do,” Fen’s father piped up.

Fen held back a laugh as the two fathers exchanged sour looks of understanding.

After everyone sat down, Fen asked again, “Mom, where’s Abraham?”

He never called his stepfather anything but by his first name. The two never bonded even if the man did help raise him. Wolves went by scent, and to Fen, Abraham had never smelled quite right.

“I left him.” His mother’s voice had a hardness he’d never heard before.

“But why?”

“I found out he was cheating on me.”

“I’ll kill him,” Fen’s father growled. “How dare he cheat on my mate!”

Stanley leaned over and whispered in Fen’s ear. “Your family is strange.”

Fen nodded.

His mother sat down next to his father. They exchanged smiles, but it was more the smile of old friends than the hot spark between mates. His father patted his mother’s hand as if united toward a common enemy.

“He said he wanted someone who cared for him. I’ve washed that man’s underwear for ten years. If that doesn’t say love, what does?”

Fen’s father shook his head. “You can come and stay with me, pet. I’ll gut him if he comes around.”

His mother laughed. “Thanks, Van. I kicked that no-good jerk to the curb. I think I can handle him.”

“Hmm. Did Fen tell you his mate is a Prime Alpha?” Fen’s father gave her a conspiratorial smile.

“No!” Fen’s mother gasped as she examined Stanley closer.

“Yeah, he knocked me on my ass.”

“Serves you right, playing alpha games with the boy. You’re lucky he didn’t kill you,” she scolded.

His father shrugged. “He’s new. I figured he’d be weak.”

“My son has never been weak,” the Overseer snarled.

“Well, since he’s yours…” His father let the insult linger.

If Millie hadn’t placed a restraining hand on her husband, he probably would’ve leapt across the table to try to kick Fen’s father’s ass.

“I believe we’re here to celebrate our mating,” Fen interjected.

The fathers grunted and exchanged glares.

Yep, this was going to be fun.

“What’s a Prime Alpha?” Stanley asked.

Fen turned his attention back to the only person who deserved it, his mate.

“A Prime Alpha is like an alpha’s alpha. You’re stronger than most alphas, and you have bigger fangs. Let’s just say I’m not worried about Sebastian’s possible battle with you. You’ll be able to handle him without problem. Because you’re so strong you’ll probably end up taking over more territory.”

“Huh, weird.”

Poor Stanley had done so well until now, but Fen could feel the edges of his mate’s control starting to unravel.

He slid his hand beneath the table to entangle his fingers with Stanley. His mother gave him a concerned look. “Is it a mutual bond?”

Fen nodded.

Stanley said, “Yes.”

“Good,” she said with satisfaction.

The one-way bond with his parents was always a source of battle between them with his father trying to take control, and his mother fighting back.

“Once you settle into your alpha territory, we can talk about boundaries. Your territory butts against mine. I’m going to give you two months to settle in before we need to talk.”

Stanley glared at Fen’s father. A low growl rolled across the room.

Oooh, not good. Fen tried to calm his mate, but his father just had to push. “I was never happy that Fen joined another pack. With your bonding we should think about merging the two packs and forming one. Don’t worry, I can be there to lead it since you’re new to the entire alpha thing.”

Damn Stanley was fast.

Fen’s father dangled from Stanley’s grip, pinned against the wall by one hand before Fen could blink twice. The Prime Alpha’s power rolled across Fen like a tidal wave. Gasping, Fen barely held onto his human form, almost certain it was only their bond that kept him from shifting.

“I’ll tell you this once. I will hold my territory. It is mine. I’m not merging my pack with anyone,” Stanley growled. Long talons slid from his nails until he held the man in the grip of his claw.

“Stanley, drop my father.” Fen tried to infuse as much command in the statement as possible. The only person an enraged alpha would listen to was his mate.

“He wants to take our land from us.” Stan's low, gravelly voice ripped through Fen like a hurricane, destroying his calm.

“He won’t. We won’t let him.” Stanley had to know he wouldn’t be alone. Fen would stand by his side—always.

Stanley slammed Fen’s father one more time before opening his hand. Fen’s father hit the ground with a thud.

After Fen’s father picked himself up off the floor, the two families sat down for some amazing Italian food. Stanley moaned with each bite, causing Fen to wiggle in his seat to try to find a comfortable position for his growing erection.

