Wickedly Twisted: Fairy Tales for Adults

by Davis, Lia;

  Neal sat up in bed. “Who? Where?”

  “Jim, from the bakery.”

  Glancing at the clock on his nightstand, Neal let out another groan. 3:00 AM. “Shit. Any witnesses?”

  Justin hesitated before answering, sending a chill up Neal’s spine. “The wolf attacked him at his home. His wife said it was a werewolf. She saw it shift from animal to man right before it disappeared into the forest.”

  Seriously? “That’s not possible.” When Justin didn’t answer right away, Neal rolled his eyes. “Justin.”

  “I saw him.”

  Frowning, Neal scrubbed a hand over his face. It was too fucking early in the morning. He needed coffee. Or a vodka shot. “Saw who?”

  “I followed him because it just didn’t make sense for him to go in the opposite direction of town.” Justin paused. Neal frowned, not understanding what the other ranger was babbling about. Finally, Justin said. “He shifted into a wolf. I mean, flesh tearing, bone breaking shift, and then he was an animal.”

  Neal sighed. “Did you stay up late watching horror movies again?”

  “It’s not a dream or my overactive imagination.” Justin raised his voice but not enough to be yelling. “I’m not crazy.”

  No, Justin was intelligent and a realist. He wouldn’t make things up. But a werewolf? “I’m not saying you’re crazy. I guess I just have to see it to believe it. Who did you see?”

  “Shannon.”

  Chapter Five

  Neal dried and put away the last of his dishes before a light knock sounded on his door. Frowning, he laid the towel on the counter and then moved to answer it. The only person left to stop by his house today would be Shannon. Neal wasn’t sure he wanted to see him. After all, the man had ditched him last night and this morning.

  Opening the door, Neal froze in place. Shannon offered a weak smile, even though he looked like hell. Dark circles framed his blue eyes. Eyes that looked similar to the black wolf Neal had seen in the forest after Chad and Steve’s attack.

  Stop, Neal. There are no such thing as werewolves.

  Shannon bunched his brows together. “I’m sorry for not showing this morning.”

  Neal shrugged. He’d never been one to hold a grudge. And really, Shannon didn’t owe him anything. Stepping aside, Neal motioned for the other man to enter. “It was a mad house here all day. There was another killing last night.”

  “I heard the chatter on the way over.”

  Noticing the twelve-pack in Shannon’s hand, Neal took it and carried it to the kitchen. “The residents are scared to the point of making up stories about werewolves.”

  “People sometimes make up monsters to explain horrific things.”

  Neal faced Shannon, who stood in the archway between the kitchen and the living room. “Even Justin says he saw one.”

  Shannon stared at him with those piercing blue eyes for several long moments before he spoke. “Remember that thing I needed to talk to you about yesterday before Justin called?”

  Dread crawled up Neal’s spine, leaving an icy trail that chilled him to the bone. “Yeah.”

  Shannon stalked closer, desire filling his eyes. “Promise me you will not fear me. I could never hurt you.”

  Neal could feel his heart beat in his head. Yet, it wasn’t out of fear. Something deep within told him that he could trust Shannon. He wanted to trust him. The man made him feel things he’d never felt with anyone else. A renewed sense of hope that he’d finally have someone to share his life with.

  “I was bitten about ten years ago.”

  Bitten? “I’m not following,” Neal said breathlessly as Shannon stopped and caged him against the counter.

  “By a wolf.” Shannon dipped his head and nuzzled Neal’s neck.

  “So you’re a…” Neal let out a soft groan when Shannon kissed his throat.

  “A werewolf.” Shannon lifted his head, his eyes appearing to glow from within. “I can control the wolf most of the time.”

  Neal raised a brow. “I don’t believe in monsters. Wolves only attack when protecting their pack and territories.”

  “Then explain the recent incidents.”

  “I can’t. It’s like the wolf or wolves are more aggressive than normal.”

  Shannon cupped his face. “I could never hurt you.”

  “I know.” Neal studied him. He was serious. How was it possible?

  Suddenly, Shannon let out a groan and doubled over, his body shaking in obvious pain. Panic and fear rushed through Neal’s veins as he reached out to his lover. “Shannon. What is it?”

