To Tempt the Wolf

Chapter 15

AS SOON AS HUNTER SMELLED THE GRAY WHO'D BEEN wielding the dinner cart, he knew they were in for trouble. But he never expected the three brothers were royals.

"He might not have changed Tessa," Leidolf said, as Hunter paced in the jail cell across from him. "You can't worry about things you have no control over. Besides, she'll be all right anyway since there's no moon out tonight."

"What about the brothers of the gray I killed? What if they locate her?"

"The police said they'd watch her. So quit worrying."

Quit worrying. Like that was a possibility.

"When you called your lawyer, how long did he say it would take to get us out of here?" Hunter still couldn't believe the human police arrested them. It was clearly self-defense, but some witness, probably one of the brothers, had stated otherwise.

"Soon. Don't worry. My people will be at the hospital with Tessa and they'll take good care of her."

"Including the two bachelors who want her? Admit it, Leidolf. You want her. What were those newspaper clippings about? Anything important?"

"Yeah. One was a news story written in 1865 about a confrontation between Caleb McKnight and Seth Greystoke, stating Seth had stolen his gold."

"Caleb McKnight?" Hunter rubbed his chin, then swore. "Hell, that was the other man in the photo with Seth, my great-grandfather, and great uncle when they were panning for gold in California."

Leidolf leaned against the wall and peered out the bars at Hunter. "The other news article was written twelve years ago about a John Anderson who had killed Caleb McKnight in self-defense over a gold dispute. Said John's grandfather had stolen the gold from Caleb's grandfather. But of course, it would have been Caleb himself. Guess who he left behind? Three sons by the name of Yoloff, Ren, and Andreas."

Hunter shook his head. "The three brothers who have been stalking Tessa. So there was more to it than Yoloff just wanting Tessa for a mate. The possibility he'd get her land and the gold supposedly hidden somewhere on the property. How much you want to bet the other three grays are all tied into this?"

"They're a pack from La Grande. If they could get rid of you so the one could have your sister and your property, possibly have killed Bethany to have hers, and now are trying to take Tessa and consolidate her lands-- they'd have amassed quite a bit of expensive property. Not to mention the gold, wherever it is, and two females to add to their all-male pack."

The sound of footsteps distracted them, and Hunter let out his breath when he saw the guard walking toward them. It was about damned time. He didn't want Tessa alone without his protection for one more minute.

The guard unlocked Leidolf's cell. "You're free to go. The other one..." The hefty man shrugged. "Your lawyer said it'll take more time."

"Leidolf," Hunter roared. "What did you tell your lawyer?"

Leidolf waved at him as he headed down the hall with the guard. "We'll take good care of her until you're sprung."

Hell, Hunter should never have trusted a red pack leader. But he didn't have a gray lawyer in the area yet either. "I want to make a phone call!" he hollered to the guard as he led Leidolf out. "Now!"

Her skin frigid with fresh apprehension, Tessa sat in the waiting room of the hospital where she had gotten her ankle x-rayed earlier. After a couple of stitches, her arm was bandaged. She was beginning to look like Hunter after he fought his battles.

Supposedly, some of Leidolf's pack were coming to get her and watch over her until Leidolf and Hunter could come for her. Damned police! Why wouldn't they listen? Hunter killed the gray in self-defense!

But what if the people coming to get her were not Leidolf's people? What if it was her stalker pretending to be one of his pack members? She had no way of telling.

She closed her eyes as the pain in her ankle and arm intensified. Had she been turned? She didn't feel any differently. Wouldn't she feel like stripping off her clothes and turning into a wolf? But then again, Meara said there was no moon so they couldn't do that. Or maybe she wouldn't feel any different until then either. But her stalker and his one brother had turned into wolves. How?

The one whose leg had been broken was all healed up, too. Although she wasn't sure who was who.

"Miss?"

She opened her eyes and looked up at the fatherly looking cop, Allan Smith, his hair salt and pepper, his cheeks round and jovial, and his eyes the prettiest crystal green she had ever seen. Thankfully, he was guarding her until someone came for her. He handed her his cell phone.

"Hunter Greymere wants to talk to you."

She grabbed the phone and tried to steady her voice before she spoke. "Hunter, where are you?"

"Jail, still. I can only make a quick phone call. Leidolf's on his way there to pick you up. His people will be there soon also. I may be here for a while, unless I can get hold of someone on my own to get me out."

"You killed the man in self-defense."

"I know, but I'm not sure what Leidolf told his lawyer. In any event, I'm going to need help getting out. Meara's number is 431-110-5629. Don't go with Leidolf. Tessa, I've got to go."

"No, wait!"

The phone died. She felt like her lifeline had just been ripped away from her. "How can I get Hunter out of jail? He's innocent," she said to the cop.

"I've got a friend I can call." He winked, then punched in the number. Holding the phone to his ear, he waited for someone to answer and said to Tessa, "I don't think the wolf turned you."

Tessa closed her gaping mouth.

He smiled. "You didn't know I'm one, and if you'd been changed, you would."

"Are... are you a gray or a red?"

