A terrifying snarl sounded again to draw Shannon’s attention. The woman had crouched down, one hand balanced on the floor, which now had long claws instead of fingernails, and her features had shifted enough that a black spread of hair covered her cheeks. Her jaw had elongated into more of a muzzle than a mouth, and very sharp-looking white fangs were revealed more clearly. The woman’s green eyes had narrowed, shifted shape, and the sound had come from her.
“Move out of my way.” The woman’s voice sounded more masculine than feminine.
“No,” Anton snarled back, his voice equally as terrifying. “She’s under my protection.”
Someone pounded up the stairs and then a muscular, burly guy with long hair barreled into the room. He nearly tripped over the half-shifted werewolf woman prepared to attack but drew to a jerky stop just in time to avoid a collision. The new guy looked very similar to Anton with his long black hair, jeans, and a tank top that revealed tattoos spread across broad, muscular arms. Shannon guessed they had to be brothers.
“I tried to stop her,” he panted. “She didn’t take meeting me well, knocked me on my ass, and she can move swiftly when pissed. It seems she somehow knows what we look like.”
“Get her out of here, Rave,” Anton snarled. “I don’t care how.” His gaze remained locked on the woman threatening Shannon. “If she tries to get around me it’s going to cause a war between our packs, because I’ll throw her out myself. She won’t enjoy flying out a window or down the stairs.”
Rave suddenly stopped breathing and his head turned. His dark gaze sought and found Shannon. Confusion reflected on his features and then his eyes widened with shock. He sniffed loudly. “Puma? Seriously? Oh, shit.”
He didn’t snarl at her or growl. Shannon figured that had to be a plus. He glanced away from her to frown at Anton.
“Why do you have her here?”
“She’s under my protection.” Anton snarled again at the woman on the floor. “Do you understand? You attack her and I attack you. You will never reach her.”
The woman slowly rose up, her terrifying features still in a half-shifted state, and she defiantly stared at Anton. “You dare insult my pack by preferring to fuck one of them over me?”
“Fuck?” Rave gasped. “Who said anything about that? He said he was protecting her for some reason.”
“I smell them,” the woman spat. “Sex and desire.”
Rave sniffed again. He blinked a few times, his gaze passed from Shannon to Anton, and he suddenly laughed. “Oh shit. This is…wow!”
Anton glanced at her. “Don’t move, Shannon. I’m coming to get you.” He shot a warning look at his brother. “Don’t let that bitch attack. I need to get to Shannon. She’s too close to the window. She can’t control her fear.”
Rave hesitated and then stepped around the angry werewolf woman to put his body between Anton and her. “Do you want to tell me what the hell is going on here? Deana, I suggest you calm down. I know you’re not happy over meeting with me instead of my brother but you can’t attack someone under his protection.”
“She’s a puma.” Deana snarled again, growled, and her fingers lifted to display her sharp claws. “They are our enemy.”
Anton spun toward Shannon and he eased forward. “Easy, kitten. You’re safe. Don’t move, okay? You’re in no danger.”
Fear nearly overpowered her as she glanced at the window again. A soft sound escaped her lips—a whimper. Anton softly cursed in response.
“Shannon? Look at me.”
She did. She took a deep breath, trying to fight the urge to jump away from him. He wouldn’t hurt her, she knew that, yet another snarl from the werewolf bitch had her turning toward the window. The urge became so powerful that her body tensed in anticipation of jumping to reach it.
Anton surged forward. She hissed when he grabbed hold of her ankle. He jerked hard and she tumbled off the counter. She landed inside the cradle of his strong arms when he caught her. Shannon turned against his chest and clawed at him. He groaned but then pressed her against the wall.
“Easy,” he crooned. “I’ve got you. Hold on to me.”