  “I…need…” Shannon paused, his jaw tightened, and his face scrunched as if another wave of pain shot through him. After a moment, his breaths became labored as he spoke. “…You to take me somewhere. A warehouse…the edge of town.”

  Huh? Neal didn’t recall a warehouse anywhere near Holden. Unless Shannon meant the old industrial park. There wasn’t much left of the place… Another groan pushed Neal into motion.

  Rushing to him, Neal helped Shannon to a stand, then helped him out to the truck. After Shannon had rattled off directions, Neal drove to the warehouse. By the time they reached the old building, Shannon was shaking all over.

  Neal’s heart raced as he slammed the truck into park and rushed around to help Shannon out of the vehicle. “You need a doctor.”

  “No. No one else…here.” Shannon roared, and his muscles tensed against Neal’s.

  Confusion clouded Neal’s mind, but after entering the warehouse, it turned to cold fear. In the middle of the open space was a large cage. “Shannon, what’s going on?”

  Shannon pushed out of his arms and stumbled toward the cage. “Leave.” The single word was spoken on a growl Neal had never heard from a human before.

  Justin’s crazy story about seeing Shannon shift into a wolf suddenly didn’t seem so crazy. “Just tell me what’s going on.”

  Shannon whirled around, baring his teeth. His chest rose and fell, and his eyes…glowed. Taking a step back, Neal shook his head. “You won’t hurt me.” He had to believe that.

  Just then, Shannon roared out a scream and fell to the ground on his hands and knees. “Go!”

  The need to help him, in some way, flooded Neal. He couldn’t leave his lover.

  Another primal growl erupted from Shannon, drawing Neal’s focus back to him. Shannon’s body seized a moment before hair pushed through his skin, and his bones snapped and reformed right in front of Neal’s eyes. Disbelief froze Neal in place. Impossible.

  Standing a few feet away was a large black wolf. The same wolf he’d seen in the woods when Chad and Steve were attacked. No. God, please don’t let Shannon be the killer.

  The wolf let out a huff that sounded like a sneeze, then stalked toward him. Neal froze, not knowing whether he should run or search for a weapon. Shannon continued advancing to him. When he got within a few feet, he lowered his head and let out a whimper.

  Neal’s heart ached, and his chest tightened. The overpowering urge to comfort the wolf didn’t make sense, but he couldn’t ignore it. Extending his hand, he waited. A moment later, Shannon’s large head butted against his palm.

  Neal threaded his fingers through the thick fur. “Unbelievable.” Shannon moved closer and bumped against Neal’s legs, throwing him off balance. He sat on the floor, figuring it was what the wolf wanted. Instantly, Shannon curled up against his legs and rested his large, black-furred head on Neal’s lap. A moment later, the beast drifted off to sleep.

  With a sigh, Neal stroked his head and back. “You have a lot of explaining to do in the morning.”

  Chapter Six

  Shannon opened his eyes and stilled. The steady thump of Neal’s heartbeat relaxed him. Relief flooded him. He hadn’t killed Neal. What if he hurt him?

  Shannon shot straight up and scanned Neal’s body. There was no blood that Shannon could see or smell. But he did notice a blanket draped over them. His chest tightened.

  Pushing to his feet, Shannon walked to th
e small fridge in the back corner of the warehouse. He pulled out a bottle of water and a protein shake, then downed both—one after the other.

  “Is that what you tried to tell me?”

  Neal’s husky, sleepy tone echoed around them. Shannon didn’t turn but nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry I wasn’t upfront with you.”

  The slide of fabric followed by bare feet on the cement floor sounded from behind him. Shannon steeled his body, forcing it to remain where it was. A few moments later, Neal wrapped his arms around his waist. “I would have thrown you out of my house and thought you were crazy.”

  Shannon let out a soft chuckle and linked their fingers together. “Why aren’t you running from me now?”

  Neal kissed his shoulder, sending a jolt of desire straight to his dick. “Even though I saw you at the first scene, I know you didn’t do it. At least, not since Justin called me. He said there were silver wolf hairs found at both scenes.”

