The Mystic Wolves (#1, The Mystic Wolves)

A deafening blast broke the silence and dragged me screaming through the choking darkness. Gasping for breath, frantically seeking for something to cling to, I faltered for a moment when I found the space beside me empty. I struggled to focus, my hands restlessly moving about, but there was nothing. That’s when the terror began to pull me back under.

  Flashes of images, so shocking, fired rapidly at me. They were jumbled at first, but slowly they began to make sense, and it came with a gut wrenching pain that stole my breath. Suddenly, my ears were filled with the fury-laden howl of a wolf. My wolf. She was furious and in no way consolable. The nightmare had triggered memories in her also.

  My heart raced, beating hard against my chest, and I let out a strangled whimper as I fought to regain control. Closing my eyes, I tried to block out the thoughts bombarding me as the events of the night began to replay themselves. Without realizing, I started to rock back and forth.

  Jasmine. Beautiful, sweet, perfect Jasmine. Gone, and it was all my fault. It was my stubborn pride—thinking I could protect us, which had led to the fateful encounter. It was because of my inability to act that I couldn’t stop him from stealing her from me.

  Bile rose in my throat, bringing with it a taste that caused my wolf to suddenly stop her howling. A new feeling surged through me, one of triumph and a strong sense of retribution. She was pleased with her part in the evening, and I couldn’t help the shudders overtaking my body as I connected the unique flavor filling my mouth.

  Flesh and blood. His. I couldn’t hide away from the small sense of satisfaction I felt. Even though I hadn’t been able to take care of it, she had. She’d taken a firm hold of the situation, pushed me into the background, and hunted the monster down. Without mercy. Without hesitation.

  Tearing him limb from limb until he was unrecognizable, she refused to give back control, adamant she was the only way to keep us safe. Looking down at my body as it nestled under piles of soft, warm blankets, I strained to remember how I managed to convince her to release me.

  A name whispered in my mind, and my muscles instantly relaxed as if the mere mention of him was enough to ease the tension. Mason. He had come, and his help had restored me. He’d seen the devastation, how I’d failed him, and still he had patiently been there.

  Shame pounded into me. How could I possibly look him in the eye again, knowing I cost him his beloved sister? Sure, he brought me back, but it was more from the duty of being the Alpha, and I doubted he would still want to mate with me.

  Just the idea of never completing the bond stirred up fear and an agony so acute, tears began to stream down my face. I pulled my knees up into my chest and hugged them, continuing my steady rocking.

  What am I going to do?

  Thoughts raced through my mind and I could feel the hysteria building. The nightmare had finally released me from its grip, but now a new one, a world without Jasmine, Mason, and my pack began to take shape, and it was by far the most terrifying.

  A noise erupted into the air, disturbing the silence of the room. It took a moment to realize I was the one making it. I was shocked to hear how weak and destitute I sounded. There was nothing confident about it. It belonged to someone who had just lost everything, and the weight of it crushed me.

  I clamped a hand over my mouth, desperate to stop the noise before it brought people to my room. The last thing I needed was everyone trying to figure out what happened. It would come soon enough if I knew the rumor mill at all. I was part of a pretty amazing pack, the Mystic Wolves, but like most, we enjoyed a little gossip, and I wasn’t ready to face it.

  Another thought shot through my mind, one that made me wince. I can’t let anyone see me like this. Vulnerable and weak. Being almost mated to the Alpha came with authority and a position of pride amongst the pack—a greatly coveted position for those looking to advance. I’d made sure to maintain friendly relationships with everyone, but who knew when someone would get it in their head to throw down the gauntlet.

  Maybe that’s the best thing. Have someone challenge me and let them win. It would solve everyone’s problem. Even before the thought was completed, it made me choke. Yes, things felt dire at the moment, but this wasn’t me. I wasn’t a wolf to just lie down and bare my throat without a fight. I may feel like a failure, but I would never do something so cowardly—so unbecoming and faint-hearted.

  No, I need to just leave. Get out of bed, pack a few things, and go into hiding. Mason will eventually forget me and stop looking. If I run far enough, maybe I can start again.

  My wolf growled at the idea, showing me just how distasteful my musings were. Mason had reached her earlier and she was now fiercely loyal to him. She didn’t want to hear any nonsense about leaving. Besides, she warned me, Mason would never stop looking, and he’d bring in other packs to help. The only way to avoid that was to go rogue, and the idea bristled against my pride. I was too much of a “pack” girl to ever go at it alone.

