Tempted by the Wolf

by Alicia Montgomery

  “Oh yeah, tell that to your son or daughter,” she said through a mouthful of food. With one last gulp, she devoured the entire burger.

  Daric sat down next to her and took the empty plate, placing it aside. He put a hand on her stomach. “I’ve thought of a name.”

  “Really?” she asked. “Boy or girl?”

  “Girl.”

  “How do you know?” Meredith asked, her eyes widening. While she loved their sons, Daric always knew she longed for a little girl to spoil and introduce to Disney Princess movies. “Is this one different from the boys? Can you see her future?”

  He shook his head. “No, I’m still unable to see visions from you or our children,” he said. “But I have a good feeling about this one.”

  “So, what’s the name?”

  “Astrid.”

  Meredith thought for a moment. “Hmmm…I like it. What does it mean?”

  “It’s a traditional Scandinavian name,” Daric explained. “It means godly strength or divine beauty.” He had no doubt of the beauty part, but, the strength would be something she would need.

  “It’s settled then,” she said. “If it’s a girl, I mean.”

  Daric drew her closer, and she laid her head on his shoulders, enjoying the cool summer breeze and the laughter of children around them.

  The End.

  (Not quite! Turn the page for information on the next series featuring Meredith’s brothers, as well as Author Notes)

  But before you go, do want to read a (hot, sexy and explicit) extended scene from this book featuring Daric’s proposal, as well as an alternate scene that never made it? Then subscribe to my newsletter - it’s free and you can opt out any time, plus you get ALL my bonus content including a FREE Book - The Last Blackstone Dragon Click here!

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  I love hearing from readers and if you want to tell me what you think do let me know at alicia@aliciamontgomeryauthor.com

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  The Lone Wolf Defenders

  Standalone Spinoff True Mates Series

  Killian’s Secret

  Available NOW on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

  Loving Quinn

  Available NOW on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

  All for Connor

  Available NOW on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

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  Author’s Notes

  Written on May 3, 2017

  As the last book in the series, writing Tempting the Wolf was a special challenge. Daric, so far, has had the longest story arc in the series and Meredith’s was pretty long, too. I wanted to make this book amazing, for them and for you readers who have been on this journey with me.

  Also, Taming the Beast was a hard act to follow. You all loved Sebastian and Jade so much, and I could tell that story was going to be special. So when I sat down to write Tempting the Wolf, there was some apprehension and a lot of doubt. After a few days of struggling with writer’s block, I sat down with my music teacher and we talked about the difficulties I’d been having with my voice breaking and her advice was just to work through it - keep singing and vocalizing until you work through the problem. And I thought well, that’s what I should do with Daric and Meredith. So I sat down the next day and worked through it. And you know what? It worked. The words flowed out. The ideas came and I was struggling this time, to write them down so I don’t forget them. I’m still sad I was unable to incorporate all the scenes and jokes I wanted to include (hence the alternate scene at Muccino’s, which you can read by signing up for my newsletter).

  When I first introduced Meredith in Witch’s Mate, I already had an idea of her background and her old mentor, Archie Leacham (did you “catch” that reference?). Daric’s background was a little more fluid, but from the moment I wrote him, I knew he would need someone special to match him and challenge him.

  I sure hope I did Meredith and Daric’s story justice, and I’d really love to hear what you think, so email me at alicia@alicimontgomeryauthor.com for your thoughts or all other comments. I do my best to reply to each and every email I get (even if it sometimes takes me a while). Can I just say, it’s been such a pleasure writing these stories for you.

  Still here? How about I tell you more about the background of this series…

  I actually started writing the True Mates series back in 2014, though the idea came to me earlier than that. In 2011-2013, I was been living in China with my then-boyfriend (now husband), JT who was teaching English there. Now, you may be wondering, “What does China have to do with werewolf shifters?” Well, bear with me…

  As you may or may not know, China has had the one-child policy in effect since 1979. Many of the friends I met there had no brothers and sisters. The people who were my age were the first of their generation to grow up in households without siblings. Growing up with several siblings of my own, the idea seemed even stranger. At this time, I was also voraciously reading a lot of paranormal romance stories because we didn’t have good Internet out in the sticks were we lived. So, one day, it just struck me: what if there was a group of people (or in this case, Lycans) who could have only one or no children at all? And well, the idea just kind of evolved into the True Mates Series.

  Fun fact: Blood Moon (Cady and Nick’s book) was going to be the first story in the series, but I had a hard time trying to put the lore together and have to explain what the Blood Moon is, as well as True Mates pregnancies. (They were also going to be stuck in an avalanche in the first draft, but that’s another story). So, I realized I needed to first set up the world and use an outsider (Alynna) who would be seeing the world of the Lycans for the first time.