  Relief unwound the tension in Shannon’s muscles. “I normally have a better handle of my wolf. As long as I let it out once a month, I’m good.”

  “Maybe your wolf wanted to meet me.” Neal teased then laughed.

  Shannon glanced over his shoulder, drawing his brows together. “You may be right.”

  Neal skimmed his hand down Shannon’s chest, over his abs, and then gripped his hard length. Shannon’s hips jerked as every nerve ending fired to life. “I have never felt so intensely about anyone. I can’t explain it. No matter how unbelievable all of this is, I can’t walk away from you now.”

  Not since they’d made love the night before. Shannon felt it, too. A longing. A peacefulness in every fiber of his being. The desire to possess Neal in every way possible. What was stopping him now? The wolf was out of the bag. He didn’t have to hide. At least, not from Neal. “I can’t let you go. You’re mine.”

  Neal’s slow strokes increased. “Good.”

  Shannon reached behind him and cupped Neal through his jeans. It was so unfair that his lover was fully clothed while he was naked from the shift. “I want you naked.”

  “Oh yeah? What if I say tough shit?”

  Shannon let out a low growl, this time not masking it, and turned to face Neal. The other male raised a brow. Shannon suppressed a laugh. “I could rip them from your body.”

  The fragrance of Neal’s arousal intensified. “Then we’d both have to drive back to town without clothes.”

  “I have clothes here.”

  “You have an answer for everything.”

  Shannon laughed. “I’m prepared. I’ve spent the last ten years hiding my wolf.”

  Neal cupped the back of his neck. “You don’t have to hide anymore. At least not from me.” He tugged Shannon’s head down and kissed him.

  Groaning, Shannon tore his mouth away from Neal’s. “Clothes off.”

  Neal tugged his t-shirt off then worked on removing his jeans while Shannon watched with cool control. Okay, so he wasn’t cool. He was hot. Hot for the male stripping in front of him.

  Moving the small metal tool chest he kept extra clothes, blankets, and other supplies in, Shannon pulled out a blanket then laid it on the floor. He beckoned Neal with his finger to come closer.

  After Neal followed his silent command, Shannon closed the distance and gripped Neal’s hard cock in his hand. Neal’s body jerked, and he fell into Shannon, gripping his biceps and squeezing. Wild passion ran hot in his veins, like nothing he’d ever felt. It was as if they were made for each other. Like some higher power had a plan for them.

  With his free hand, Shannon cupped Neal’s head and drew him closer until their lips pressed together in a searing kiss. Their tongues danced as their mouths moved over one another. When Neal cupped him, rolling his balls as he rubbed, Shannon tensed, and then let out a rough groan as his whole body shuddered as he came.

  Neal followed with his own release.

  Pressing his forehead to Neal’s, Shannon steadied his breathing as he reached behind him to grab the towel folded on top of the fridge—one he’d brought a few weeks ago and had never gotten around to putting in the chest.

  With great care, Shannon cleaned them up. Damn, it felt too good to have the other man’s hands on him. Glancing into Shannon’s blue eyes, Neal asked, “What do we do about the rogue wolf?”

  Shannon released a sigh. “We go hunting.”

  ***

  “I know who the wolf is that’s responsible for the attacks. I know his scent and can track him.” Shannon ran his fingers up Neal’s cheek to his hair.

  Neal’s forehead creased and his brows bunched together. “You can’t do it alone.”

  “I can’t risk others in town knowing I’m a werewolf.”

  “Are your senses just as sensitive in your human form?” Neal sat up and started dressing.

  Shannon smiled. “They are. And we could get the sheriff to join in the hunt.”

  Neal jerked his gaze to Shannon with a raised brow. “Don’t tell me Eric is one, too.”

  “Okay, I won’t tell you. Haven’t you noticed how we avoid each other?”

  Neal frowned. “Yeah, I wondered about that. Anyway, Eric doesn’t like…people like us.”

  Shannon shook his head, stood, and then walked to the metal tool chest. “It’s the wolf. If the wolf is confused about something or doesn’t understand it, he will do what he must to stay clear. The few times I’ve run into Eric in public, he was very standoffish. Don’t take anything he says or does personally.”

