by Kym Grosso
“I’m a wolf but I…” She cowered to the ground, bringing her thighs up to her chest and shaking her head. “Something…there’s something wrong with me. Something wrong, wrong, wrong…”
“Jesus, Katrina…we don’t have time for this fucking shit. When we get back, I’ll hand you over to Tristan and we never have to see each other again. Let’s go. Just strip and shift.” Jax speared his fingers through his hair, wondering how his instincts about Katrina had been so far off base. She was nothing but trouble with a capital T. Fucked up trouble…the kind you’d find in a back street alley.
“You don’t even know what happened to me,” she screamed at him, her chin still protectively against her knees.
“I saved your pretty little ass, that’s all that matters. But you’re not my pack so if you don’t shift soon, I can’t help you.”
“Fuck you,” she shot back at the Alpha.
“You’d better stand down, wolf,” he ordered.
Jax held his breath, taking in the sight of her battered body. Even though he was tempted to force her to shift, something he knew he could do, it shook him to know someone had beaten her.
“Stay back.” With a defiant glare, Katrina pressed to her feet, trembling as she tore off her clothes. Her voice cracked as she fisted her hands and closed her eyes. “And for the record, I’m not doing this because you’re an Alpha. I’m doing this for me.”
Jax reached for her, having had enough of her antics.
“No, don’t…” Katrina attempted to shift. Her eyes rolled up into her head, and she flickered into a transparent state.
Jax fell forward as his hand passed through the air where she’d stood a moment ago. He stumbled, but regained his balance. Shock rolled through him as one of the monsters who’d kidnapped him came into view, black eyes staring back at him. As quickly as it came, it faded.
Katrina eventually transformed to wolf, but was unable to maintain her animal form. She morphed back to human, rolling into the mud and leaves. Naked and shaking, Katrina coughed up blood, her puffy eyes trained on Jax.
“What are you? What?” he asked, stunned at what he’d witnessed.
“Don’t.” She held a hand up to stop him from touching her.
“Jesus Christ.” Jax bent to the ground and scooped her into his arms. “We need to talk about this.”
“I told you. I’m a wolf. I’m damaged…broken.” A barely audible whisper passed through her lips. “I don’t…my name…I don’t have a name. Just leave me. I don’t blame you.”
“What happened to you, Kat?”
“Alpha…” Her head lolled against his chest, warm breath brushing over his skin. “I only know…I know I’m wolf.”
“Of course you are.” Jax held her tight, cradling her nude body against his.
“You have no responsibility for me…your pack…”
“My pack is not your concern. You may not know who you are, but I do.”
Jax had no time to further evaluate what had happened to Katrina. Whatever trauma she’d suffered had affected both her memory and magick. As her tears rolled down his chest, his heart and mind warred. She’d rejected him once, and as Alpha, he owed her nothing. Yet the explosive heat they’d shared long ago was all it had taken to spark his interest. Never mated, Jax knew one day the wolf who completed his soul would come for him. Second chances were opportunities cloaked in failure and as the victor of many a battle, he’d never needed one…until tonight.
“Leave me.” Her voice cracked. Contrary to her words, she clutched at his neck, holding on for dear life.
Soft lashes swept butterfly kisses over his skin. Her fear resonated through his wolf, and although he couldn’t heal her spirit, Jax refused to let her die. Regardless of what she was now, whatever they had done to her, compassion ruled his thoughts.
“We’re getting out of here. Sorry, my little wolf. You’re stuck with me this time.” Jax began running, her body against his. As he leapt over the fallen trees, he took solace in her acquiescence.
From behind, the sound of rustling leaves grew louder and he spied the riverbank to his right. With Katrina unable to run, leveraging nature seemed his best alternative.
“Can you swim?” His eyes darted to the muddy water that swirled downstream.
“What?”
“Don’t let go.” Instinctively, Jax brushed his lips over her hair, and his stomach clenched as he realized what he’d done. Despite everything she’d said about him, accused him of, there was a weakness she invoked that he’d long forgotten.
