by Hazel Gower
Rane’s Mate
by
Hazel Gower
Rane’s Mate
Copyright © 2013, Hazel Gower
ISBN: 9781937325725
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.
Electronic Publication: May, 2013
Editor: Pamela Tyner
Cover: Live Love Media
eBooks are not transferable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Back Cover Copy
If you could help save the world, would you?
That’s the choice offered to shy animal empath Kirby Brown by her new friend Faith.
Faith is mated to one of a warrior race of werewolves, the only beings who can save the world from merciless demons, and she believes Kirby’s abilities can help them in their battle.
Intrigued by the strange new world, Kirby is tempted to assist them—especially when she’s drawn to the compelling and sexy Rane Wolfen.
Immediately upon meeting Kirby, Rane knows she’s his mate. Fearing for her safety, he forbids her from using her talents in the brutal battle that is to come.
Kirby worries that she’s finally escaped her overprotective brothers only to find herself involved with an equally dominating man.
Can Kirby and Rane overcome their differences and work together to help save the world? And can Rane convince Kirby that they are indeed destined to be mates?
Content Warning: contains a sexy alpha werewolf, graphic sex, strong language, and violence
Dedication
To my best friend Kirby Beckley, I love you. Thank you for your support and for always being there for me. This book is for you. Also thanks to my awesome family.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my amazing editor Pamela Tyner. I will be forever grateful you took a chance on me. Thank you to my writing friends, you know who you are.
Chapter 1
Rane was so sick of babysitting duty. Fine, he had fucked up, but it had been almost three months and Kane was still punishing him even though it had all worked out. Today’s babysitting job was just plain cruel. Playing protector to four women at a place called The Big Day Out was going to be torture, especially with Faith, three and a half months pregnant. Kane wasn’t happy about Faith going, but she had called it one of her ‘normal person’ days and argued that pregnant women went to concerts all the time. Kane had argued that if she had a vision and fell, she could hurt the baby. But Faith was having none of it; she was going, so Rane had been dragged into it.
Rane looked at Kane’s house in front of him, remembering how he’d gotten talked into this new babysitting job.
“It’s in the day, for most of the event, and my favorite bands are going to be there. Plus, I invited this woman from work who just moved here and hasn’t got a lot of friends yet. For the last month and a half, she’s been coming to my girls’ day or nights out. We’ve started to become really good friends. She’s such a sweetie, but do you want to know the kicker? She’s special, I just can’t figure out what her ability is. I don’t think she has visions, because I had a five minute one the other day and she showed no sign of knowing it.” Faith didn’t even pause when she turned to him and added, “Rane will come with me, won’t you?”
She had blindsided him, changed the conversation so many times he got lost, so his answer became, “Err, sure, Faith. Argh, what am I saying sure to?”
His brother had laughed at him. “She’s good, isn’t she? Now that she’s said it, I think it would set my mind at ease if you were there, and you do owe me and Faith.”
Rane sighed and walked into the house. He found Kane and Bengie sitting on the lounge playing Mario Kart together.
Watching Kane as he cheered at Bengie for winning, then started a new game, Rane frowned, wondering why his brother wasn’t going instead of him. “Why can’t you take them, Kane?”
Kane didn’t even look away from the game. “Because in an hour or so, I’m leaving to do rounds at the hospital. Plus, it’s girls’ day out.” Kane laughed. “Sorry, brother, but her friends…don’t get me wrong, I like them, but they’re not fans of me. Well, I haven’t met the new woman.” He lowered his voice to barely a whisper. “I always thought they were a bad influence on her.”
Rane stared at his brother, there was no way he was the only one going. Kane would never let his pregnant wife go to a major event without a whole heap of protection, even if that event was held partly in the day.
“You’re way too calm. How many of us are going?”
“Only six, although Jamie, Devlin, and two others were already going to the concert, so really only two are going as back up.” Rane turned his eyes heavenward, praying for patience.
“Shit! She doesn’t know, does she? I hate you, Kane.”
“She probably does, Faith’s quick now with the psychic stuff.”
“Fuck you, Kane. If she knew, you wouldn’t still be whispering.”
Kane laughed as Faith came in. “What’s so funny, honey?” she asked.
Kane looked over at his mate. “I thought you were going to get ready. Where is the rest of your outfit?”
Faith rolled her eyes.
Rane had to admit, if only to himself, that she did look hot. Faith’s hair was in a messy bun, and a pink lacy bra was peeking out of the top of her sparkling pink singlet. You would never know she was three and a half months pregnant with a werewolf baby. Faith had a tiny, miniscule bump for a baby tummy. He looked further down to see skintight short shorts, toned tanned legs, and gladiator sandals.
“You’re game to let her go out looking like that, Kane? I would never let my mate out of the house looking like that. Ha! You said this would be an easy job. I’m going to be fighting off advances all day and night.”
Kane growled and grabbed his mate around the waist, fastening his mouth on hers. Rane tried not to laugh, but it was so funny to rile Kane. Four months ago he wouldn’t have growled at him or anyone. Kane had always been the calm, cool, collected brother.