  What am I going to do?

  You’re going to stop thinking and just let me hold you, a voice as warm as melted chocolate echoed through my mind and slid over my body. I stopped my rocking and opened my eyes, looking for the source.

  “Mason?”

  I’m here. Just waiting and watching.

  A rustle from the corner of the room drew my attention, and I found him—the man who made my heart sing and dance, sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. A closer look showed he was still in the same clothes from yesterday, giving him a crumpled look I couldn’t deny was sexy. Each time I looked at him, it stole my heart, and it hurt to know I’d lost him.

  “What are you doing down there? Something wrong with the chair?” I looked over to the plush armchair I had everyone drag in for me, and I instantly saw the problem—it was covered with piles of unfolded clothes. Being a procrastinator, I’d never got around to putting them away.

  “I wanted you to rest, but couldn’t bring myself to leave. You tossed and turned a lot.”

  Speaking aloud, Mason’s voice had the same effect over me. To some, he just sounded like an ordinary guy, but as a werewolf I could feel the authority and power flowing through it. I could also hear his weariness and sorrow.

  “You didn’t want to share my bed?” I couldn’t believe how small I sounded as I spoke my fears. It hurt knowing he found me so repulsive he’d rather sit on a hard floor than beside me.

  I closed my eyes again, hoping to hide from his answers. If he was going to break it off with me, I’d rather not see it coming. Maybe I was a coward.

  There was a slight noise before I felt the mattress lower as Mason sat down beside me. I instantly began rocking again, my body moving involuntarily, and it was seconds before I was encased in strong arms.

  “I’m sorry about Jasmine. I’m sorry I couldn’t save her. I’m sorry.” I couldn’t finish my sentence.

  The calming, potent scent of wolf mixed with Mason hit me and I filled my lungs with it, memorizing it for future use. My heartbeat sought out his and slowed itself to match. My chest rose and fell in time with his. For the first time since I awoke, I felt some semblance of peace.

  “Darcy, you think too much,” Mason whispered, and he tightened his embrace. “It hurts me to hear you.”

  “It’s true though,” I murmured, “Why would you want me?”

  “Because you’re mine.”

  With that simple declaration, I fell apart.

  Wave after wave of every emotion I lived through in the past twenty-four hours washed over me, filling me up before erupting out in short, hard gasps. Drawing breath was near impossible as I panted through the pain and sobbed as my heart broke all over again. As one cry finished, another began and everything faded away, leaving me drowning in grief. It was relentless—I couldn’t escape it, forced to ride it out.

  Slow, soothing strokes against my back were my lifeline, Mason’s steady presence a reminder I wasn’t alone, and I clutched onto him as my anchor. Gradually, my chest stopped tightening and
my cries turned into muffled hiccups as I buried my face into him.

  “Are you okay?” Mason asked softly, his hand leaving my back to run his fingers through my hair. His voice sounded thick with emotion, and a quick glance at his face confirmed my suspicions. I hadn’t wept alone.

  He’d also lost his sister, and I felt selfish for losing sight of it. He’d gone through the night alone, wanting to let me rest, choosing to see to my needs before his own. Love surged through me over this man, and I offered up a vow right then and there, I’d stand by him forever.

  Pulling back slightly, I reached up and tenderly brushed away his tears with the pad of my thumb. Mason returned the favor, his focus never leaving my face. I’m not sure how I missed it before. Yes, there was a look of weariness and deep sadness, but there was also love blazing in his eyes. This was a man who adored me, who would wage war with the Devil himself, and he was all mine. My wolf howled in agreement.

  You better believe I’m all yours. It’s you and me forever, Darcy. No matter what.

  He spoke again into my mind, and I tentatively reached out to answer him. I love you, Mason. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t help but to let go of a sigh at being able to connect with him mentally. It troubled me that it hadn’t worked earlier and before I could ask why, he interrupted me.

  “There’s plenty of time to talk, babe. We’ll work on it. Right now, I just want to make sure you’re okay. You scared me last night and I hate feeling that way. I’m struggling with the death of Jasmine, but to think I almost lost you too … I don’t think I would survive that.”

  “Even a big bad wolf like you?” I offered a weak smile as I stroked his cheek; touched at the emotion he was showing me.