The scent of his attackers dusted through the air, grounding his thoughts back into focus. Without further hesitation, Jax plunged into the churning river.
Jax had no choice other than to jump into the freezing water. At first, Katrina had shown signs of lucidity, calling his name in recognition, her eyes lowered in submission. But within minutes, she’d again lost consciousness. If it weren’t for his deathly grip around her waist, she’d have drowned. The turbulent ride had lasted more than an hour but they’d eventually settled into a slow-moving current and washed ashore onto a familiar bank.
Trekking the rest of the way by land, Jax carried her until he reached the secluded cabin. He and his beta occasionally spent weekends at the private sanctuary. Although rarely used, the property was closely monitored by pack security. Located in a remote region of the Finger Lakes, it was hours from the city, but Jax knew they’d be alerted to his presence the second he stepped foot through the perimeter’s invisible magnetic security system. Thankfully, the biometric lock hadn’t been tampered with or changed. It responded to his scans, allowing him access.
By the time he’d reached the master suite, their skin was rippled in gooseflesh. As Jax gingerly laid Katrina onto the mattress, he noted her once healthy olive complexion had been replaced by a pale sallow tone. Without the warmth of his body against hers, she began to violently shiver.
Fucking hell, Jax thought, taking in the sight of Katrina in his bed. He reached for the comforter and tucked it around her, but she continued to shake. His wolf urged him to lie with Katrina, but logic told him to back away. She’d already accused him of trying to force a mating, and he wouldn’t give her reason to do so again. Cautious, Jax set his palm onto her back and gently rubbed his hand in circles until she settled into a calming sleep.
“What happened to you?” Jax asked out loud, aware she couldn’t hear him. He shook his head, hoping like hell she’d wake and give him answers.
Jax estimated he had exactly four hours before someone from the pack showed up to confront the intruder, maybe less if the pack was out running. Given that the moon was new, he suspected not. But with the sun setting and exhaustion setting in, it made sense to lock up and spend the night in the cabin. Regardless of who showed up to greet him, he planned on returning to the city in the morning.
Jax stood and stole another glance at Katrina. He shouldn’t leave her side, he knew, but he needed time to collect his thoughts. Five minutes. I need a shower.
“Why the hell am I so worried about her anyway? Look at her, Jax. Never forget. She betrayed you.” He raked his fingers through his dirty hair and took off toward the bathroom. “Great, now you’re talking to yourself. Get your shit together.”
As the hot spray hit his face, Jax contemplated who’d taken over the pack. Although his friend, Finn, was a strong candidate, others would challenge him. It was likely his adversaries had sent wolves in to fight for the territory. With his return, Jax expected that he’d be forced to exert dominance, as they’d test his power, probing for weakness.
Blistering water sluiced over his roughened skin, and he closed his eyes, focusing on his future. At no time during his captivity had his will wavered. Now freed of his shackles, sweet vengeance simmered in the shadows. His wolf raged, demanding retribution. Goddess help the predator who’d attempted to break the Alpha. Death would be welcome by the time he’d finished exacting justice.
Chapter Three
Kat
rina stirred from sleep, her thoughts recalling their escape. Memories slammed into her. The river. The ice-cold water had burned her flesh. Struggling for life in the turbulent current, she’d clutched at the sole man who consumed her thoughts. Jax Chandler.
She had been kidnapped several times over the past three years, and her attackers had threatened that if she pursued Jax, he’d die. The second she’d met the striking Alpha at the holiday party, their chemistry had combusted and she’d suspected he could be her mate. In an effort to protect him, Katrina had immediately returned to Philadelphia. She’d done everything in her power to thwart his advances, but unrelenting, Jax wouldn’t stop calling.
When she’d gone to Tristan for help, he’d misunderstood, believing that Jax had tried to force a mating. The two Alphas had never gotten along, and her request only further incensed Tristan’s animosity toward Jax. As much as she hated the spiraling rumor, it was her brother’s intervention that had temporarily thwarted Jax’s advances. Concerned that Jax would travel to Pennsylvania to find her, she’d left for New Orleans. Putting physical distance between them, she’d hid from the demons. Devastated that she’d shattered his affections, Katrina had taken solace in knowing he’d be safe. Leaving Jax had been the only way to keep him alive.