  So I began writing in 2014, first I made outlines and tried to put the world together. I adore world-building and I had so much fun. I wrote the first six chapters and then real life happened - I got engaged. We also moved to two different countries and I had couldn’t get to my half-finished manuscript. Finally, a year after our wedding, I decided to go back to the manuscript and I published Fated Mates (originally titled, Finding the Pack) in August 2016.

  And here we are, six books later and I’m still here. And you’re still here! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I’m going to keep writing as long as you keep reading. Oh, and reviewing too! Please consider leaving me an honest review (and any other authors you follow) - it really helps me, not only with sales, but also tells me what you want and how I can improve (and I’m always trying to improve).

  So, as you have seen in the previous page, True Mates isn’t over yet (not this generation anyway). Killian, Quinn, and Connor’s stories are still waiting to be written, and I’m excited to bring them all to you. If you’ve been a longtime fan, you know I try to plant my characters in advanced. Did you happen to see that little clues I left you about their stories and the special ladies who’ll be coming into their lives? Oh, and for all you Dante fans (and I know you’re out there), I’m listening and you’ll just have to wait for the right season for our favorite chef’s story.

  Ok, I’ve rambled on enough. But let me just tell you thank you again, it’s been my honor to tell you these stories and I have also enjoyed getting to know you through your reviews, email, messages, tweets, and Facebook comments. You all inspire me and you’re the reason why I do this.

  All the best,

  Alicia

  Other Books by Alicia Montgomery

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  Official Website

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  The Lone Wolf Defenders

  Killian’s Secret: Book 1

  Lone
Wolf Killian is keeping a secret. His family is finally back together after a tragic loss, but he’s living an empty life, and there’s a pain inside him that won’t go away. When he sets his eyes on the woman who broke his wolf and his heart, old wounds are reopened, but he can’t deny the powerful attraction and hold she has on him.

  The last person Luna wants to see is the man who destroyed her world. When Killian left her holding the bag, she lost her career, her home, and credibility. But, she’s keeping a secret of her own. If Killian found out the truth, he could destroy the fragile life she’s trying to rebuild.

  A chance encounter brings them together again, and Killian discovers what Luna’s been hiding. While the bitter past puts them at odds, their passion is reignited. He wants her back, but she’s not sure she can trust him with her heart.

  When a threat puts Luna’s life in danger, Killian will stop at nothing to keep her safe.But, can they put aside old hurts and realize that they’re meant for each other, or will their past actions continue to tear them apart?

  Loving Quinn: Book 2

  Happy-go-lucky wolf shifter and hacker Quinn never saw the point of committing to just one person for the rest of his life. After all, with his devilish good looks and charisma, he could have any woman he wants. Any woman, except the sassy almost-witch Selena, who seems resistant to his charms. While he denies his attraction to the curvy redhead, his own animal craves her attention, and Quinn finds it difficult to stay away.

  Having no magical talent meant Selena was at the bottom rung of her coven hierarchy. Mocked by her own family and pitied by the rest of her coven, she builds her own life away from them. When an offer comes that could finally give her the respect and standing she’s always wanted, it should have been easy to say yes. But a certain sexy and handsome Lone Wolf shifter has sent her into a tizzy, and she risks the chance of being welcomed back into the fold by giving into her own desires.

  When Quinn’s past comes back to haunt him, it puts Selena in the line of fire and he’ll do anything to protect her. However, Selena has problems of her own and she finds herself having to choose between the life she’s always dreamed of or bet her heart on commitment-phobic Quinn. Staying together only means danger and pain, but can they really resist the attraction between them, which could end up imploding both their lives?

  All for Connor

  Evie’s been denying her attraction to her brooding boss for months. He’s rude, anti-social, and has never said a kind word to her. He’s also a Lycan shifter, which makes him the wrongest wrong guy in existence. Yet, there’s something about Connor she can’t resist.

  Lone Wolf Connor is in a desperate situation. Ever since the death of his mentor, the animal inside won’t stop ripping him apart and trying to take over. There’s only one way to stop Lycans who’ve lost control: death. Before that happens, he’s going to seek revenge on the very people who have turned him into a monster. However, he can’t stop thinking about the sweet and fresh-faced admin assistant who seems to have attracted this wolf’s attention. Evie only has to see the out-of-control beast inside him, and she’ll run away. kindl

  When Evie’s life is put in danger, Connor finds himself in a position to keep her safe. But, can he resist the powerful attraction and desire between them? Or will Evie be a distraction from his revenge and weakness that his enemies could exploit?

  The True Mates Series

  Fated Mates: Book 1

  Private investigator Alynna Chase is drawn in to the world of werewolf shifter clans when she encounters charming and sexy Lycan, Alex Westbrooke.

  For centuries, werewolf shifters have moved among human society undetected, hiding in plain sight. The New York clan, hiding behind the powerful Fenrir Corporation, has ruled the East Coast for over two centuries, holding great power and position in both human and Lycan hierarchy. Alynna suddenly finds herself in the center of this secretive society world when her true heritage is revealed – a full-blooded Lycan, born of the fabled True Mate pairing between her human mother and powerful Alpha father. Drawn deeper into their world, she feels a magnetic pull towards Alex.