Bengie groaned. “They’re at it again. They’re so gross.” The doorbell rang and Bengie jumped up, running to the door. “Remy’s here!”
Faith giggled. “Please tell me I wasn’t that pathetic when I had a crush on you.”
Rane laughed, remembering a time when Kane had come home from University and Faith had been helping his mum and sisters bake cookies. She had dropped her mixing spoon and ran to the door yelling, “My prince is here, my prince is here.”
“Noooo, you were worse,” he and Kane said together.
Remy and Sara came strolling in carrying bags, and poor Bengie looked weighed down with suitcases.
“Who’s worse?” Remy asked, though her eyes never left Kane’s. Boy, if looks could kill...
Rane decided to help his brother out. “Faith is. We were talking about how bad Faith used to be with Kane.”
Faith groaned. “Shut up, Rane.” She hid her face in Kane’s shoulder.
“Let’s just say that Prince Kane saved Faith from dragons a lot.” Rane couldn’t help the grin as he remembered the games they’d played.
“Really?” Sara said. “I thought Kane was a lot older, wouldn’t he have been away?”
Faith groaned again. “Sara, shut up.”
Rane laughed. “Yes, he is a lot older. That’s why it’s so funny.”
“Oh, shut it, Rane. You could never say no to me either. I seem to remember a time or two when you would be the wicked wit—”
“Okay, I th
ink they get it now, Faith,” Rane said quickly He looked around, eager for a subject change. “Are you girls moving in?”
When Kane paled, Rane couldn’t hold in the chuckle.
“No, but we are going to stay for Faith’s birthday weekend,” Remy said.
“And you needed all of this?”
Sara smiled. “I thought you said he has sisters, Faith?”
“He does but…” Faith stopped. “Kirby’s here, but something’s wrong.” She looked at Kane. “Do you guys smell anything?”
Rane took a deep breath. His wolf sat up, but he didn’t feel any danger. Moving to the door, Kane behind him, he took another deep breath. His wolf was wide awake, panting.
“I don’t smell anything,” Kane said. “What are you growling about?”
Rane shook himself as he opened the door, only to be pushed out of the way by Faith.
* * * *
Kirby was surrounded by wolves. They were everywhere in this town. Maybe she had finally gone crazy. Werewolves didn’t exist. They were make believe, made up things you only found in scary movies. She’d had this feeling before but had ignored it, because it was only a person here or there. This time was bad. Kirby had an affinity for animals, she could kind of talk to them, and feel them. This feeling, however, was different.
Kirby opened her car door again, then shut it. She’d feel bad if she left though, because she’d be bailing on Faith’s birthday weekend, and Kirby was so looking forward to going to the big day out. Being independent and discovering new things on her own was one of the reasons she’d moved away from her overbearing, overprotective family. Kirby sighed. Her brothers were not there to save her or protect her in the event the wolves weren’t so friendly.
The front door burst open, and Faith pushed past the hottest man Kirby had ever seen in her life. He was probably Faith’s husband. He was gorgeous—short, wavy brown hair, six three, maybe six four, and all muscle. As he got closer to the car she could see his eyes were an electric blue, and he had a sharp nose that hovered over his lips. Kirby gulped and squeezed her legs shut. She could feel he was a werewolf, an alpha wolf, and he was looking at her like prey.
Kirby locked the doors. Faith’s eyebrows drew together and her mouth turned down in a frown as she turned to the gorgeous werewolf and punched him in the chest, yelling something at him. Then she shook the hand she had used to hit the werewolf. Another taller werewolf came out and grabbed the first one. This one was beautiful too, but not the same as the other. The second werewolf came over and kissed Faith’s hand, then went to the first werewolf, pulling him back a couple of steps.
Faith came over to the car. Kirby slowly unlocked the door and opened it.
“Kirby, what’s wrong? Rane didn’t mean to scare you. He’s really a big softy.”
Kirby looked all around her before she whispered, “I’m going crazy. I’ve never had it this strong before.” Looking up, straight into Faith’s eyes, she continued. “We’re surrounded by werewolves, they’re everywhere in this town.” She was so freaked out she yelled the last part.
Faith winced, muttering under her breath. “It’s this pregnancy that’s making me miss stuff. I’m an idiot.” Faith took Kirby’s hands in hers, looked her in the eyes, and spoke clear this time. “You’re an animal element or sensory, and I’m an idiot. I’m so sorry. I’m usually better at picking up these things, but I swear this pregnancy is putting me off. Kirby, I’m psychic, and a bunch of other things, but we’ll keep to that one for now. No, you’re not crazy, we are surrounded by werewolves, but they’re good. They would never hurt you, and I’m not just saying that because I live with and mated one…well, us humans call it married. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself. Tell me, what do you feel?”
Kirby took a step out of the car, closed her eyes, and tried to feel. She knew there were two werewolves near the house, but she felt no malice, or any desire to do her any harm. Kirby could feel two more in wolf form in the bushes, not far away, close enough that she tried to communicate with them. They didn’t respond to her mind contact, though she did feel confusion from them and curiosity. Kirby did feel happy thoughts that she was there. Opening her eyes, she took another small step.