The familiar sound of a shower pattered in the distance. Katrina jolted upright, and her vision blurred as she opened her eyes. The room spun, and she fell back onto the bed, willing her balance to return.
Katrina’s mind raced in panic. The Alpha would seek answers, angered by what she’d done to him. Worse, she’d be helpless to resist the attraction, and the demons had warned her that bonding would destroy him. A tear escaped her lids as she considered his demise. She refused to let it happen.
Regardless, they’d come for her. It wasn’t the first time. It wouldn’t be the last. Katrina sniffed her palm, scenting the death breeding in her veins. The magick that brought her wolf to the surface had been siphoned once again. Although she’d researched the abductions, seeking a way to eradicate her tormentors, she couldn’t be certain she’d survive long enough to stop them from killing her.
Calling on her wolf, a small rush of her shifter magick flickered and Katrina forced herself to shift. Thankful she’d transformed, she conserved her energy. Allowing herself time to rest, she curled into the sheets and prayed Jax would leave her alone. So tired, she had no strength to fight the Alpha. Stay awake…stay awake and heal, she repeated, but it was of no use. The seductive darkness called to her like a comforting angel. Be strong, little wolf, be strong.
“Katrina, it’s okay to be afraid,” she heard him say as if she were in a dream. “You can shift back now. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” A strong hand stroked over her pelt, and the power of the Alpha flowed through her.
You’ll kill him, they’d told her. Bond with your mate, and he’ll die. Despite what they’d threatened, none of it made sense to her. Why had they kidnapped Jax? She’d heard whispers of his name during her beating. They’d wanted her to hear it, she was certain. Nothing was an accident. Every action they took was deliberate, even if cloaked as coincidence.
But as he continued to pet her, she relaxed, destructive thoughts passing like clouds. The warmth of his touch soothed her soul. Her attraction to Jax was so very difficult to fight. For once, she just wanted to forget, to pretend she could have what would never be hers. Deciding to indulge, she leaned into him. Soon enough she’d attempt to escape.
“I know this feels good, but you can’t stay like this forever.”
She gave a low growl in response.
“Hey now, you know that’s not going to work with me. I can see they did something to you…something awful.” Jax hesitated, his voice shaken. He shook his head and continued. “Look, Kat, we can rest for a while like this but sooner or later you’re going to have to tell me what happened, what you know. You and I…”
Katrina looked up to the great Alpha, wishing she’d never let the rumors of what had happened between them persist. No matter her good intention, the hurt and anger in his voice was palpable. Some mistakes in life could not be undone.
“I don’t know why you said what you said to Tristan…shit, I don’t want to talk about this right now. I…” Jax closed his eyes briefly and then opened them, glancing away. “What I need to know is how you got into that pit we were in. I need you to tell me every detail you remember about these assholes.”
Katrina struggled to remain awake as he spoke to her. Whatever energy he’d given to her had been absorbed and she soon lost concentration. Just a few more hours of sleep, and she could run.
“All right, little wolf. I see this isn’t happening now. You can rest, but our time will come,” he promised. “You’re not going back to Tristan until I’m satisfied you’ve told me everything.”
Jax’s words jumbled in her ears. Unable to keep her eyes open, she fell victim to the drugging exhaustion.
Born of an Alpha, her father’s blood ran through her veins. Submission would not come easily for the independent she-wolf. There was only one person she’d ever consider surrendering to…Jax Chandler. It seemed an eternity that she’d denied her carnal craving, but within the safety of her dream, every delicious inch of the Alpha belonged to her. She dragged her tongue over his flesh, tasting her prize. Her wolf rejoiced in response as she owned her mate.
“My Alpha,” Katrina moaned, nipping at his skin. Her nipples ached, brushing over his abdomen. As his hardened cock slid between her breasts, his fingers fisted her blonde locks. The sweet twinge of pain to her scalp reminded her of who controlled her, and she smiled.