  “Yes, even a big bad wolf like me. You’re everything to me, Darcy. So I don’t ever want to hear you think about leaving. Whatever happens, we face it together.” There was a fierceness in his face now as he spoke, a determination that told me what he just shared was as good as law. Without thought, I leaned forward and brought my lips against his, moving them for a gentle, tender kiss.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, retreating slowly. A flash of hunger fired in his eyes before he pulled back, a look of concern returning to its place. Without warning, Mason lifted me into his arms, and with his back against the headboard, nestled me on his lap. I couldn’t help but squeak at the sudden movement and blushed at how very un-wolf-like it was.

  His slight chuckle resonated through my back as I got comfortable. Trust him to have heard it. Nothing escaped his notice when it came to me, and he brought his arms around my body, folding me into his own.

  “Want to talk about it?” The question hung in the air and I didn’t know how to answer. Everything inside me screamed to keep silent, to bury it deep, but the look of concern on his face told me he needed this just as much as I did.

  I nodded and searched for a place to start. I wasn’t looking forward to reliving it, but hopefully once it was out in the open between us we could heal together. Without any more thought, I opened my mouth and the words poured out. They came slowly at first, and then rapidly. The purging felt good.

  Mason sat quietly, focused on letting me set the pace, but there was no denying the inner turmoil he was going through. As he listened about the threat to me and his sister, and the struggle she went through, electricity churned in the air. His wolf was right at the surface, chomping and snarling, wanting to be released. It showed the amazing strength and control he had, because a lesser wolf would’ve changed under the incredible pressure.

  Even with his fury tightly reined, Mason emitted low growls. When I retold the moment where Jasmine was shot, he leaned his head back and let out the most haunted, terrifying cry I’d ever heard. It was full of grief, maddening in its intensity. His arms became like iron rods around me and I knew all his protective instincts had kicked in. Had I not already taken care of Gary, Mason would’ve left right at that moment, and not stopped until he destroyed the monster who dared to steal from him.

  I turned my body to sit across his lap so I could reach up to his face. With my fingers, I traced the outline of his cheek. Tenderly, I brought his gaze to mine and it was just as I suspected—his eyes were wolf-like, more evidence of his battle to keep his beast caged. I pulled him closer and kissed his eyelids, resting my forehead against his when I was finished.

  We sat quietly, lost in the moment, clinging to one another. When I felt the charge in the air and Mason relax, I looked back and related the rest of the tale. I told how my wolf had taken charge, hunting the threat down like prey and relishing in the kill. I shared everything, hoping this would bring him a sense of justice. From the look of feral triumph he gave me, I hoped it would be enough.

  I stared at him for the longest time, trying to judge what he’d do. I knew he was in turmoil, I could see it in his body language and in the way he tightly held me. I caught my breath—waiting. He answered me moments later. One minute I was sitting in his lap, and next I was airborne.

  Mason’s strength always amazed me. Flipping me over so I was lying on my back, he hovered above me. I opened my mouth to ask what he was doing, but a soft growl and focused look stopped me in my tracks.

  Without another word spoken, he set about inspecting every part of my body. He was methodical in his approach, lifting and studying, looking for anything that showed signs of abuse. Every inch met his gaze, and he released small grunts of satisfaction before moving on to the next. I lay there and let him, knowing he wouldn’t simply take my word for it; he needed to see for himself.

  Once he was finished, he started again, but this time his touches were different. Gone was the restlessness. Mason was now moving about like a man wanting to memorize and reclaim what was his. You are mine, he repeated and he lowered his face to smell my skin. Licking me in slow circles, he feathered me with soft kisses. I was helpless to fight the pull of passion stirring between us.

  There was something erotic about the way he moved over me, his heated build pressed hard against mine. I couldn’t help the way my body reacted as I arched into his touch and sighed with deep contentment. When Mason found a certain sensitive spot, one he loved to tease me with, I decided I’d had enough and reached for him.

  One moment my hands were touching him and the next they were pinned to the bed while he looked down at me wickedly. “Patience, Darcy. I’m not finished. There’s one more place I haven’t savored.”

  I held my breath, desire coursing through me and almost lost my mind as he nestled into my neck, nipping and sucking at the tender flesh. It was definitely a weakness of mine, the feel of his teeth and lips, the brushing of heated breath. I squirmed against him, trying to break from his restraining grip. All it did was add fuel to the fire already building between us.

  “Mason, you’re killing me here. Please.” I wasn’t beneath begging for him to kiss me.