"Gray. I don't know Hunter or Leidolf either, but I wouldn't let a red have a gray's selected mate." He paused. "Hey, Charlie? It's Allan Smith. Got a problem. Need to get a gray out of jail who was defending his chosen mate. Another gray was killed in the fight. The name's Hunter Greymere. No, not from around here. Alpha leader from the coast." He chuckled. "It gets worse. A red alpha leader from Portland is trying to claim her for his own. You ever hear about the gray devil wolf, Seth Greystoke? Hell, his grandson claims the little lady is his distant cousin, and he wants her."

The cop looked at Tessa and smiled. "No, human still," he said into the phone, then laughed. "Yeah, I'd say she'd be worth it, but then you'd have three alpha leaders at your throat. Better leave her well enough alone. Hurry it up though. I'll conveniently tuck Miss Tessa Anderson away somewhere safe at the hospital. Call me when you have Hunter released. Well, you owe me for getting your brother off for drunk driving--how many times? And you know me--I'm a sucker for beautiful, redheaded damsels in distress." He chuckled. "Talk later."

He clicked off the phone, lifted his nose and sniffed the air. "Shit. They're coming." He lifted Tessa up and hurried down the hall.

"Who?" Tessa whispered. "The reds or the brothers of the gray Hunter had to kill?"

Hunter wasn't often impressed with bureaucracy when he had to deal with it, but whatever Tessa had done had worked. And he was damned proud of her.

He considered the cop as he drove him to the hospital, who looked like he was suffering from ulcers or a very bad day, older man, graying temples, sandy brows, very big scowl.

"When will we get there?"

"Ten minutes." The cop glanced at him with a frown splitting his forehead in two. "What? You want me to run the sirens, too? Who the hell are you? The judge rarely changes his mind on a case. But just like that, one call and you've got half the force hopping."

"I acted in self-defense when the man came at me with a knife. But I guess it pays to have friends in high places in any event. Been a cop long?"

The man smiled as if reminiscing about the good old days. "Texas Ranger when the first unit was formed. Worked my way west into this lawless territory in the early ages. Changed my name numerous times, retired several times, had to 'die' a number of times to keep up appearances. But yeah, I've been one of the good guys for a few years. What about you?"

"In the army for a number of years, different sides, different countries, different wars, time periods, trained in some of the more specialized forces later, Navy SEALs for one."

"No shit?" The cop shook his head. "I always wanted to be one of those." His face turned stern again. "So how come you have to change the woman? Judge says she's one of us, kind of."

"Long story, major nightmare."

"Too bad. It's better when you both are willing. Happened to me, too, though."

"What happened?"

"She's still giving me grief." The cop gave Hunter a smirk. "As soon as they allowed women on the force, she became a cop also. Said she wanted to see what I did all day. But don't you believe it. She just wants to make sure I don't turn another woman."

"How long have you been together?"

"Ninety-eight years and counting." The cop pulled into the back of the hospital. "Let me call Allan Smith. He's a buddy of mine who's taking care of the little lady." He punched in some buttons on the phone and said, "Hey, Caruthers here. You got her?" He looked at Hunter. "The guy's here with me. He's a Navy SEAL. Yeah, that's why he got the jump on the gray with the knife. I'm sending him in the back way. The reds are there?" He smiled. "I'll tell him. Gotta go. See you this weekend to go fishing?" He laughed. "Okay, when it warms up a bit."

Caruthers shut off his phone. "Take the back stairs, third floor, Room 301. Let me tell you, pal, if I had it to do all over again, I'd turn my Greta in a heartbeat. There aren't enough females in the world to go around. Sometimes we've just got to take a chance and hope for the best."

Allan Smith tucked his phone into his belt. "I'll wait in the hall for your mate. All my best to you, young lady." The cop left Tessa alone and closed the door.

Sitting in a vinyl chair, she clenched and unclenched her hand. Now what would they do? She didn't think Hunter would want to return to the hotel. Not after the killing there. She sure didn't want to go there either. She shuddered. The look of death on the gray's face would haunt her forever.

"You must be Hunter Greymere," Allan said beyond the door.

Her heart gave a jump to hear that he'd arrived, and although she was relieved he found her before anyone else did, her stomach fluttered with apprehension.

"I'd claim her nice and official-like to set things straight with the red and before some distant relation tries to take her home with him, if I were you. The other gray didn't change her, by the way."

"Thanks, officer, for the advice, and the news," Hunter said, his voice gruff.

"Navy SEAL, eh? The guy must have been crazy to mess with you. I'll be right here, so take all the time you need."

Now that he had his memories back, had Hunter remembered truly being a Navy SEAL? It definitely suited his character. Or was he continuing the tale, enjoying it too much to give it up?

"Thanks." Hunter opened the door, closed it behind him, stalked across the floor to join her, looking like a warrior with a mission, his harsh expression a mixture of sternness and worry, and she had an inkling he intended to turn her. She definitely had mixed emotions about the whole thing.

"Navy SEAL? You really were one?" she whispered, raising her hands to offer herself to him, to take the plunge, to become something she couldn't begin to imagine being. Part of her welcomed the change, the chance to be with the man who heated her blood like no other had ever done, yet part of her wanted to remain as she was, still wanting Hunter for her own, but without the life-altering change.