She panted, fought her instincts, and realized what her fingernails were doing. She jerked them away from his skin. The smell of blood filled her nose and she saw she’d drawn it from him. She’d marked his flesh, her nails had pierced him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him tightly. Hot tears spilled from her eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll heal. It’s nothing. It won’t even leave a scar.” He nuzzled the side of her face. “I’m just happy you don’t have claws.”
His hold on her changed enough that she could wrap her legs around his hips. It made her feel better to totally press against him. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed again. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
“Shush. It’s okay.” He turned his head. “Get that bitch out of here, Rave. Now. Handle it.”
“I won’t leave.” Deana’s voice still sounded masculine. “She will. If you insult my pack this way, I’ll make sure my father demands retribution.”
Anton turned, holding Shannon. “I don’t want you. It’s not personal. You’re beautiful, Deana. That’s your name? Any male who wasn’t involved with a woman would be lucky to have the opportunity to test a mating with you, but as you can see, I already have someone.”
“She’s a cat shifter.” Deana spat the words as if they were a great insult. “That’s sick!”
“She’s mostly human. That’s why the scent of her is so faint that you didn’t detect it immediately. She can’t shift. She’s no an enemy of mine.” He paused. “She matters a lot to me. I’m sorry that you aren’t happy with being offered my younger brother, but Rave isn’t attached to anyone. He’s a strong male, a prime mate candidate, and he’s the main enforcer of our pack. You won’t find a better fighter. He may appear mellow but you’ve never seen him enraged.”
Shannon felt safe enough to turn her head to watch the terrifying female werewolf. Deana’s features had shifted back but her fangs still dented her human-looking mouth.
“You’re the future alpha of this pack. I’m the strongest daughter of the Mortell pack. We would be a good match. I could be your alpha bitch and help you hold your pack when you take control.” She shot a hateful sneer at Shannon. “That is dinner.”
Shannon trembled from fear. She wondered if the woman meant that literally. Do shifters eat each other if they’re from different races?
Anton’s arms tightened around her and he nuzzled her cheek with his jaw to comfort her. “She’s under my protection and you will not insult her. This is my home. I’ve offered you the best candidate our pack has to offer who’s available to test a mating with you. Deal with that. I’m taken.”
“Shit,” Rave rasped. “Does Mom know? Dad?”
“Shut up,” Anton demanded.
“Damn. Okay. That’s what I figured.” Rave met Shannon’s gaze and gave her a tense smile. “Nice to meet you.”
Her mouth parted but no words came out.
Anton sighed. “She’s terrified. She can’t shift but her instincts are present. Obviously. You saw how fast she can move when fear grips her. Terror makes her climb and try to get away from whatever scares her.”
“That’s why she’s wrapped around you like a second skin.” Rave laughed. “I guess dating her means you’re going to get laid a lot. You terrify everyone, and with her constantly wrapped around your waist, she won’t be able to get away from you every time you raise your voice. That’s really convenient.”
“Damn it, Rave. Stop with the jokes. Does this seem the time for them?”
“Probably not, but damn, bro, you’ve got to admit that this is priceless.” He chuckled. “She’s really cute. Her hair is beautiful and her eyes are amazing.”
“I won’t be insulted this way!” Deana huffed. “I’m calling my father.” She spun and stormed out of the apartment. Her high-heeled boots struck loudly on the stairs as
she retreated.
“Fuck,” Rave sighed, all traces of humor gone. “You know what that means. She’s going to call her daddy, who will in turn call to chew out our dad’s ass. If our parents didn’t know about your sexy little cat before, they will real soon. I wouldn’t want to be you.”
Anton growled. “Great. It’s Mom I’m worried about.”
“Oh man.” Rave shivered. “She’ll come here to verify if it’s true.” He pulled out his keys. “Take her to my cabin if you need a place to hide out.” He removed a key and tossed it.
Anton released Shannon to catch the key then his arm wrapped back around her with it fisted in his palm. “Thanks, but I won’t need it. This is my home.”
“It may be but sometimes it’s better to run than fight. Braden was there last so I’m not sure what condition he left it in, but I’d take food. That kid can eat.”
