by KH LeMoyne
She nodded. “Mr. Romald mentioned that in the old days his grandfather wasn’t allowed to live in town. Only the wolves were allowed here, and only the purebloods could rule.”
“The pureblood thing is hogwash. Shifters have mated outside of their clans, as well as with humans, for centuries. That’s the problem. Not enough people knew the truth. When problems arose, like the availability of fewer and fewer mates, the last few bits of honor and respect died.”
Frowning, Maggie stared at the floor. “Alphas took whoever they wanted to mate.”
“Many shifters took whoever they wanted. But mating isn’t by choice.” He scratched at his cheek, considering how best to approach this, because in some ways it was more delicate than discussing sex. “The recognition of a mate is instinctual. What Deacon’s rules try to address is that just because the instinct is there and the beast wants to claim his mate and dominate, it doesn’t mean the two will make for a good pairing. In the past reigns of alphas, a lot of females weren’t given a choice.”
“But mating’s about love.”
“No. Mating is about instinct,” he repeated. “It’s the overwhelming desire to couple and bond with another person. Love is about respect, shared pursuits, putting the joy of another person before your own. That’s the point of Deacon’s rule about women having the ultimate say. No coercion. They get the final say whether to mate or not. No magic to sway them. No physical force. No implied threats.”
She frowned. “The rule doesn’t talk about love.”
He sighed and rubbed his eyes. If only this weren’t so personal—if he had Dani here beside him, he wouldn’t feel like he was flaying himself while trying to explain. “Deacon’s mother was human, a shaman to her people. His father forced her to live here, refused to let her visit her people, forced her to hide her beliefs, and used her until she eventually died. Deacon was very young at the time. Because of the abuses of other shifters, the neglect of certain species of shifter children, and other more heinous practices, he walked away from the clan and his inheritance. When he decided to return, he destroyed the old guard and implemented his own set of rules.”
Maggie’s jaw dropped open. “It makes sense. His father abused his mother.”
“Some alphas would disagree. But Deacon considers taking a woman from her home without her consent and holding her hostage abuse. I agree. However, that’s my point on this rule. He feels strongly because he’s witnessed tragedy. But you and everyone who takes the oath needs to consider this rule from the standpoint of love and respect for your mate. You don’t come from abuse. You should give good things and expect them in return.”
“Did you ever feel that for Mom?”
He winced, not able to lie to her. “You know your mom and I weren’t mates.” Covering her hand to get her to look at him, he waited until he had her attention. “I would have fought to keep her safe, though.”
“I knew. That she wasn’t, you know.” Squeezing his hand back, she lifted her gaze. “But you and Dani are mates. I could tell that, too.”
The earth could have opened and swallowed him, and he wouldn’t have moved. How the hell had Maggie known?
“Your scent changed. Every time you were around her, your purrs got louder. When you got shot…” her voice softened., “Your lion changed for her. He obeyed. You were dying, and he obeyed.”
Wow. Discovering his condition had been apparent to others was a bit embarrassing. But she was right. And if he had to be the example, that worked. He wasn’t ashamed of how he felt for Dani.
“Does she know?” she asked.
“I told her, but mating is an odd concept for humans,” he managed to say. “Kind of the way the love concept seems too vague for some shifters.”
“I heard a rumor Deacon’s going to ask you to train the kids who haven’t shifted yet.”
There was something Chisholm hadn’t seen coming, but Maggie wasn’t big on spreading rumors, so he could imagine only two places she might have heard such a suggestion. Still, to be included in the clan was one thing. The offer of a position of responsibility was a mark of honor. But that remained to be seen. “Are we done with Deacon’s rules?”
She bit her lip, and he made a silent prayer she didn’t come back with more questions. Between this and the oath, it was all he could handle today.
“Yeah. It’s time anyway. There’s Deacon.”
Instead of turning Maggie’s way, Chisholm glanced out over the town square. Candles and fireflies lit the trees. He wasn’t certain how that could be possible in this cold, but shifter magic knew no bounds. Despite the brutal cold in the mountains, there was only a nip in the air, and an endless crowd of shifters and their families gathered to witness his and Maggie’s pledges into their larger family.