"Yeah. You were right all along, Tessa honey. Meeting on the beach like we did was... karma. Although if I'd been more with it, I would have acted a lot more like one of the SEALs."

Her mouth slightly gaped. "How could you have been a SEAL as a werewolf?"

"We can be anything we want, if we're so inclined and have the aptitude." He winked at her and the sexy look slid a volley of heat through her.

And then she gave him a half smile. "Wonder what your SEAL friends would have thought if they'd known how we met."

"They would've been cursing my fortune that a beautiful woman had come to rescue me and not them." He lifted her from the chair, hugged her to his chest, tighter than need be as if he'd feared losing her and wanted to prove to himself she was all his--which suited her just fine--then carried her to the bed. "We've got to talk."

Talk? She felt the tension in his muscles, saw the way his eyes darkened with need, smelled the subtle change in him, indicating he was becoming aroused. She wanted him with all her heart. So why didn't his heated embrace make her melt against him? She stiffened instead, unable to hide a nagging concern. What if he changed her, then gave her to a beta wolf? "You don't think I'm enough of an alpha."

"You're an alpha all right. After you clobbered that gray with the fireplace tongs and tonight again with your crutch?" He gave her a small smile, set her on the bed, and tucked some of her hair behind her ear with a tender touch. "A beta female would have tucked tail and run. With your sprained ankle, if you'd been a beta, you would have easily given up. I saw you trying to keep Yoloff from biting you. If I could have, I would have ended his miserable life, too."

Hunter's fingers shifted to the buttons on her blouse, his urgent struggle making her smile.

But she still had to know--was he defying Devlyn? Taking her for his own? What were his intentions? Yet even so, she didn't stop him. She couldn't. Whenever he wanted her, she had no power to hinder him, just as she had no control over her own craving to have him. "I thought we were going to talk."

"I can't deny I'm uncomfortable doing this to you, Tessa. I don't want you to regret it. But I also don't want to bite you. Wolves do bite in playfulness, but as a wolf to human?" He shook his head and pulled her blouse off her shoulders.

So he was changing her. But that didn't mean he was taking her for his mate. Despite wanting to know the truth first, her body instantly responded to his touching her, flames stoking her insides, a wet readiness preparing her for sex--not change. Want and need replacing common sense. His gaze focused on her face--watching for any sign of hesitation?

The change. That's what he was concerned about. "I used to play tug-of-war with my Irish Setter when I had one. She'd sometimes go for my hand by accident." She hoped her lighthearted response would ease his concern.

Hunter smiled. "Want to play tug-of-war?" He pulled her blouse off the rest of the way. "I've got to do this. We don't have a choice."

She seized his hands and looked into his eyes. In that instant, he looked even more concerned, his mouth tightening, jaw clenched, brow furrowing.

"I'm afraid, which isn't being alpha like, is it? But I worry I'll change too much. But more than that, what are you going to do with me afterwards?"

Still looking stern, a hint of relief flitted across his expression. "You're mine."

She should be ecstatic to have that question resolved, shouldn't she? But she couldn't quit worrying about the change. Instead of addressing his claim, she said, "I thought you couldn't shapeshift unless the moon was out." Yet she recalled the look Meara had given him.

His sensual lips curved upward just a little as he started pulling off his clothes, revealing his beautiful body, rough hewn, rugged, capable of enduring great hardships, or giving her carnal pleasure. "I'm a royal and can do anything I want." He gave an arrogant smile. "Almost anything."

"So as a royal, you can shapeshift anytime?"

"That's the beauty of it."

"That's why you could be a SEAL. No worry about shifting while under water."

He chuckled. "No. And the group I was with--all royals, just for that reason."

She sighed. No scars marked his smooth as silk skin, every bit of toned muscles from his wide shoulders to his well-developed chest, flexing in anticipation. She looked lower, from his narrow waist and hips down to his full blown erection standing at attention amidst dark curls.

"I have to shift, but if you keep looking at me like you want to eat me all up..."

Her eyes riveted back to his lusty gaze.

"You might want to look away when I begin to shift."

"I've seen you shapeshift. You're gorgeous. What if I'm motley?" Again, she tried to make light of the situation, although her stomach churned with renewed apprehension.

"You'll be beautiful. But Leidolf and Devlyn will want you unless we're mated. Ready?"

She nodded. He looked like he wanted to kiss her, his gaze lowering to her mouth again and lingering there... but then he took a deep breath and began to shift into his wolf form. She couldn't get over how fast the transformation was. Would she shift just as quickly? If Ashton was any indication of a newly turned lupus garou, then yes, she'd change just as swiftly. Probably of a necessity, to avoid humans catching sight of them between forms.

She watched in awe, how his body changed gracefully, effortlessly, painlessly, from the muscled hunk to the healthiest specimen of a wolf she'd ever seen. Beautiful almond eyes captured hers and then before she could say a word, the wolf that was Hunter jumped on the bed and nuzzled her cheek.

She stroked his head. "Hurry and do it before I change my mind." Her skin perspired lightly and in the cold hospital room, she shivered.

His amber eyes remained fixed on hers and then he dipped his head and nipped her uninjured arm.