“I refuse to hide out as if I’ve done something wrong that I’ll be grounded over. I’m an adult. I’ll deal with our parents.”
“Better to have a backup plan in case you need one. That’s my life motto. I can’t say I’m upset that bitch just rejected me. Did you see that leather outfit?” He shuddered. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she owns whips and chains, her idea of a fun, sexy time being to draw blood and attempt to restrain me to a bed. Not my thing. The only one getting tied down in my bed are women who like to wiggle around too much while I’m eating them.”
Shock widened Shannon’s gaze as she stared at Anton’s brother. He glanced at her and grinned.
“I’m talking oral sex, kitten.” He chuckled. “That’s a cute name for her. Appropriate.”
“Don’t call her that. She doesn’t like it.”
“You called her that.”
Anton softly growled. “Rave, it’s time for you to leave.”
“Do you want me to hold her while you try to talk that bitch out of calling to tell her daddy about you? It may be a good idea. You could avoid a lot of hell if our parents don’t find out you’re harboring someone they’ll consider an enemy.”
“No.” Anton took a step back. “You aren’t touching her.”
“I wouldn’t hurt her. I seriously mean it.” Rave’s features hardened, all humor disappearing. “I won’t hit on her either. My tongue will stay inside my mouth and my zipper will remain up. You might consider going after that bitch to stop her. Our parents aren’t going to be happy that you’ve got her here. I don’t know what will be worse—that she’s part puma or that she’s mostly human. You’re the future alpha of the pack and they’re going to pitch a fit, worry that you’ll decide to keep her past mating heat. That’s a serious commitment to make, having her in your bed for the next few weeks. It’s one thing to experiment with a one-night stand but you’ve obviously chosen her to share the heat with.”
“I haven’t,” Anton denied. “A few of our pups discovered her and kidnapped her to hunt in the woods. I drove her home after saving her from them. I thought she’d be safe but they visited her apartment and tore it up. I brought her here to protect her until I can rid her of the threat.”
“It’s too close to mating heat.” Rave crossed his arms over his chest. “If it hits with her here, you’re going to take her, and once it starts you know how it is. She’s in your home. This isn’t running into the woods to nail any female offering it up for a free-for-all. You’re attaching her scent to you too strongly for your wolf to want any other bitch. Or I guess I should say she-cat, in her case. You won’t be able to get enough of her and if you try to fight the urge, it could turn ugly. Denying what your animal demands in mating heat tends to cause accidental mating. Just ask Grady about that. He tried to deny his wolf with Mika, and he lost control until he claimed her permanently. It worked out for them, but he passed on being alpha. You don’t have that option.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“They’d never allow her to hold the position of alpha bitch, Anton. She’s part puma. Mom would go insane, and I can’t see our father taking it well either. Then there’s the reaction from our entire pack to consider.”
“Damn it,” Anton snarled. “Just go. I’m protecting her, nothing more.”
Rave sniffed. “Is that what I smell? Your version of guarding her body? The lust is strong in here.”
“Just leave.” Anton spun around, moved toward the kitchen and sighed. “Please close the door on your way out.”
“Use the cabin if shit hits the fan. Good luck, Bro. You know I love you and support you regardless of pack politics. I always have your back.”
Anton halted but he didn’t glance at this brother. “Thanks. I love you too.”
“You make a cute couple.” The door slammed closed.
Shannon peered up at Anton. He looked angry when he met her gaze. “It will be fine. There’s nothing my parents can do to you. You’re totally safe.”
She really doubted it. “You should really just let me go stay with my mom.”
He shook his head. “It’s not happening.”
Chapter Seven
“Who was that woman?” Shannon allowed Anton to set her on top of the counter.
He released her, stepped back, and frowned. “Mating heat is about to start. Other packs wish to unite with ours. Different ones send women here to see if I’ll hit it off with them.”