Stanley leaned forward and whispered into Fen’s ear. “Are you okay?"

Fen shuddered. “Could you please hold down the moaning? I’m going to come in my pants."

Stanley gave him a sheepish smile that went straight to his heart. His beautiful alpha was still a shy accountant beneath all his bluster. “Sorry.”

“I’m not.” Fen squeezed Stanley’s leg.

“Now that you’ve resolved the border issue, when are you introducing Stanley to the pack?” The Overseer broke into their moment, and Fen wanted to growl. His mate’s eyes lit up with amusement as if he could read Fen’s mind.

“This full moon.” Fen answered, not looking away.

“Ooh how exciting, can I come?” Fen’s mom answered. “I love a good party.”

“No.” Fen said without hesitation. He didn’t need to worry about her on top of everything else. “We think Sebastian is going to challenge Stanley.”

“Then he’s a fool,” Fen’s father said, rubbing his throat.

“If you hadn’t had him changed, he’d never be in danger,” Millie snapped at the Overseer.

The older man ran his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“You always have a choice. You could say. Hmmm. I won’t lead the psycho shifter to my son,” Millie said, a sarcastic snap to her voice.

“I had to!” the Overseer snapped. “I promised his father.”

The silence at the table was deafening.

Stanley cleared his throat. “My father? You always told me you didn’t know my father.”

The Overseer avoided Stanley’s eyes. “And you still think I’m an honest person after all this? I’ve been lying to you your entire life. Your father was my best friend. Your mother died at childbirth, and your father soon after from losing his mate. He made me promise to have you changed and find you a proper mate because although her death killed him, his days with her were the happiest of his life. You were of the proper age to change, and the opportunity presented itself. Your mother didn’t know anything about it.”

Fen couldn’t even hear Stanley breathe beside him. “Why tell me after all this time? Why keep my father’s identity away from me?” The hurt in his mate’s voice stabbed at Fen.

“He was a Prime Alpha, too, wasn’t he?” Fen’s father spoke up.

Shit! A Prime Alpha’s children were often killed when they were young by the parents’ enemies because some pack members worried they’d become too powerful when they grew up.

Fen gripped Stanley’s hand. “He was keeping you safe.”

Fen saw the look of raw longing cross the Overseer’s face. The man might be a ham-handed bastard, but he truly loved his son. Anyone looking at him could see it in his eyes.

“Who was his father?” Fen’s father asked.

“Stevan James,” the Overseer confessed.

A chill went up Fen’s back. James had been the strongest alpha born in a millennium. His wife’s death and subsequently his had shaken the werekin community because he was practically an idol in their world.

“I thought their baby had died,” Fen's father said.

“I spread the word of his death because Stevan wanted to give him a normal life. When Millie lost our son, it was simple enough to put Stanley in his place.”

Fen cast a look at his mate. Stanley focused on his pasta with a frightening intensity.

“Stanley?” Fen whispered.

“What?”

Fen rubbed his mate’s back, feeling the tension in his muscles. “Are you all right?”

Shattered eyes looked back at him. “I don’t know.” He could feel the sorrow emanating from his mate.

“If you’ll excuse us, Stanley has a lot to think about.” Fen needed to get his mate out of there.

With a nod to the family, Fen wrapped an arm around Stanley’s waist and dragged him off. They made it all the way to the pack house before Stanley lost it.

Paul, unfortunately, was the first to greet them.

“I wondered where you two lovebirds had gone off to fornicate. Did you have fun out in the wild?”

Fen didn’t even say a word when Stanley chucked Paul through the air like a discus, a crumpled discus that ricocheted off the far wall.

“He’ll learn one day,” Sandy said, shaking her head at the pile of wolf lying in an unconscious heap. “Good thing he’s tougher than he looks. Otherwise you might’ve broken him. He just needs a mate to balance him out.”

Stanley gave a bitter laugh. “Maybe I should just give him to my dad. He thinks he’s a matchmaker.”

“He meant the best.” Fen rubbed Stanley’s back.

“He’s a controlling bastard,” Stanley growled.

“He still loves you,” Fen argued.

Stanley wrapped Fen in his arms. “The only person I’m positive has my best interests at heart is you. You’ve helped me through this entire change.” Fen moaned beneath the mouth of his mate as Stanley licked at his lips, coaxing them apart. “You are the best part of this debacle.”