"Ow," she said, frowning. "Jeez, Hunter. That hurt like a hard pinch and you didn't even break the skin. But I'll have a bruise for sure there now."

If a wolf could look contrite, he did and tried again. His second bite was as lame as his first.

"Ah for heaven's sakes, Hunter. Another bruise. Hurry and do it right or I'm calling it quits." She hoped her words would make him stop worrying about hurting her. She'd heal quickly anyway, wouldn't she?

He bit again and broke the skin this time. Her eyes watered and she bit her lip. Blood trickled from the bite on her arm, and he licked it away. And waited.

Self-doubt filled her. Maybe he didn't turn her either, just like Yoloff hadn't. What if she was some strange anomaly and couldn't be turned? Maybe her great-grandmother couldn't be either and that's why she died of the fever? A sadness filled Tessa with the notion neither her ancestor or she could forever be with the one she loved.

But if the change had taken effect, what was she supposed to feel like? Except that her swollen ankle and arm where Yoloff had bitten her were tingling with the strangest sensations, nothing else was different.

Hunter continued to watch her, not shapeshifting. She hoped to hell he wouldn't have to bite her again.

"Too bad with all of your enhanced abilities, you can't talk when you're in your wolf form, too." She glanced at the door. "Someone's coming. You'd better hide under the bed."

Hunter didn't budge, just continued to observe her.

"I mean it. I... I hear several people." Her heart pumped harder.

"Howdy, folks," Allan said at the door.

"Did he do it yet?" Leidolf asked, his voice guardedly amused.

Leidolf. Her heart took a dive.

"It remains to be seen. I'm taking care of things here. Why don't you run along?"

"Tell Hunter four of his people want to return with him. The fifth wants to stay with one of my widowed males to be his mate. When Hunter's through here, he and Tessa can meet me at the hotel. Different set of rooms. Just check at the front desk. Dinner's on me."

Tessa relaxed. Leidolf didn't want her, thank God for small miracles.

"I'll let him know."

Tessa took a deep breath, smelled the air, and looked at Hunter in his feral wolf form, her eyes widening. "You're a gray. I mean, I smell a special scent that surrounds you. A wildness, like a fresh spring day, the woods, the great outdoors."

She swore his mouth curved up just a hair, before he began to shapeshift--his body straightening, his rich fur pelt vanishing, leaving behind bronzed skin over hard muscles. Until he stood before her, one gloriously built male stud.

He touched her face, his amber eyes gazing into hers, his expression concerned. "How do you feel, Tessa?"

She loved him for it, for being concerned about her welfare above all else. No one but her mother had ever treated her that way.

Tessa took his hand and kissed it. "Better. My ankle feels strange. Prickling and numb, but not sore any longer. And where you bit me, the skin's already sealed up. The bruise you gave me has gone away. Where Yoloff tore the skin feels ticklish, like when injured skin is scabbing over and new skin is created to take its place."

"How do you feel in here?" Hunter said, still frowning as he reached for her forehead with a whisper-soft touch.

"Oh. I don't think I'll know the answer to that question until I've experienced more of the changes."

He unbuckled her belt and then unzipped her jeans. "You're not upset?"

Her eyes grew big. "You're going to make love to me in a hospital bed?"

He leaned over and kissed her lace-covered breasts, stirring her craving to make love to him.

"You bet, alpha mate of mine. We do it often, whenever and wherever we can."

"Well, hell, Hunter. Why didn't you tell me that before?"

He chuckled darkly. "You'll fit right into the pack, Tessa."

"Are you sure about this?" She motioned to the room. "Shouldn't we go somewhere more private?"

"The room's well guarded with our police friend at the door. It's up to you, but until I've mated you, you're available to any unmated male out there who's willing to fight me for you. So yeah, I'm sure about this. You can't be out of my sight until then."

"But we've already made love. Doesn't that count?" Not that she didn't want to make love to him and like now, but it made her realize she didn't know all the rules of Hunter's world yet, and she could get herself into a lot more hot water. Well, more than she was already, until she understood what was going on better.

He shook his head, then brushed a kiss against her lips, mouth-watering, mind-numbing. Everything about him made her bones and muscles melt like lava beneath his heat. She knew he'd take her for another sensual ride like she'd never known with any man before him, and she was past ready for everything he could give her.

Wanting her like no other, Hunter quickly removed her clothes, desiring to claim her like any wolf would its chosen mate, male and female alike. He wanted the first time to be slow and leisurely now that she was a lupus garou. Making love to her all night long would have sufficed, but not with a bunch of reds breathing down their necks. Or Yoloff and his brother still on the loose. And Devlyn would soon be a problem.

Tessa had already covered herself with the thin hospital blanket, her skin raised with chill bumps. As usual, the hospital room felt like a refrigerator.

"Next time I make love to you, we'll have a well-heated room and no huddling under the covers," he said, his brow raised.

Tessa's infectious smile heated his blood, sparking his desire.

He jerked the cover aside and climbed on top of her, then pulled the blanket over them and molded to her soft body, pressing his arousal against her mound. "Not much room, but it should suffice."

"Hmm," she said, yielding to him, wrapping her arms around his back, her embrace every bit as possessive as he felt about her. "Seems like the right amount of room to me. You just need to put that well-honed lance somewhere where it's not so dangerous."