He sensed instead of heard Deacon climbing the three steps onto the platform. The man’s power was easy to detect. Its strength flowed from one end of the stronghold to the other and lingered in each and every member who lived here. Deacon’s magic was more subtle, but it had been fierce the night Cabot was shot. To be able to track Maggie, a solitary shifter in another alpha’s territory, was no easy feat—despite charming her necklace. He’d done it from a plane, miles above McLean County. Chisholm also suspected Cabot’s survival during the trip to the hospital was in some part due to Deacon’s influence, though he had no proof. Life and death. Whole hearts or those shattered by tragedy. He felt comfort in the fact that these choices mattered to the man responsible for their well-being.
Given the ease the people had with their alpha, he suspected few of them were aware of the wolf’s true capabilities. Or perhaps given all Chisholm’s years of gauging the strength of one shifter over another, deciding where he had to fight and where he could pass in peace, he was one of a few who recognized great power and great magic and knew that not all alphas possessed both.
Even with that awareness, he felt no reluctance committing to the man on the platform. One call, and his life and those of his children were transplanted for the last time. He glanced toward Cabot and Sam beside the Romald family. Charlie sat atop Tiber Romald’s shoulders, babbling away. Chisholm’s choice was easy. He would offer his loyalty, service, and obedience for the clan in Deacon’s name.
Rising, Chisholm turned to his alpha. The strength in those dark eyes held him fast. No faltering, no hesitation, just a solid acceptance.
“Are you ready, Chisholm Barduc?”
He nodded. More than anything, he wanted to project joy, but the best he could muster was profound gratitude. And respect. He hadn’t given Maggie a fanciful story. Deacon deserved their respect. They had so much to be thankful for, and yet a giant ache clung to the empty place in his heart.
“Are you ready, Margaret Barduc?” Deacon’s lip twitched, and he leaned forward. “Maggie Barduc?”
She smiled, and as Deacon gestured for her to start, she launched into her oath with an ease that made a father proud. “I, Maggie Barduc, pledge to my alpha to uphold…”
It went on, and Chisholm joined her. In truth, he was swept along in the wake of her enthusiasm, enough so he could almost swear she channeled some of Dani’s presence, because he felt the familiar lightness. Both carried him through.
Words finally committed to the universe, he dipped to one knee and bowed his head to his alpha.
Wharton had parked and helped Dani onto the pickup’s bed. Even with the few hundred people surrounding the town square, only a few of whom paid attention to them, Dani had a clear view of Chisholm and Maggie standing before Deacon.
She couldn’t hear the exchange, but it lasted only a few minutes before they sank to their knees.
“Many alphas required not only an oath but blood from their members.”
As if anticipating her horror, Wharton gripped her arm, stopping her movement, and leaned next to her ear. “This is history I’m explaining. Don’t bring fear here, or Chisholm will scent you and halt this event. We’ve earned your trust, haven’t we, Dani?”
&nb
sp; She settled back with a nod, ashamed at her initial reaction to run and pluck Chisholm and Maggie from the stage. “I’m sorry. Tell me, please.”
He studied her expression, then bowed his head. “I respect your protective instincts. They just aren’t needed here today. In the past, the blood empowered the alpha and enhanced their magic. By shifters sharing their blood, they could also be accountable to the one man who could track them.” He gestured toward Deacon, who had turned and washed his hands in a wooden bowl on a pedestal at his side. “When our alpha claimed his position, he outlawed the blood oath along with many other practices. Instead, he shares what is his with all.”
Dani watched as Deacon palmed the top of Chisholm’s head. The rainbow colors surrounding Deacon extended and swirled around Chisholm’s body. Deacon rocked back, the rainbow following him with bits of gold adding to the swirls. She’d expected as much. His power grew from his people. What surprised her were the twinkles and rainbow flares that graced Chisholm’s gold-like colored pearls. “I see.”