  He chuckled, a deep, throaty laugh that weakened me further. “You scared me. I told you not to go out alone and I was right. All your sass,” he said, biting at my neck, the slight sting causing a moan to escape from my mouth. “Your assurances everything would be okay.” He swirled his tongue slowly, bringing goose bumps to my flesh. “I want you to say it—I was right and you were wrong.” Having finished in that spot, he moved on to the next. “Admit it.”

  I shook my head, but not out of stubbornness. Heck, I was ready to declare to the world I was wrong, but I knew Mason. He had some wicked plan brewing that involved delicious punishment and I was definitely not going to rob him of his moment.

  He tightened his grip on my wrists, and prodded my ear with his nose. “Say it, Darcy, or I’ll make you scream it.”

  I realized while I was focused on the seductive magic he was creating with his mouth, I hadn’t noticed he removed one of his hands, holding me with just one while his free hand roamed over my body. The sudden awareness of it sent wave after wave of heat through me, as his touch left a blazing trail, scorching my insides.

  I looked into
his eyes, determined to give him a look that said, “bring it,” but instead I melted under the fierce intensity staring back at me. He was serious. He’d make me scream and no doubt from incredible pleasure.

  I felt my lips curl as I cooed suggestively back at him, “What are you waiting for?”

  Mason needed no more convincing. His lips came crashing down on mine, robbing me of breath and causing my mouth to open as I gasped for air. Seizing the opportunity, he wasted no time slipping in, and I felt myself explode under the sensation of his tongue dancing with mine. If there was one thing he did well, it was kissing and this was nothing short of magnificent.

  I gave myself over, allowing him to lead, holding nothing back. It was pure emotion and chemistry between us, the magic of who we were to each other left tingling in the air. We were to be mated, bound together through centuries of tradition, but it was way more than that. Mason and I had a soul deep connection that over time would grow stronger and impenetrable. I loved this man, and I poured it all into our kiss.

  I jumped a little as I felt his hand slide under my shirt and rest on my stomach, his fingers stroking my skin. I marveled at how responsive I was to his caress, how a single touch held the power to undo me, leaving me almost without reason. I yearned for him, craved his attention and the intensity of my desire burned me to the core. This moment felt so right. He felt so right, and I wasn’t the only one short of breath when we finally pulled apart.

  “You were right,” I whispered. Realizing my hands had been released, I reached up and traced Mason’s lips, still moist from our kiss. “I promise I’ll always listen to you in the future.”

  He nipped at my finger, sucking it slightly into his mouth before he let out a soft laugh. “No you won’t, Darcy. You’ll fight me tooth and nail over the things important to you but it’s okay. We’ll work through my need to keep you safe and your ability to drive me insane.” He went to lean back in, but he paused as I raised my hands up to his lips.

  “We shouldn’t be doing this, Mason. We can’t act as if nothing has happened or changed. You’ve lost your sister, and I know you’re worried about me, but you need to be cared for as well.” I brushed my fingers lightly across his jawline, the softness of his stubble creating slight friction. “This isn’t just about me.”

  Catching my hand, he tenderly kissed my palm. “I know we need to talk more about Jasmine, and we’ll grieve for our loss together, but when I think about how close I came to losing both of you … I need to be able to touch you right now. I need to know you are safe, and alive. You scared me, and hearing you talk of leaving is unacceptable. There will be time for everything, Darcy. Trust me to know this is what I feel we both need.”

  The look in his eyes spoke volumes. It asked that I give in to his sincerity, and stop resisting. Feathering his hair with my hand, brushing it from his brow, I nodded. He was telling me that by helping me, he was also helping himself.

  We stared at each other for a moment and I could feel the strength of our connection between us. I raised my head to his, but was interrupted by the hesitant knocking at the door. I flopped back onto the bed. There’s only one reason someone would willingly disturb the Alpha when he was alone with his future mate—Pack business.

  I waited for Mason to answer, but he seemed more focused on me, watching me intently. He lifted his finger to his mouth to shush me and smiled. Pressing his lips against mine, it was obvious he was ready to continue what we were doing before.

  I giggled. He had lost his sense of seriousness and was in a playful mood. Unfortunately, whoever was on the other side of the door couldn’t see it as they increased the forcefulness of their knock, determined to have someone answer.

  “Mason?” A cautious voice came from the hallway.

  The knocking intensified and turning toward the sound, Mason let out a loud growl, instantly silencing the noise. A second later I could hear the shuffling of footsteps as the pack member escaped. No one ignored the Alpha.

  “So where were we?” He smiled, returning his focus to me. His eyes shone and I could see his wolf at the surface. It took a few seconds before they returned back to normal.