He chuckled darkly.

Everything seemed to fade in the room, the noises in the hospital, the cold air circulating about them, the odor of antiseptics.

Take me, her expression silently pleaded. She moved her legs apart, giving herself completely.

"I know just where to sheathe it."

"Do." She licked his lips. "Mate with me so I'm all yours."

That was all Hunter wanted to hear, yet he couldn't help saying what he knew was in his heart. "You're all mine, anyway."

She cast him one of her impish smiles that said he was being full of himself as usual, which stirred his compulsion to have her even more. He pressed his lips against her sensual mouth, his hand kneading her soft breast and then ran his thumb over her nipple, the rosy crown peaking. Not enough. He could never get enough of tasting or touching her. Of breathing in her subtle arousal.

Her gaze soft and sultry, she turned her head toward the door.

He wanted to groan out loud at her distraction. "You'll learn to ignore the sounds that aren't important," he whispered, then turned her head back to his, lost himself in the exotic sparkles of blue against green in her languid eyes.

He slipped his erection into her wet folds, the heat of her body sparking flames in his. Wanting to fully mate her, possess her, claim her like he'd craved from the first moment he'd seen her checking on Uncle Basil, her determination, her concern for him, her friendliness toward his sister even when the feeling wasn't reciprocated. No matter how much he'd tried to reconcile himself with the notion that he couldn't have a human for his mate, he'd wanted her.

"Ahh," she said, pressing her pelvis against him, working him as he deepened his thrusts. Her eyes closed, her tongue licked her swollen lips, and he captured it, sucked on it, making her mew.

Claiming her felt more than right, like they had been meant for each other since the dawn of time. He'd worried he would notice a difference, that she wouldn't be feral enough, not lupus garou enough to satisfy some primal need. But she was perfect, her hot, supple body molding with his, her moves every bit in sync, deepening the bond, the feelings, the ecstasy. Just as driven to satisfy her sexual needs-- and his--to consummate their relationship, to delve into the unknown and conquer it.

She was alpha all right, but not in the same way as others were. Better--his.

His fingers fanned through her hair, the satiny mass a tactile delight as she stroked his back with greedy fingers, her heart pounding, her body trembling with the adrenaline rush of passion and arousal and sex racing through her veins.

Her nails dug into his back, and he silenced her moans with a kiss, but he couldn't do anything about the darned creaky hospital bed. Every time he thrust, he figured all of the hospital staff would hear and know what was going on in the room. He hadn't expected that. But then again, his attuned hearing picked up what humans couldn't.

Thankfully, Tessa was so caught up in the heat of the moment, she didn't seem to notice.

"You're heaven-sent," she mouthed softly against his lips, "... a god from Mt. Olympus, my gold, my treasure."

And she was more to him, a priceless gem, the mother of his future offspring, his legacy, his unwavering and loving companion for life.

He thrust into her tightness, her body stroking him, drawing him to the zenith of pleasure. He groaned as he found release deep inside of her hot, tight body and sank against her. Kissing her mouth, he loved the feel of her velvety lips, but seeing tears glistening in her eyes, he abruptly stopped.

"What's wrong, Tessa?" he asked, too gruffly.

Already he was mad at himself for being overly zealous, too damned rough, pushing her when he should have seen she needed more time to absorb all the changes she was sure to be experiencing. Hell, what was the matter with him? He loved her more than life itself, and this is how he showed it?

"He can't have me now, can he?" she asked.

Uncomprehending, he stared at her. "Who? Leidolf?"

She shook her head and rubbed her hand over Hunter's arm.

And he relaxed some, figuring her upset wasn't with him. "Yoloff? No, he can't have you."

But he could if the gray somehow managed to kill Hunter, although he hadn't planned on that ever happening.

He maneuvered in the narrow bed until Tessa was lying on top of him. "You're mine, Tessa. Now and for always."

"What about my brother?"

He hadn't wanted to bring up that scenario yet, hoping with the change she would understand how important it was not to let humans know of their existence. But he and most of the others were born with the knowledge that their kind's safety came first. Some of the wolf's wariness was instinctive, but dealing with the brother, that was another matter. Her blood ties were apparently as strong as the wolf's instincts. On the other hand, her brother had lupus garou genes also.

"Hey folks," Allan said, knocking on the door. "I hate to interrupt, but I just got word the hospital staff is moving someone in here in just a few minutes. You can stay at my place if you like."

"Thanks, Allan. We'd love that." Tessa scrambled to get off Hunter. As soon as her bare feet hit the floor, she yanked on her clothes.

Not ready to give up the relaxed and satiated feeling that cloaked him, Hunter climbed out of bed, kissed Tessa's lips, and then jerked on his own clothes.

Just as they emerged from the room, an attendant wheeled a gurney toward them, carrying an old man buried under blankets.

"Patrol car's parked this way." Allan led them down the back stairs. "I've got tons of security on the house. 'Brother-in-law' sells the stuff so I get it wholesale. No one will bother you. Jacuzzi's in an enclosed porch. Great for unwinding after a hectic day." He winked at Tessa and sighed. "Never could find a mate after mine died ten years ago. You wouldn't happen to have a widow or two looking for a mate in your pack, would you?" he asked Hunter.