  “I don’t. Well, not anymore. I just avoid him.”

  After buttoning his jeans and sliding a black tee on, Shannon motioned to the door of the warehouse. “We can’t avoid him today. We need his help to track Ron.”

  Neal nodded and followed Shannon to the truck. Once inside, he asked, “How did you become a werewolf?”

  Shannon’s stomach soured slightly at the sudden wash of memories Neal’s question brought forth. “I was responding to a call about wolf sightings too close to a human campground. I was attacked and bitten.”

  Neal fell silent for a moment before asking, “Is that why you quit being a ranger?”

  “Yeah. It took me years to gain control of the wolf, the hunger.” Shannon stared out the passenger-side window.

  Neal covered his hand and squeezed gently. He didn’t say anything. His support was enough. Shannon sighed and relaxed into the seat. He was falling in love with Neal. The need to protect him made the wolf within pace. They had to find Ron and kill him. That was the only way Shannon could live in peace.

  They rode in silence for the rest of the ten-minute drive to the sheriff’s station. Once they parked in a space close to the door, Eric stepped outside and glared at the two of them. Shannon’s wolf growled. This was going to be fun.

  Shannon was the first to exit the truck and meet Eric face-to-face. “We have a wolf problem that needs eliminating.”

  “That’s not all we have.” Eric glanced at Neal, who stopped to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Shannon. “How much does he know?”

  “Everything. He’s met my beast a couple of times.”

  Eric’s nostrils flared as if he were scenting them. Whatever, Shannon would put up with the asshole front Eric gave because he knew the man was only protecting his family. After a low growl, Eric turned to go inside. “Let’s get this show started.”

  Chapter Seven

  The three of them, armed with .22s and silver bullets, entered the woods at the back of Shannon’s house. Ron’s faint scent lingered in the air. The bastard had been at Shannon’s house, not inside because he’d checked, but Ron had been there.

  “What does he want with you?” Eric asked as they trampled through the forest.

  Shannon didn’t worry about the noise. Ron was looking for him, or the asshat wouldn’t have been stalking around his house. So they would let him know they were coming. “Ron is the one who turned me.”

  “Ah.” Eric shook his head. “Mine stalked me until I killed her. Something about the bi
te… She was obsessed with me before the attack. We dated a few times, pulled a one-nighter. About a week later, she showed up at my door talking about forever and mating. I told her to leave, that I wasn’t looking for a long-term thing.”

  Neal finished the thought. “So she attacked.”

  Eric nodded. “She was furious and thought by biting me, turning me, it would make me want to be with her. I had to move far away and assume a new identity, but she found me. By that time, I’d met Rita and fallen in love.”

  Shannon fisted his hands. Ron had been—and apparently still was—obsessed with him. “Ron and I never had any type of relationship. We were both rangers for the same park, but never worked together.”

  “Stalkers aren’t right in the head. With the wolf inside them, they’re worse. You could have greeted him one time, and it would have been enough in his mind to think you had something going.” Eric stopped and sniffed the air. “We’re getting close.”

  Yeah, Shannon scented Ron, as well. “How did you know you weren’t being obsessive with your mate?”

  Eric lifted his lips. “I thought I was at first. I did everything to push her away. When she walked up on me right before the full moon shift, she didn’t run. The wolf was gentle with her, didn’t want her to be afraid. It was the oddest thing, like whatever magic within the virus that makes us shift back and forth and still keeps our humanity helps us find our true half.”

  The snap of a twig had all three of them raising their guns toward the sound. A moment later, Ron stepped out from behind a large tree in human form. His lips curled. “You were mine to claim.”

  Shannon shook his head. “It wasn’t mutual. I didn’t even know you.” Beside him, Neal shifted from foot to foot, drawing Ron’s attention. Shannon growled, “Look at me.”

  Ron flicked his gaze back to Shannon. “You can’t have a life with him unless you bite him. It’s the only way.”

  What? “Like you did me. I will not turn anyone into a monster.”

  Ron stepped forward, and Shannon cocked the gun as he moved to stand in front of Neal. “Don’t come any closer.”