Shannon silently gawked at him. She finally found her voice. “As in you take her to dinner and get to know her? She wasn’t exactly dressed…well, to go out anywhere unless it’s to a strip bar. That outfit left little to the imagination. I can’t believe she goes out in public.”
His dark head turned away and she could have sworn she saw him blush. “Not exactly.” He glanced back at her and crossed his arms over his chest.
It sank in slowly. “Oh my. You’re supposed to have sex with them?”
“Yeah.”
Emotions flooded forth, mostly jealousy. The idea of Anton with other women just didn’t sit well with her. The scary beauty queen the other pack had sent made her feel worse. That woman possessed a porn-star body in her skin-tight leather jumpsuit. She’d been about as different in appearances from Shannon as she could get. It also became clear that the guy had probably slept with a lot of women in his lifetime.
“Every year, you have to sleep with one woman to see if she’s a possible mate?”
He glanced away again. “Not just one.”
She knew the color drained from her face. “How many women are you supposed to sleep with during this heat thing?”
“There are a lot of packs out there who would love it if one of their daughters mated with the future alpha of our pack. We’re stronger than most and have prime territory. I get sent one every day from the different packs during mating heat. They schedule the days with my father.”
“How long did you say this thing lasts?”
“Anywhere from ten to fifteen days. It depends on the year. It’s difficult to predict. Sex is an effective way to test if we’re mates.”
Her shock turned to a sick twist in her stomach. “I’m leaving.”
She shoved off the counter, landed on her feet, and walked for the door.
Anton moved faster than she could, his body blocking the only exit, and he frowned down at her when she halted. “It’s not safe for you to go.”
Embarrassment and humiliation surfaced. She refused to look into his eyes, instead focused on the mouth that had been on her body recently. She’d thought they might have had something unique, perhaps the beginning of something real, but instead he just had sex with a lot of women. He had to be one serious player to take sex that casually.
And she’d almost allowed him to fuck her. She would have if he hadn’t halted it.
“Get out of my way, Anton. I’m out of here. No wonder you have so many condoms stashed.”
He sniffed and softly cursed. “Damn.”
“I’m not turned on.” She backed up to put space between them, spun around, and her gaze lifted to the window she’d contempla
ted leaping through earlier. It looked tempting again. She just needed to get away from him. She’d totally made a fool of herself by allowing him to touch her. “I just need to leave before the next one arrives.”
“I know exactly what you’re feeling. You’re hurt. I can smell it.”
She refused to look at him. “No, I’m not,” she lied, unwilling to allow him to know she’d started to grow too attached to him. “Get your nose checked. I just don’t want to be here when another werewolf woman arrives and threatens to make me her dinner.” She tried to nonchalantly inch closer to the window. “You’re too busy with your schedule to babysit me.”
“Damn it, Shannon. Look at me.” He growled the order.
She turned her head. “What?” Her gaze met his and regret simmered in his brown eyes.
“It’s not what you think.”
“What am I thinking?”
“Hell.” He blew out air. “I don’t invite them.”
“But you’ve sure slept with a bunch of them. Wow. You poor baby. You’ve got such a sad life. All those werewolf women showing up every day to have sex with you must be traumatic. You said your father schedules them to see you, right? That implies he has your permission. Is there a sympathy card I can send you for that?”
“This isn’t— Shit, I don’t even know what to say.” He lifted a hand to run his fingers through his hair. He tore out the ponytail holder and tossed it aside, shook out his long tresses until they fell around his shoulders and grimly studied her. “I know it sounds bad but I wish you’d at least let me explain.”
“What’s to explain? I was here when no one else was, so you thought you’d amuse yourself with me regardless of the fact that you had to realize I don’t just mess around with guys for fun. You knew I wasn’t that type.” She put a few more feet between them. “Maybe I’m a novelty to you. Ever done a part-puma shifter before?” She jerked her head toward his bed. “Are there hidden notches somewhere over there that I missed seeing? I am short. Maybe you keep them high on the posts.”