"One, but she's pretty cantankerous," Hunter warned.

"The red's got your people at the hotel. Some of his people brought them with them when they came to get Tessa. If you don't mind, I'll drop by there and say hello. Anything you want me to tell them?"

"We have three newly turned lupus garous in the pack, and they have an alpha female pack leader now, too."

Allan smiled. "So that's what you meant when you mentioned having a heap of trouble. Not concerning the little lady, of course. Three new lupus garous, you say?"

Allan grew quiet for the rest of the drive to his place. Tessa cuddled with Hunter in the backseat. Now that they were mated, he seemed different somehow. Less anxious, more... well, like he was riding on top of the world.

"You wouldn't need a cop in your area, would you?" Allan pulled into the driveway of a neat, little red brick suburban home.

"I know the sheriff. If you're interested, I could put in a good word for you," Hunter said.

Tessa wasn't sure the sheriff would want anyone working for him that Hunter recommended.

"Good. It's about time I left this area. I've been here ten years already. Maybe Caruthers could come, too. He and his mate, Greta. That way if anyone from your pack gets in trouble, we can circumvent the situation."

"In California, we lived away from civilization. But I can see where having backup in a more developed area can be beneficial."

"You bet. We have another four on the force here, so we wouldn't be leaving the department shorthanded as far as the grays go. Although Judge Graydon might be a little perturbed with me."

"The one who got me out of jail," Hunter said, squeezing Tessa tighter.

"Yeah. I'm always bailing his brother out on brawling charges. The judge will just have to train another gray cop to take care of his brother." Allan went to the car door and opened it for them. "I understand you're off to see your brother at the prison tomorrow. I'll put in a word for you before you get there."

"Grays work there, too?" Hunter asked.

Allan laughed. "No. But some of the guards were former police officers and friends of mine."

"How's your ankle, Tessa?" Hunter asked.

"A little sore still, but much, much better."

"Then you'll need a lift." He carried her out of the patrol car and she smiled at him.

"I'm not usually the type who likes to be babied, but when you're doing the babying, it's awfully nice."

Preceding them to the door, Allan unlocked it and turned off the security alarm. "Wine, music, guest towels are by the Jacuzzi. Make it a honeymoon. Knock yourselves out. See you in the morning."

"Thanks, for everything," Hunter said.

"No problem." Allan reset the security, locked up, and left.

Hunter headed straight for the enclosed back porch with Tessa cradled in his arms. "I'm feeling like a nice hot soak in the tub. You?" His eyes sparkled like the devil.

"You bet, as long as it's hot."

As soon as they entered the room, a blast of steamy air hit her and she sighed. Perfect for sultry, heated sex.

Hunter flipped on the enclosed patio lights with his elbow, although neither of them needed the illumination to see now, which made her think back to when she gave him the lantern when the electricity was off at her house. Cad.

The soft glow of light caressed the dark edges of the room, soothing and seductive. In sharp contrast to the silky ambience created by the soft light and warm wet air, Hawaiian trinkets dangled from the ceiling: plastic purple palm trees, orange flamingos, floral leis, rainbow-colored parrots. The rest of the room was outfitted with silk palm trees, ferns, and bamboo chairs and tables, making it feel like a retail store's version of the tropics. But it didn't matter as long as the hottest male around was firmly entrenched in the scene.

Hunter set her on a chair.

She grabbed his hand and helped herself up. "My ankle's fine. Just a little sore, but I can walk on it."

He drew her into his warmth in a bear-tight embrace and kissed the top of her head. "So you just wanted me to get more of a workout."

"Better you than me."

He grinned, his eyes already smoldering with deep-seated desire. "Sit, while I get some wine for us."

She loved how husky his voice grew when she turned him on. She tilted her nose up and breathed in deeply. And his sex, hmm, she could smell his arousal. She could really get used to her enhanced senses. Well, most of them. The chlorine in the Jacuzzi was a little overwhelming. "I'll get the music."

He gave her another squeeze and shook his head. "Somehow, I don't think you're ever going to listen to me."

As if any man, even one as sexy as Hunter, was going to dictate her every move.

He released her, crossed the tile floor to a full-sized bar, the glass shelves behind it covered in liquor bottles of every kind, then pulled out two wine decanters. "White or red?"

"Red." To go with hot-blooded men, a fiery sunset, and heated exchanges.

"Fuller-bodied, light, medium?"

"Hmm, the fullest." She glanced down at his crotch and smiled to see his arousal straining against the soft fabric of his sweats. "Definitely the heaviest."

His mouth curved up as he shifted his gaze from the way her tongue swept over her lips to the bottle, and then he hurried to open it.

She flipped a switch, turning on music with a sensuous beat. The flute and drums surrounded them in a tantalizing instrumental rhythm.

Hunter handed Tessa a glass of wine, took a sip of his, then leaned down to kiss her lips.

"I really like this wine on you." She licked his lips and slid her fingers down his sweatshirt, found the ties to his pants and gave a little tug.

He chuckled, drank a couple more swallows of his wine, and reached out to take her glass. She took another sip and handed him hers. Once he set them on one of the glass-covered tables, he ran his hands over her arms in an amative way. "You can tug on something else if you get the urge." He wiggled his brows.