  “You don’t think you should’ve answered that? It was important enough for them to face the wrath of their Alpha.”

  “It can wait. This won’t.” He leaned in again, kissing me until I could no longer remember my name.

  “My, you really are a big, bad wolf,” I sighed when we finally pulled apart. My body felt completely languid, relaxed under his masterful touch and attention.

  “Of course, nothing but the best for you, baby,” Mason punctuated his statement with another quick kiss. I loved seeing this side of him—the fierce and protective warrior, the determined and passionate lover.

  I couldn’t help myself as I reached out to feel his face again. I caressed his cheek, running my fingers through his hair, knowing I wore a goofy smile as I did.

  “So, is this where I say, ‘Oh, what big eyes you have,’ Mr. Big, Bad Wolf?”

  Mischief lit his stare and a devious smirk covered his lips. “Only if you want to hear, ‘All the better to see you with, my dear.’” He made a point to sweep a knowing look over me before returning back to my gaze.

  “I would then feel compelled to add, ‘Oh, what big ears you have.’”

  “All the better to hear you with, Darcy.” Mason played along, lowering his voice to a seductive whisper.

  I brushed my finger over his bottom lip, eliciting a quick snap of his teeth. “Oh, what big teeth you have.” It came out breathless with anticipation, and I felt my body tense.

  He paused, cocking his head to the side. He knew the next line, what he was meant to say, but nothing came. Hunger bore into me, desire coming off him in waves. I waited for him to finish—to ravish me. Instead, with a look I couldn’t quite decipher, he pulled back and rose to his feet.

  What the heck is he doing?

  Confused, I watched Mason look around the room. With a slight nod, he finally moved, scooping me up in his arms before plastering me against the closest wall.

  “All the better to eat you with, my dear, and this looks like the ideal place for a sample.” With his left hand placed firmly by my head and his right secured around my waist, he bent slightly and nibbled at my mouth. Gentle brushes of his lips teased me back and forth and left me wanting more.

  “Hmmm, this won’t do at all.” I felt myself being hoisted up, my legs wrapping easily around his waist. With my arms around his neck, I was pressed snuggly against him, my body beginning to melt into his.

  Mason tugged at my hair, giving him better access to my mouth and neck. He leaned down, burying his face below my ear and took in a deep, long breath. “Yes, this is much better.”

  His kiss came hard and fast, impressively dominating and full of animalistic desire. There was no holding back as he completed his need to reclaim and reassert his stance as my intended mate. It was a kiss that overshadowed any we previously shared and boldly declared a warning to anyone foolish enough to touch me again.

  I barely heard the sound of the door abruptly open and the muffled laugh and cough of whoever entered.

  “Well, what do we have here? No wonder you’re not answering, My Esteemed Liege. Looks like you may have more pressing matters to undress … I mean address.”

  Mason snarled, but it didn’t deter the intruder from letting out a hearty chuckle. “By all means, Your Most Elevated Highness, continue. I’ll just sit over on the chair and wait, shall I?”

  “You are aware pissing me off could warrant a death penalty? I’ve killed for far less than this,” Mason finally answered. There was a subtle hint of softness to his voice, a sign of friendly banter. Sometimes his bark was worse than his bite.

  “Whatever. Who else would you get to guard your sorry butt then if you got rid of me? Seriously, Your Royal Eminence, take your time. Finish what you were doing, I appreciate a good show.”

  A quick breeze and a loud crash to
ld me Mason had retaliated to the goading by throwing a lamp at Daniel, his best friend and second-in-command.

  “Hey, watch the furniture. I liked that!” I slapped at him, trying to lower my legs to the floor. I instantly met with resistance as Mason grabbed my legs and held them in place.

  “I’ll buy you a new one and don’t move. He won’t be staying, will you?” He directed the question back at the guy now reclined lazily on my armchair. The piles of clothes I had on it moments ago were now dumped on the floor in a careless heap.

  I peered around Mason’s body and grinned at Daniel. “Hey.”

  A look of concern and compassion replaced the previous cockiness. “Hey, sweetheart. You doing okay? You sure did scare us.” That seemed to be the general consensus and I nodded, indicating I was fine.

  “Good. I don’t ever want to arrive on a scene and see that again, do you hear me? No more going off by yourself.” Daniel noted the look Mason gave him and chuckled again, “Looks like Our Most Excellent and Noble One has already covered that and moved onto the punishing phase.”

