Brandt's wounds healed quickly from the enzymes in Cheri's bites. However, his despair didn't lessen. He knew his father sent the distress call to their queen. He also knew the two loved one another and both deserved the love they found together.Knowing this didn't make it any easier for Brandt's heart to accept. He needed a reason to live.A soft knock on his door signaled an unwelcome guest. That, the individual could block their mind signature from him, the Alpha of the pack, immediately told Brandt who was knocking and that he couldn't deny him entry.With a resigned sigh, Brandt told his father to come in.Pausing just inside the room, Thomas took a deep breath. He raised his son with pride and honor and tried to keep violence away from him, but early on it was apparent Brandt would one day lead the pack. To do so, Brandt had to kill Thomas' best friend. It was the way of beastkind. Thomas grieved and missed his friend, but he loved his son more than anyone, except Cheri. He

The next two groups separated twenty miles later, with Brandt's group heading to the house where they knew they could locate the scent. It was risky but they hoped to remain undetected. In their last communication with Charles, he said there was a delay in getting the bloodhounds and the police wouldn't begin the forest search until later in the morning. It was now three a.m. and the night was dark with only a quarter moon showing. The wolves had perfect night vision so no moon would have been preferable if they were to remain unseen, but you take what you get.They removed their clothes, folded them, and stowed them neatly inside black duffle bags in the back of the vehicle. If someone found the SUV, they didn't want anyone thinking they had four naked men running around in the area."Move the vehicle into the trees and let's get this done." Brandt was wasting no time.Dense pine trees shadowed the forest floor and the needles crunched beneath their bare feet and then beneath paws.

Running the warm washcloth over her body, he memorized every curve. He replaced the cloth with his callused fingers and learned the feel of her skin. His nose followed his hands. Her essence soaked into his pores and continued to make his heart thrum. She was malnourished and each rib protruded under her tissue-like silky skin. Her hair was a mess and saturating it with conditioner would be the only way to get the snarls out but it could wait. Even dirty the strands were such a light color, almost white like her fur. It would be a shame to cut it. She continued to sleep through his ministrations.An hour later, the tensing of her body told him she was awake and then unsurprisingly her unclothed body shifted to wolf. Low growls came from her throat. He waited patiently just watching her. Without warning, lethal sharp teeth tried to eat him. Her snapping jaws were a hair's breadth from his face and it took all his strength to hold her down. He stayed in human form and spoke soothingly,

She wasn't dropping her gaze now and her alpha's scent rolled from her body in waves. He shook his head slightly to recover from the effects of her power and the sexual attraction he was feeling."There are no demons here. Kinsee is a young child and she's precious to us. Cheri, with the teeth, is a vampire and she is our queen. I know this doesn't make sense but I won't let anyone harm you." Her face betrayed she had little understanding of what he was saying. She was his mate and he opened his link with her mind not sure if it would work.Blood, there will be more blood when I kill him.Her thoughts flooded his mind. Feeding her would probably be a good idea right now. He would save the worry about his death until after dinner, though he would keep a close eye on the knife she would need to cut her steak. Backing slowly to the table, he pulled out a chair for her and sat down in the one next to hers. She didn't come closer. Using his fork, he placed a steak on his plate and then p

Bright sunlight and strong arms holding her close brought Emily awake. She was on her side and sprawled half on top of his warmth with her cheek against his chest. His eyes closed and his face peaceful, she inhaled deeply. Bringing her hand up, she touched one finger to the skin beside her cheek. Soft but hard she allowed her hand, with a feather touch, to glide over his chest and then travel higher.The whisper of a touch brought him awake. Not opening his eyes, her smell enveloped him. Incredibly soft fingers trail from his chest to his neck. The soft caress became a gentle poke and he couldn't help but smile. Her hand jerked away. He peered between his eyelids. Her eyes were downcast and using his hand he tilted her face to his gaze. His voice, gruff with sleep whispered, "I need touch like you. My body is different, hard where yours is soft." Taking her hand, he placed it back on his chest. Her fingers balled into a fist and didn't move. Connecting with her mind, he couldn't help