"Ohh?" She trailed her finger down lower, until she traced his rock-hard erection through the soft sweats, making his arousal jump.

Pulling her back against his chest, he began to dance slow to the music, molding his body to hers, his groin pressing against her backside, his large hands caressing her breasts through her blouse, his heat warming her. She closed her eyes as her nipples tingled with his sensuous touch, her body sliding against his in a teasing caress.

He nuzzled his face against her neck. "You're beautiful, you know." He reached up to splay his fingers through her hair. "Every bit of you."

"You are, too," she whispered, caught up in the magic of the moment, pressing her butt harder against him, rubbing, tantalizing him to take it further.

He slipped his hands up her shirt, caressed her lace-covered breasts, tormenting the nipples straining for release. The crotch of her panties was already wet in anticipation, and she was ready to ditch her clothes.

His hands shifted to her belt, and he struggled to unbuckle it. "Ready to get wet?"

"Hmm, already there."

No more belts, she made a note to herself, wanting to shove his hands away and yank off the annoying leather hindrance herself.

He finally managed to unfasten the belt, unzipped her jeans, and slipped his hand into her panties, down lower until his fingers reached her cleft. And stroked.

She shuddered with need, the bones liquefying in her legs, and she slumped slightly against him, ready to collapse.

"Hmm, yes, nice and wet," he murmured against her neck, his arm wrapped around her waist to keep her from sinking to the floor as he continued to stroke her. "Just right."

Wriggling against his fingers to get maximum penetration, she rubbed against his arousal, and he groaned. She smiled.

"Vixen."

"Let's move this to the hot tub," she said, her voice drenched with lust. "But the water better be hot enough. After all the cold weather we've been through, I'm not getting in unless it's super heated."

"I'll warm you right up."

"Not in the water if it's not soupy."

He released her. "I guess you're not willing to take a swim in the Pacific with me from time to time then."

She turned around and traced his nipples through his sweatshirt. "Not unless it's by mistake."

Hunter laughed under his breath and walked over to the Jacuzzi and poked his hand in. Hot, but not as hot as Tessa was. He shook the water off his fingers and turned on the jets.

"Perfect temperature." He reached his hand out to her. "Join me."

"I thought I already had," she said, her voice like smooth satin.

She rested her small hand in his, and he pulled her close. He leaned down and kissed a corner of her sensual mouth, then brushed his lips across hers, and kissed the other corner.

"You realize you have to keep Meara and Cara in line whenever I'm not around, don't you?"

He slipped her blouse off and held her arms hostage. Dipping his head, he kissed her mouth, deepening the experience. Wet, wild, tasting of fermented grapes, sweet and delectable, rich and full-bodied.

Her heart beat harder and she barely breathed, enraptured with his touch as much as he was with her.

But then her fingers tackled his sweatshirt, and she hurried to wrestle it over his head. And he smiled.

"You didn't tell me all the details about what I have to do and can't do," she said, nipping his bare shoulder. "Not that it means you can tell me what I have to do and can't do, and I'll blindly serve."

"You can handle it. I have every faith in you."

He pulled her jeans down to her ankles, then ran his hands over her silky panties trimmed in lace. Her eyes were bright and expressive, her brows slightly elevated, her lips rosy and swollen. Already he was at full mast, ready to mate her again.

She yanked off his sweatpants and he kicked them free. "I believe," he said, stripping off her bra and panties, "you've had control over me since you dragged me from your beach."

She let out a lusty chuckle. "Dragged you. Right. It was only a show so you could get your hands all over me."

"Worked, didn't it?" From the moment she'd rescued him on the beach, he'd wanted just that.

He lifted her hot little body and carried her into the Jacuzzi, the steam enveloping them in a warm, wet caress.

"Hmm, after having been so cold, this feels just right." She sank into the tub, the bubbles bumping against the swell of her breasts.

"Better than right." He crouched at her knees and spread her legs, opening her up to him.

A smile percolated on her lips.

If anyone had told him he would've taken a human as a mate, that she would have been a siren in disguise, or he would be sitting with her in a gray cop's Jacuzzi for his mating night, he would never have believed it.

He licked the water off her neck, and she trailed her fingers across his muscles making his erection dance.

"You're all healed. No scratches, bruises, cuts-- nothing but blemish-free, golden skin stretched over rock hard muscles."

"And you," he said, taking her hand and kissing it.

"Yoloff didn't bite me hard enough. Nor did you. Nothing remains of the bite marks."

He ran his hand down her leg to her ankle, his chest touching the water, his eyes focused on hers. "And your ankle is all right now?"

Tessa took a deep breath. "Miraculously, yes." She kissed Hunter's neck, her tongue licking a trail down his skin, her warm breath caressing as he gave in to the erotic sensation. His fingers played in her hair while she licked his nipple, then her lips pulled on it gently.

"Tessa," he moaned, trying to hold onto his last thread of restraint, wanting their lovemaking to last.

She looked up with the most innocent expression, and he cast her a devilish grin back. She was no innocent, the vixen, knowing damn well what she did to him with that sweet mouth of hers.