Katrina’s hips straddled his leg as she slowly grazed her lips over his skin. She sought relief for her aching pussy, writhing against his knees, her wetness spreading over his skin. The scent of his masculinity drove her further, her mouth teasing down the muscled ridge leading below his abdomen.
“No, no, no, little wolf.” A low growl warned her to stop. Her teeth met his skin in response, unwilling to accept his dismissal.
“Not today, baby,” the commanding voice ordered. Katrina sucked a breath as her head was tugged upward by the strong hand wrapped around her hair. “As much as I want you, it’s not going to be like this. Call me old-fashioned, but I like my women lucid.”
Her eyes flew open in shock as she woke, stunned to see Jax smiling down on her. What the hell did I do? She’d thought it all an erotic dream, but as his dick prodded her chest, she realized what she’d done. Katrina attempted to push away with her arms but he held tight.
“Jax,” she breathed. “I’m sorry. What did I…oh, Jesus.”
“You can call me Alpha.” His smile turned cold and Katrina’s heart pounded in her chest. She could sense his anger. “I want answers.”
“Jax…” she began.
“Alpha.” His voice boomed throughout the room.
“Let me go…Alpha,” she demanded under her breath. Her hand caught his wrist, tearing it away.
Rolling over onto her back, she pulled at the sheets, attempting to conceal her bare skin. Jax made no move to stop her but neither did he cover his own nudity. Her eyes skimmed over his chest down to his erection and then back to his eyes. She turned her head away, her cheeks heating in embarrassment. Not only had she almost sucked his cock, she’d been unable to resist ogling his gorgeous male form. She’d never seen him nude before, hadn’t recalled what he’d looked like when he’d stripped in the woods. But the memory of her night with the charismatic Alpha had been permanently etched in her mind.
As surprised as she’d been to wake with her lips pressed to his flesh, the burning desire for him never faltered. She could escape, move a thousand miles away and the yearning for Jax would never cease. It was a nightmare she couldn’t shake. The only resolution was finding a cure to her affliction…one she’d either find or die trying.
Jax shifted onto his side, and Katrina’s eyes flashed to his. As much as she wanted to hide, she owed him the truth. Her
stomach churned; she was terrified he’d never believe her excuse for why she’d rebuked his advances, for the rumors that had started.
After she left for New Orleans, Jax helped Tristan locate a wolf that had attacked his mate, and the two Alphas had come to a truce. By the time she returned to Philadelphia rumblings about Jax Chandler had ceased within the Lyceum Wolves. She’d decided at that time not to reopen old wounds, and didn’t discuss it further with Tristan.
“You ready to try this again?” he asked, bringing her thoughts back to focus. His piercing stare bored into her, the power of the Alpha filtered throughout the room. “What happened to you?”
“It’s complicated.” Katrina rolled over to face him, curling onto her side.
“I want to talk about what happened in that prison. I want to know what those things are and why you were there.”
“But what I just did…” Katrina’s eyes fell to his chest but she refused to look any lower. She averted her gaze, and took a deep breath.
“Oh, don’t you worry, Kat. We’re going to discuss that, too.” He shot her a wicked smile that quickly faded. “But right now, I need to know what I’m dealing with…those things…”
“Demons.” Katrina’s voice cracked. At the mention of the creatures, she fought the threatening nausea, the stench of their putrid breath fresh in her memory. No matter how many times they came for her, she never got used to the abuse. “I’m not sure exactly what they are. Maybe they’re not demons per se. Sometimes…the magick…it feels like witches. I don’t know for sure.”
“In the days, weeks…shit, I don’t even know how long they had me…I just know they looked different. The one that lured me,” he paused as if he were embarrassed to admit what he’d seen, then continued, “it came to me in Finn’s night club. I thought it was you.”
“It looked like me?” she asked, surprise in her voice. Guilt rolled through her at his confession. They’d used her to lure the Alpha.