She could feel Wharton’s stare. “I believe you really do.”
Leaving that bit of disclosure on her abilities for another day, she watched Deacon’s interaction with Maggie. As beautiful as the process was, she barely waited for them to stand again before she shot Wharton a quick glance. “Can I join them now?”
His fast smile gave her his answer. In that instant, Deacon looked their way and Chisholm turned toward her. Not waiting for Wharton’s help, she jumped from the pickup and rushed through the parting sea of people.
Chisholm met her halfway, lifted her in his arms, and buried his face in her shoulder. “Please tell me you’re staying.”
“Yes.”
“Forever.”
“Yes.” Not able to get anything else out, she kept repeating the word as she clung in a stranglehold to his neck. “I love you.”
“Oh God, I hope so. Because otherwise you’re going to see my lion have heart failure,” he growled as he placed her on her feet and reached beneath the collar of his sweater. He pulled a long chain from around his neck. “Dani Leggett, will you marry me?”
The ring dangling at the end of the chain sparkled, but not nearly with the same brilliance as the glow surrounding him. She didn’t have the breath to talk but held out her hand. He slipped the ring free and onto her finger with a press of his lips to hers. His warmth chased every last chill from her body.
The squeal warned Dani, but she went lax as Maggie threw her arms around them and tight little fists tugged at her pants. Wiping tears from her eyes, she watched Chisholm pick up Charlie so he could give her a fat, sloppy kiss. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Cabot and Sam. As the noise around them grew still, she glanced cautiously over her shoulder.
“Chisholm, you failed to mention you had marked her.”
Panicked at the stern expression on Deacon’s face and the threatening flare of his nostrils, Dani whipped around to face him. Dark hues shot from his body, striking the air in vicious pinpoints.
Then she did the one thing she hated the most. “I—we—it—”
Behind Deacon’s shoulder, Trim rolled her eyes in disbelief and avoided her gaze.
Damn it, she could get this right. She hadn’t stammered since grade school. Dani pushed Maggie behind her father and fought Chisholm’s attempt to move her. Using every ounce of her police training, she planted her feet wider, squared her shoulders, and lifted her chin despite the ominous red in Deacon’s eyes. Wharton’s reassuring nod from behind Deacon had the correct words rushing off her tongue.
“I claim him. I agreed to the mark and the mating, and I came here for him.” She caught her breath. “We are in total agreement on this. Mate, marriage, children, everything. He’s mine.” She added the last more forcefully.
Deacon tilted his head as his eyes widened. He stared right through her for several torturous seconds, though his colors flipped immediately back to peaceful jeweled tones. As if still dubious of her claim, he held out his hand to her.
Chisholm’s fingers flexed at her waist as he pulled her flush against him.
Whether he wanted her to resist or not, this was one test she had to pass. With one hand gripped over Chisholm’s, she offered the other to the alpha. He did no more than let her fingers rest on his open palm. Seemingly satisfied, he let out a gruff sound but fixed a look on Chisholm. “From today forward, everything in the proper order. Free choice is not up for debate.”
“Absolutely,” she shouted a bit too loudly. Several chuckles from behind them had Trim and Wharton snickering and hiding their faces. Deacon scowled, but his emotions remained controlled.
“All right, then.” Grinning, he faced the town square. “We have two new members…and a newly mated pair to celebrate. Let the festival begin.”
She closed her eyes and pulled Cabot and Sam in for hugs as Chisholm kissed her ear.
“That was a lot of talking and quick thinking,” he said. “It’s good you didn’t have to pull your weapon.”
“Quick thinking is my stock-in-trade. Though, with this move, I’ve traded in my weapon for a lecture podium. And, for future reference, how about a little more advance notice about the rules and the exceptions.”
“Absolutely. As long as you’re beside me, I’m a properly obedient man.” He tucked her under his arm as they all headed back toward the crowd, food, and singing.
“Don’t go changing on my account, Chisholm Barduc.”
His smile lit his eyes, a glow she hadn’t seen there in weeks, playfully back and on display, and she was so glad to be the reason. “Only to keep you safe and warm, my dear.”