He bent his head and ran his mouth across her bare shoulder, and then the other, loving the feel of her water-speckled skin against his lips. She arched her head back, her lips parted, and moaned, offering herself to him, baring her throat, her body. He took advantage of her need, loving her eagerness that only matched his own, pulled her off the seat and switched places, settling her on his lap, her knees spread, readied for his penetration. And he was damned ready to oblige.

She leaned down and kissed his upturned lips, her hair falling around his face, his shoulders, the strands floating on the surface of the water like a mermaid's silky tresses.

He smiled inwardly--the Navy SEAL had ensnared his mermaid, or maybe just the opposite.

Their tongues mated in a ritual dance as he lifted her onto his rigid erection. Sweet torture as he penetrated her deeply.

With a seductive moan, she closed her eyes and rocked on top of him, her hands kneading his shoulders, her mouth and teeth nibbling his ear. Blazing desire raced through him, making him lose control of his measured moves.

Unable to last much longer, he kept his hands on her hips, directing her, every thrust he made, bringing him closer to climax. She was everything he'd ever wanted in a mate: clever, strong, determined, loyal. And sexy as hell--even in her pajamas and especially bared to him, skin to skin.

She arched her back and he sensed she was near completion, her lithe body attempting to rock harder, her breasts bouncing with a mesmerizing rhythm. He gave into her, drew her to the top.

"Oh, Hunter," she called out, no longer worried that anyone might hear her cry of jubilation.

He quickly followed, filling her with his seed. "Tessa," he groaned, unable to say anything further. Sweet ecstasy, she was perfect for him--and his forever, this, only the beginning.

She sank down on top of him, her head resting against his neck, and he kissed her flushed cheek. "Time to get some rest, sweet Tessa." He hit the button on the Jacuzzi, turning off the jets, then lifted her off his lap, her body limp with satisfaction, soft, wet, and sensuous.

The sly smile she gave him assured him they wouldn't get much sleep tonight.

Early the next morning, Tessa turned her head toward the front of Allan's house as she and Hunter grabbed a hasty breakfast. "A car door just shut." She seized her bagel and headed for the front window as Hunter poured himself another cup of coffee.

She couldn't believe how she could hear the slightest sounds, everywhere and anywhere. The heater turning on, a school bus picking up kids, although the bus never came down Allan's street, the whisper of a breeze stirring an oak's branches out front. She hoped she would soon get used to it because for now it was wreaking havoc with her sleep. Not that Hunter's wanting to make love with her throughout the night hadn't something to do with it also. Ahem, well, some of it was her fault also.

"A patrol car just arrived. It's Caruthers."

Hunter joined her at the window and rested his hand on her shoulder in a comforting way. "Time to see your brother."

Trying to squash her nervousness at seeing her brother in prison, she finished her bagel and looked up at Hunter. "Do you always get that much exercise at night?"

His sexy smile hinted he was ready for more. "Not usually."

She gave a ladylike snort. "Then you were just lonely and wanted to cuddle really bad, but things got out of hand?"

He laughed and ran his hands through her hair. "Not usually, as in with other women. But with you, I couldn't keep my hands to myself. Besides, your pheromones are a total aphrodisiac."

"Hmm, well, yours drive me crazy, too, but jeesh, Hunter, I'll be walking bowlegged today, and I'll be yawning the whole time."

"We'll take a nap later."

She shook her head. "Yeah, but will we sleep?"

His grin said that she would have a fat chance at that.

Caruthers knocked at the front door, and when Hunter opened it, the policeman offered them a big smile. "Greta and I are agreeable about leaving here and working on the coast. You might need some backup with three new lupus garous in your pack. Allan and the little lady who's widowed in your pack really hit it off last night. From the sounds of it, job or no job, he's joining you, too. I'll drive you to the prison." He relocked Allan's place and then escorted them to his car.

Hunter wrapped his arm around Tessa in a loving gesture.

She glanced up at him, her body warming with his touch, gladdened also that Caruthers and the others would join her mate. "You don't have to worry about your wayward pack. Looks like you've got a whole new one."

"The others will come back."

She couldn't see how he could be so complacent about it. To her way of thinking, they were too disloyal to trust any further. But then again, she hadn't been a lupus garou long enough to understand their way of thinking.

"I run a fairly democratic pack," Hunter said. "I'm not an autocratic leader like some are."

"Except when it comes to your sister."

Hunter grinned. "She's my blood relative. And you are my mate. Our offspring will have to mind also."

"Ah, so those you love best you keep under your rule."

He kissed her cheek and sighed heavily. "In a pack, it's called being protective."

Tessa glanced at Caruthers. "Is that what your pack would call it?"

"Absolutely. Whatever the boss says." Caruthers winked at her. "Man, does this bring back memories of when I turned Greta."

Tessa folded her arms and Hunter chuckled.

When they arrived at the prison, Caruthers parked in front and gave Tessa a compassionate look. "Just tell them Allan Smith and Jim Caruthers sent you. I'll wait out here for you."

Tessa shuddered. To think her brother was incarcerated in the massive place without any chance of escape unless she could bring the real killer to trial and make him pay for the crime. She hoped to god her brother could shed some light on the case.