The sound of a throat clearing pulled them apart. “As pretty as you two are together. I don’t think I can handle watching you two go at it without having a serious case of envy,” Sandy said.

“No one gets to see my mate naked but me,” Stanley snarled.

Fen sighed. With all the other things revealed that day, he hated to mention that everyone got naked at the full moon hunt, even alpha mates.

Chapter Seven

Stanley stood in the open field and watched the other shifters join them. Fen held court beside him, keeping the curious at bay while Stanley played the aloof alpha. The party Fen threw had been a huge success, and the majority of the pack were so relieved to be rid of the old alpha they were more than willing to welcome Stanley with open arms. The few who objected were tossed out.

After everything he had gone through in the past few weeks, Stanley didn’t have the patience to deal with anyone who thought they could challenge him. He knew Sebastian would be along soon, and he was only going to deal with one asshole today.

With the full moon high in the sky, the shifters began to strip and shift. Fen unbuttoned his shirt.

Stanley grabbed his wrist. “What are you doing?”

Fen rolled his eyes. “I’m going to remove my clothes so they don’t strangle me when I turn wolf.”

Scanning the area, Stanley didn’t like how many wolves were watching. “There are too many people here.”

“I hate to break it to you, alpha, but every one of them has seen your mate naked before,” Paul said with a laugh.

He jumped out of the way as Stanley reached for him.

Fen smiled. “He’s learning.”

“Are you sure you want to be a member of this pack, Paul? It’s not wise to taunt your alpha.” Stanley might be the new wolf on the block, but if he was going to be in charge, he needed to make sure everyone supported his leadership.

Paul frowned. “I might be a smart ass, but these people are my family. I will protect them, even from you.”

Stanley raised a brow.

“Okay, you might beat the crap out of me first, but I’d try.”

The look in Paul’s eyes told Stanley the other wolf actually meant that. Stanley nodded. “All right, but I reserve the right to pound you into the ground if you continue to annoy me.”

“Deal.” They shook on it to Fen’s laughter.

“Too bad you won’t be an alpha for long. You might have made a good one.” Sebastian stepped from the shadows. “Your father should’ve kept his deal. We would have made a powerful couple. Instead, you mated with that weak wolf and undermined my leadership."

A dozen wolves appeared behind Sebastian. “Now we’re going to have to take over the pack.”

Fen stepped forward. “You can’t take over without a proper alpha challenge.”

Sebastian glanced left and right as the wolves who came with him surrounded him. “I’m betting I can.”

“You’ll be banned as soon as the Overseer hears about this. He’s not going to take it well if you kill his son without a proper fight.”

The smile crossing Sebastian’s lips gave a new definition to evil. “Fortunately, you won’t be alive to tattle, little wolf.”

Stanley grabbed his mate and shoved Fen behind him. “Oh, he’ll be alive. You, however, won’t be.” Tearing off his clothes, Stanley set free the wolf that had been clawing to get out since the moon rose.

“Crap, he’s big.” A pack member said as Stanley leapt for Sebastian. Fighting with his clothes, the other alpha barely had his shirt off when Stanley took a bite out of his shoulder.

Sebastian howled. Fur sprouted up his bared chest. A loud crackling noise filled the meadow as he finished transforming into a wolf and shook his pants off. To Stanley’s surprise, Sebastian wasn’t particularly large, but he’d forgotten about the others Sebastian had brought with him. He was ruthlessly reminded of that fact when sharp teeth chomped on his back leg.

“Oh, hell no, no one picks on my alpha but me,” Paul shouted. His voice changed to a howl. A black blur attacked the wolf trying to snap off Stanley’s foot.

Fen!

Stanley had no doubt about the identity of the wolf. He could feel his mate’s presence in the back of his mind and also his fury.

A lighter brown wolf took down another of the interlopers; Stanley guessed it must be Paul. A howl from Fen brought the rest of the pack running to the rescue. Stanley was free to ignore the others and focus on Sebastian who hoped to use his distraction for another attack. Stanley stepped back just in time to avoid his throat being ripped out.

He retaliated by biting Sebastian’s snout until the man let out a whimper.

Stanley jumped back, avoiding Sebastian’s retaliatory snap.