  “Is there a reason why you’re still here?” Impatience was beginning to creep into Mason’s voice. I wasn’t helping matters either as I begun to nudge my lips against his neck, placing soft kisses.

  “There is, my most Beloved Benefactor.”

  I couldn’t help it. Laughter exploded out of my mouth and I threw my head back in mirth.

  “What the heck is going on? Liege? Beloved Benefactor? Royal Eminence? Since when do people address you like that, Mason? Or should I say Most Magnificent Master?”

  Mason dragged me away from resting on the wall quick enough to swat my behind with his hand. “Enough! Don’t encourage him, Darcy. Daniel has gotten it into his head I’m not being paid enough respect as the Alpha and is trying to instill in the younger pack members the importance of titles. I can’t turn around without someone bowing or spouting off some crazy name. Nothing I’ve done can convince them it’s not necessary. It’s driving me insane.” He puffed out a quick breath in frustration.

  “Which is why I will continue,” Daniel interrupted, ducking as another piece of my furniture went flying. Mason rolled his eyes and grinned before turning back to look at his friend.

  I lowered myself to the ground, Mason letting me this time, and I fully joined the conversation. “What’s going on?”

  Daniel gave a brief glance at his Alpha and I saw a slight nod returned.

  “Devlin called and asked after Darcy and Jasmine. I filled him in with what happened and the mention of vampire blood raised a lot of questions. He’s on his way over with condolences from Zane and to see what needs to be done. He sounded furious.”

  I saw Mason take in the information and knew he had to be thinking about what it all meant. Devlin was one of the Enforcers set up by the vampire leader, Zane, to investigate and eliminate any threats to the supernatural community. The thought of humans having access to such potent blood had to be disturbing.

  “How long before he gets here?”

  “Well, when we first tried to tell you, you had an hour.” Daniel checked his watch. “Now you have about twenty minutes.” He looked back expectedly at Mason, waiting for orders. All joking was pushed aside as business was approaching.

  “Okay, when he arrives, show him into my office and we’ll meet you there.” I knew Mason felt the flash of fear that spun out of control inside me. I didn’t want to repeat last night’s events, in any way. He grabbed hold of my hand and squeezed it.

  “Give us a moment to prepare,” he ordered.

  Daniel pulled himself out of the chair and started to make his way to the door. Before he left, he stopped in front of me, bowing his head slightly in respect.

  “I’m glad you’re okay, Darcy. I’m sorry about Jasmine.”

  Tears began to well in my eyes again, and a knot formed in my throat. I had no other choice but to reply with a nod of my own.

  With the door closed and Mason and I finally alone again, he pulled me back into his arms as more tears started to fall. He moved his hand in slow, comforting strokes against my back.

  “Will you be able to come to the meeting? Heaven knows, I don’t want to cause you any more distress but it’s important Devlin hears it all from you.”

  “I’ll be fine. It needs to be done. I’m just so sorry.” Sobs broke out and the feelings of contentment Mason inspired in me earlier were replaced with ones of sorrow and guilt.

  I felt my chin being tilted up as he sought out my gaze. “Hey, I thought we dealt with this? No guilt, remember. We’ll get through this together.” I couldn’t answer from crying.

  I could almost sense the moment when he came to some decision. “You know what? More important business has just come up. Devlin can wait. Come on.”

  Releasing me from his embrace, Mason began pulling me toward the door. He paused a second, stopping, and moved to the window. Opening it, he extended his hand out in invitation.

  “What about?”

  “No questions, Darcy. Just come.”

  I placed my hand in his and together we escaped through the pane. Moving with stealth, Mason led me into the neighboring woods that encompassed the borders of his property. This was pack land, handed down from generation to generation and it was lush with all the different shades of green and browns.

  The house was set on a huge estate, the grounds designed specifically to offer protection from prying eyes. But the acres of woodlands were my favorite. It was filled with wildlife that made each full moon exciting because it offered a variety of prey to hunt.

  Barely a few yards into the trees, he turned and begun undressing, signaling for me to do the same. “Unless you’d like me to do it for you?” he asked, cocking one of his eyebrows as a challenge.

  The thought of changing and going for a run infused me with an infectious energy, and I grinned. I frantically began pulling at my clothes, lifting my shirt over my head and stepping out of my jeans. With a wink and a kiss, I began the process.

  “Catch me if you can.”

  The last thing I heard was the promise, Believe me, I will.

  Chapter Six