Dear readers,
Thank you for reading HIDDEN! I hope you enjoyed Dani, Chisholm, and the kids. The series continues with MISSING and Deacon’s story.
Want a free Shifters Unlimited novel? Sign up for my newsletter and get a prequel novel. http://khlemoyne.com/newsletter
Best wishes.
Keep reading for an excerpt of MISSING!
MISSING
Shifters Unlimited Book 2
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
An alpha losing control of his power. A desperate mother and son. The PI determined to save them all.
Alpha wolf Deacon Black has succeeded in saving his clan only to risk the feral madness that threatens every unmated alpha. When one of his protégées disappears, he’s prepared to risk his sanity to bring her home until he unexpectedly finds help from a stubborn, sexy investigator. She may be his salvation, but she’s not sold on becoming an alpha’s mate. Yet convince her he will, even if he has to break his number one shifter rule to do it.
Private investigator Lena Juarez is hours from hightailing it as far as she can from the northwestern forests when a desperate plea drags her into the search for a missing mother and son. Her collaboration with Deacon isn’t a problem as long as she ignores the seductive battle he wages against her body and soul. But to give into the temptation could mean death. His.
1
Spokane, Washington
Present Day – 4:00 a.m.
The creaking of the building’s old wooden floorboards sent a shiver down Lena’s spine.
One one thousand. Two one thousand. Three one thousand. She counted, rolled her shoulders, then gripped her packing tape dispenser tighter. After several noise-free seconds, she shrugged off her edginess.
Just wind rushing up the elevator shaft and teasing at the old framework of the building. Damn, she craved a cold, fresh moonlit night in the mountains more than concrete sprawl any day.
The ghost-white light streaming through the office blinds from the streetlamps didn’t help her mood either. In the post-midnight hours, the halogen bulbs outside battled with the dingy gold circles from her desk lamp, turning corners into shadowed crannies.
All her imagination, of course.
Every creak, click, and snap of the 1940s architecture preyed on Lena’s nerves. Or maybe it was the creepy solitude in the empty building at this ungodly ho
ur.
Only a few more days, and she’d be gone. Free from the temptation her past life posed. Free from the painful guilt her memories of that life carried. The weight of them was reason enough to count the days until she landed in Los Angeles’s sun and smog.
She bent over the box on the desk, angling the dispenser as a flicker of movement caught her eye. Out of habit, she inhaled, prepared for wild scents: pine, fresh earth, musk, fur. Instead, musty wood and a faint hint of industrial floor wax made her want to sneeze. Swallowing regret, she noticed the hallway light flicker on and off. A shadow darkened the frosted glass of her office door.
At a floorboard squeak from the hallway, she dropped the tape gun and lunged for the weapon she’d left on her desk several hours earlier. Old joists worked better than any security alarm, but readiness worked better than any electronic system.
Her door swung inward. With a soft curse, she raised her weapon.
Outlined in the hallway light stood a figure. Six foot two with short-cropped hair, wide shoulders, and a lean frame, the man froze on the threshold, his attention drawn to the gun in her hand. Then he blinked owlish eyes shadowed with purple bruises of fatigue and slowly lifted his palms with a resigned sigh. “Investigator Juarez? My name is Matthew Philmont. I need to hire you.”
“My office hours are from nine to five.” She glanced meaningfully toward the open door, hoping he’d take the hint. “You’re welcome to leave a phone message as well.”
He swallowed hard. “I called. Left several messages, actually. When I saw your light on from the street, I took the chance you’d be here and I could speak with you in person.”
Lena lowered the gun and turned to the cluttered side table. With one hand, she shoved several boxes aside. Uncovered, the answering machine’s red light blinked. A bright digital readout flashed the number twelve. A dozen new messages? With a wince, she realized getting up at three a.m. and packing her office files hadn’t produced clear thinking. While lack of sleep didn’t justify sloppiness, she hadn’t thought to check. Her former partner, Sam, had always handled the client end of the business.