“Look, would it help if you saw one, got to touch a wolf? I promise you they won’t hurt you.” Nodding hesitantly, Faith yelled, “Blake, come here to us, slowly.”
A beautiful, large black wolf with gray eyes ran out of the woods. He slowed a couple of feet away from them.
Faith walked up to him and looked over at Kirby as she said, “Okay, you’re going to hear some growling, but just ignore it. I do. It won’t be from Blake here.”
Kirby placed her hand on Blake’s furred covered body, running it up and down.
Faith smiled. “See, he won’t hurt you.”
Kirby leaned down to get a better look. “He is beautiful.”
Blake licked her face and she laughed. There was a vicious growl from behind her, which made Blake take a step back from her.
Kirby noticed that Faith frowned and shook her head and then looked at Kirby. “You ready to go inside now? Because my brother Bengie can only entertain Remy and Sara for so long.”
Kirby nodded. “Yes, I’m fine now. Can Blake come inside? He’ll keep me calm.”
A wicked smile spread across Faith’s face. “Don’t worry, Kirby. Blake would love to play doggy, wouldn’t you, Blake?”
Kirby kept her fingers in Blake’s fur as they walked toward the house. Blake whined slightly, but followed her. The growling behind her continued, and curiosity got the better of her and she looked over her shoulder to see where it was coming from. The first man’s lips were pulled back and canine-like teeth were showing.
Kirby turned back to Faith. “You sure it’s okay for me to stay this weekend? Because he doesn’t look or sound very happy about it.”
Faith waved him away. “Don’t worry about Rane. He’s always got a stick up his butt. Actually, he’s going to go get your stuff out of your car. Aren’t you, Rane?”
Rane looked at Kirby intently for a moment. His electric blue eyes sparkled and his growling stopped, then his mouth formed into a grin as he nodded, holding out his hand.
She dropped the keys in his hand, careful not to touch him, but before she could move away he grabbed her hand and held it, just looking at her. Eventually he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it, his eyes never leaving hers. He sighed, dropped her hand, and turned, walking away.
“Holy shit,” Faith said as they turned and entered the large house overlooking the water.
* * * *
Rane couldn’t believe it. He’d found his mate, and it was Kirby. As soon as he’d opened the door, the smell hit and almost brought him to his knees. She smelled of apple and cinnamon, his favorite.
She was magnificent. When he saw her face, he fell instantly in lust. She had fire engine red hair, curling just past her shoulders, and big brown eyes with a light dusting of freckles on her pert little nose. When she got out of the car, his dick instantly got hard. Kirby was short, about the same size or maybe even a little smaller than Faith’s five feet three. She had full, plump breasts, definitely bigger than any woman he knew. He loved that she was fuller around the waist, just the way he liked it. He always thought Faith and his sisters were too skinny, he liked women with some meat on their bones.
Kirby wore shorts to her knees and a t-shirt that revealed a bit too much breast for his liking. Her voice was like music to him. Rane fought his wolf the whole time, especially when she touched Blake. Thank God for Kane holding him back, as he had almost cracked, changing into wolf form.
As he grabbed the two small suitcases from the car, he smiled at the thought that she’d be there all weekend. Rane knew he must look like a fool, because he couldn’t keep the huge smile off his face as he walked into the house.
Chapter 2
Kirby felt great…fantastic. For once in her life she wasn’t the oddball, the weird kid that loved anim
als and had too many of them. Her mother had always said that all the Burns girls loved animals and she was just more sensitive. Even her father’s family, the Browns, were sensitive to animals. Kirby had moved a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from her parents and brothers, to start anew. She wanted to make some friends her own age, or as her brothers said, the same species. Now that she had accomplished the friends part she was going to try dating a guy without one of her brothers scaring him away. She laughed. If her brothers could see her now...
“What’s funny?” asked Remy as they came in from outside.
“Ha! My brothers always said I was boring and too shy to do anything but sit at home with all of my animals. I don’t know if they would believe everything I’ve done since meeting you all.” They all laughed. Kirby smiled as she added, “Don’t worry, I’m going to send them pictures on my phone, that will shut them up.” Or, she thought, send them here to check on me. Feeling more relaxed now, she let go of Blake’s fur.
“So, I see you’ve met one of Faith’s dogs,” said Remy as Blake wandered off. “I haven’t seen this one before. He’s beautiful.” A huge grin came over Remy’s face. “The one Faith seems to like the most is this huge, horse looking wolf with dirty blond colored hair and bright blue eyes. Argh.” Remy shivered. “Gives me the heebie-jeebies every time I see him. Now that I think about it, he kind of reminds me of Kane. That’s probably why I react to him like that, because they’re both big arse nasty dogs.”
Faith shot a glare at Remy, and they seemed to have a silent talk for a moment before Faith looked at Kane. Then Remy doubled over laughing. Kirby looked up behind Faith to see Kane giving Remy a deadly stare.
“Oh, be nice, Remy, it’s my birthday. How about we decide which bands are priority to see?”
Faith grabbed Kirby and Remy’s hands as they walked into a large lounge room with a huge plasma hanging on the wall, surround sound stereo system, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, and heaps of games—you name it, it was there. The room was any male’s paradise.