The two Alphas circled each other even as the fighting continued around them. Stanley yearned to turn and check on Fen, but he knew Sebastian would take advantage of his distraction if he did. He needed to end this and end it soon. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the skills to fight as a wolf, and instincts only got him so far.

Sebastian’s slighter form made him lighter on his feet. A series of jumps and missed opportunities haunted Stanley as he tried to find the opportunity to attack. Finally, a howl jerked Sebastian’s head around. Stanley dove for the kill. Clamping down on the other alpha’s neck, Stanley brought Sebastian to the ground.

“Give him the chance to submit.” Fen’s voice broke through Stanley’s haze of fury. He released his grip and took a cautious step backward.

A light crackling sound filled the air, and Sebastian went from conquered wolf to shivering human. “I submit,” he whispered, keeping his eyes turned away.

Stanley turned to Fen for information.

“You have to let him live. He can join your pack or go find another of his own.”

Stanley let out a growl. He didn’t want the bastard to join his pack. He wanted to finish ripping Sebastian’s throat out.

“It’s the law.”

“I want to join your pack.” Sebastian answered, still not looking directly at Stanley.

He looked up at his mate.

“Stanley accepts your request to join,” Fen said.

Stanley let out a growl. Turning his back on the downed alpha, he trotted over to his mate and licked his hand.

“Eww, wolfy germs,” Fen said. There were a couple of scratches on his mate’s perfect body, but otherwise he looked unharmed.

Stanley shifted back to his human form. One second he was wolf, the next human.

Fen shook his head. “You are one of the fastest shifters I’ve ever met.”

Stanley shrugged. “I’ll have to take your word for that.” Leaning forward, he brushed lips with his lover. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”

“I’m tougher than I look,” Fen said.

Enthralled with his mate, Stanley didn’t know of the attack until someone shouted, “Look out.”

Spinning around, he saw Sebastian had shifted back to wolf form. With his teeth bared, he charged at Stanley.

The crack of a rifle filled the air. Sebastian tumbled to the ground, dead.

A large man in a long overcoat stomped across the field.

“Father?”

The Overseer looked down at the dead shifter with a fury in his eyes so cold even Stanley felt a shiver of dread.

“Thought I’d come see how the challenge went. Fucker thought he could march in here and kill my son.” A look of pride filled his eyes as he looked at Stanley. “You did good, boy. You took him down even without training.” His cool gaze examined the other shifters as if trying to determine if anyone else needed to die. Stanley heard a collective sigh when his father’s attention returned to Stanley. “Next week, we’ll work on training you to fight. I’ve got a shifter friend all lined up.”

“Um, thanks.” Great. Now for the first time, they had something to bond over and it involved killing other people. No wonder they never found a common ground before.

Hefting his rifle over his shoulder, Stanley’s father nodded to Fen. “You did pretty well, too.”

“Thank you, Overseer,” Fen replied.

Stanley’s father stared at Fen for the longest damn minute Stanley ever experienced. He could feel Fen’s anxiety through their bond. “You can call me Father. After all, you’re mated to my son.”

“Thank you, sir, I mean, Father.”

Fen got a curt nod, Stanley a breath-stealing slap on the back, then his father turned and walked back the way he came. No one spoke until he completely vanished.

To no one’s surprise, Paul was the first to speak. “I thought you were tough, but your dad scares the crap out of me.”

Fen laughed. “You’re not the only one.”

Stanley wrapped an arm around his mate, only now remembering they were all standing around naked. “Let’s go home, love. I think I’ve had enough excitement for one night.”

Fen shook his head. “You need to run as a wolf first. It will settle your beast. It’s especially important after a battle.”

Personally, Stanley really wanted a hot shower, a good toothbrush, and a soft bed with his mate. Unfortunately, it looked like that was on the agenda for later. As Fen shifted and ran off, Stanley changed back into his wolf form and chased after Fen. Because wherever his mate went, Stanley would follow.

He heard Paul mutter as he ran off. “Great, now we’re the Overseer’s puppies. Won’t that be fun?”

The End

About the Author

Amber Kell is a dreamer who has been writing stories in her head for as long as she could remember.

She lives in Seattle with her husband, two sons, three cats and one very stupid dog. To learn more about her current books or works in progress, check out her blog at http://amberkell.wordpress.com.

Her fans can also reach her at amberkellwrites@gmail.com.

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