  Blood Moon: Book 2

  In this exciting continuation to the True Mates Series, Human Liaison Cady Gray and Second-in-Command Nick Vrost are drawn together after a night of passion.

  Despite growing up in the world of the New York Lycan clan, Cady Gray still feels like an outsider looking in. She’s built walls around her, to protect herself and the clan, harboring a deep secret from her past that threatens her future. The clan’s sexy Beta shifter has always intrigued her, but he’s kept his distance, that is, until one innocent dance.

  Nick Vrost has wanted Cady for years, but kept his own desires at bay for the sake of the clan and his family. As second-in-command of the New York clan and heir to the Vrost fortune, it was his duty to marry a suitable high-ranking Lycan female and produce a child to carry on the line. After ignoring Cady for years, one touch ignites something he can no longer control and he may have to choose between family obligation and his long-simmering desire for the quiet beauty.

  Romancing the Alpha: Book 3

  In the next installment of the True Mates series, New York Alpha Grant Anderson meets his match in feisty New Jersey Alpha, Francesca “Frankie” Muccino.

  New Jersey Alpha Francesca “Frankie” Muccino never had it easy. Alpha of her ragtag clan, head of her family, and manager of their ailing restaurant business, she’s got a lot on her plate. When a handsome, sexy, and very naked Lycan shows up on her doorstep, sparks immediately fly, but it’s one more complication she can’t handle.

  Escaping from a kidnapping attempt by his enemies, New York Alpha Grant Anderson finds himself in New Jersey territory. He’s immediately drawn to the plucky and spirited Frankie, and has no qualms about going for what he wants - her, in his bed. The Jersey Alpha won’t be an easy catch, but Grant is determined to tame the wild she-wolf.

  Witch’s Mate: Book 4

  The next arc of the True Mates Series begins with San Francisco Alpha Liam Henney and witch Lara Chatraine as they fight their growing attraction.

  When a chance encounter with Liam Henney sparks instant lust, Lara Chatraine discovers that the Lycan Alpha may be her True Mate. Lara was born with special powers, but it comes with a price: a curse, one that would put Liam in danger if they pursued their attraction. Determined to protect him, she resists his advances and keeps the knowledge of their true connection to herself.

  As Alpha to the most powerful clans on the West Coast, Liam Henney has a duty to his family and his people, not only to protect them, but also to produce the next Lycan heir. But, weeks after their passionate encounter, Liam can’t get Lara out of his mind. The normally constrained and reserved Liam wants only one thing – to possess the bewitching beauty and make her his.

  When members of the San Francisco clan turn up dead, suspicion turns to the bloodthirsty mages. Liam and Lara must work together to stop Master Mage Stefan, and take him down before he harms more people and expose the existence of Lycans and witches to the world. As Liam breaks down her defenses and stokes her desires, can Lara keep him safe from her curse and defeat the mages before it’s too late?

  Taming the Beast: Book 5

  The True Mates Series continues as billionaire CEO security expert Sebastian Creed battles his inner beast while trying to keep his desire for genius scientist Dr. Jade Cross from destroying them both.

  Shy and nerdy Lycan scientist Dr. Jade Cross has lived a quiet life, surrounded by her work and her research. She prefers proven facts, figures, and hard science and doesn't want complications in her life. But her resolve seems to go out the window every time she crosses paths with the handsome and dangerous Sebastian Creed.

  Since rescuing Jade from her mysterious kidnappers, Sebastian has tried hard to stay away from her. But he’s irresistibly drawn to the innocent, delicate beauty and he wants nothing more than to give in to his hunger. When Jade’s life is put in danger once again, Sebastian is t
asked with keeping her safe, and he risks everything to make sure no harm comes to her.

  But, Sebastian has a secret. The former Marine turned billionaire CEO is hiding a beast inside him, an animal that wants to possess Jade. He must control his desires and wrestle his inner monster or risk destroying them both.

  As the evil mages and their leader Stefan, continue their war against the shifters and witches, Jade must walk the fine line between opening herself to Sebastian and preventing him from finding out about the existence of Lycans. With so many secrets between them, can they survive or will they both be caught in the crossfire?

  Other Books by Alicia Montgomery

  The Billionaire Heirs Series

  Seducing the Billionaire’s Daughter

  Dania Antonov-Canfield is smart, sassy, and independent. Despite being the daughter and only heir of billionaire playboy Arthur Canfield, she prefers her boring, normal life to playing a pampered heiress and hobnobbing with high society. When a gunman for hire nearly kills her father and threatens her life, she is sucked back into his world. Arthur hires Sawyer Roland and his firm to protect himself and his daughter from whoever wants them dead.