Longing for Her Wolves: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance (Hungry for Her Wolves Book 2)

by Tara West

  “Amara,” Marius breathed, “I hid a secret from her for over twenty years.”

  “That doesn’t justify her betrayal.” She looked at them all. “You are too good for her. Besides, she hates me. You know that, right?”

  Geri knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. “We’re hoping in time she’ll learn to love you as we do.”

  Amara let out an unladylike snort. “I doubt it.”

  When Geri squeezed her hand, a negative energy flowed into her. She pulled away, then placed a hand on his heart. The negative energy was there, too, so dark and powerful, Amara didn’t know how he had survived with such a burden of depression.

  “Fathers,” she said. “I feel a sickness in your souls.”

  Boris rubbed his chiseled jaw, his blue-gray eyes hollow. “Guarding the veil for six months will do that to a wolf.”

  She traced the side of his face. “My touch can help,” she said softly, hating the sadness she saw in their eyes.

  Geri stood, kissing her temple. “In time, dear fiică. For now, we want you to heal Dimitri.”

  Her poor fathers were miserable. She wondered how in Ancient’s name they’d managed to survive amidst so much heartbreak and despair. She thought of her broken pack and her longing for Drasko. The darkness in her soul was nothing compared to the black-as-pitch chasm she sensed in each of them.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Two days had passed since the Albescus had threatened her family and yet nothing had materialized. Amara had tried and failed three more times to sneak out to see Drasko, but there was always someone guarding the doors. Amara and the other women hadn’t been allowed outside since that fateful day. Even though her fathers’ new house was finished, Bunic Klaus insisted everyone camp at his place. Everyone. Since the men were either sleeping or on guard duty, the house didn’t feel crowded, except for the looming presence of the stepmother from hell, aka stepmonster, aka bitchzilla. She wasn’t happy that she and Amara’s fathers had to sleep on the living room floor while Amara and her mates got a bedroom, and she made her opinion known several times a day. The only thing that shut her up was Bunica threatening to slap the bitch out of her.

  One positive thing about Amara’s imprisonment was that Dimitri was healing nicely. He’d woken up yesterday, so enthralled about Tatiana’s presence, he hardly spoke of revenge. He was more interested in getting Tatiana to spoon feed him. Amara suspected he’d draw out his recovery, just to soak up Tatiana’s attention. Not that Tatiana minded. She babied him like her mother Mihaela did her spoiled puppies.

  Speaking of being spoiled, she soaked up love from her fathers, bunics, and bunica, who doted on her whenever they could. Bunica had made all of Amara’s favorite pastries, making her bulbous tummy shoot out like a chewing gum bubble. Any day now she’d pop. After Bunica made her pancakes and eggs, she braided Amara’s hair, twisting it into a fancy bun on top of her head. Amara thanked her with a kiss and then went upstairs, not surprised when her father Marius escorted her to the landing. Her family followed her around a lot lately. They probably feared she’d topple backward and roll down the stairs like a loose boulder.

  Dimitri and Tatiana were in their usual spot on the bed, only this time, instead of Tatiana spoon-feeding him broth or playing spades with him on top of the covers, she was stretched out across him, their lips locked while he cupped her ass.

  Whoa!

  The cards were scattered across the bed, and a porcelain bowl had fallen on the carpet. Luckily, it hadn’t shattered, or Bunica would’ve had their heads. Bunica’s china with the pink flowers had been among the few things that had surprisingly survived the destruction.

  “Break it up, lovebirds,” Amara hissed, relieved Marius had gone back downstairs, “before your fathers catch you.”

  Tatiana rolled off Dimitri, revealing his very erect pole holding up the blankets like a circus tent. Amara looked away at the sight of her brother’s boner, heat crept into her cheeks.

  “Please don’t tell,” Tatiana begged, wiping his spit off her lips.

  Dimitri quickly threw a pillow over his erection and sat up. “Her kisses are my medicine.”

  Amara shook her head, snickering. “Nice try.”

  She wrinkled her nose. He hadn’t bathed in several days and was starting to smell like an old, moldy gym bag. She tried not to breathe deeply when she felt his head. His brain fired normally now, with the exception of a few short circuits here and there. She sat back, looking from her blushing sister-in-law to her brother. “You’re almost healed.”

  He smiled broadly. “Thanks to you, soră.”

  “I couldn’t let my brother die.” She patted his hand with a wink. “Tatiana would never forgive me.”

  He touched his brow. “I just have this headache.”

  Amara shrugged. “Probably from too much kissing.”

  He laughed. “In that case, let me be sick.”

  Tatiana’s blush deepened.

  Amara thumbed at her brother. “I don’t know how you can kiss him when he smells like a goat.”

  Tatiana bit her bottom lip, twisting her fingers in her lap. “I don’t mind.”

  Amara fanned her face. “It’s time he had a bath.”

  He frowned. “I don’t think I can walk to the bathroom.”

  Amara stood, wagging a finger at her brother like she did with Buster when he messed on the carpet. “Oh, you’re not leaving your bed. You’re getting a sponge bath.”

  Tatiana jumped up as if she’d just scratched off the winning numbers on a lottery ticket. “I can do it!”

  “Ha!” Amara shook her head. “Your dads would kill both of us.”

  Dimitri’s eyes widened with comical horror. “You’re not doing it, soră.”

  Amara crossed to the door when she heard footsteps out in the hall. “No I am not.”

  Bunica entered with a stack of towels and bars of soap, followed by Bunic Anton, who carried a large basin of steaming water.

  “I’m here, pui de lup.” Bunica smiled affectionately at Dimitri and dumped the towels on the nearby chair. She gestured at Amara and Tatiana. “Everyone out!”

  “Bunica,” Dimitri cried, flushing bright crimson, “you’re not bathing me.”

  Bunica impatiently tapped her foot on the carpet. “Of course I am.”

  Dimitri scooted up against the headboard, pressing into it as if he could somehow magically disappear behind the wall. “You can’t be serious.”

  Amara hid a smile behind her hand as Dimitri squirmed under Bunica’s stern gaze.

  Bunica wagged a finger in his face. “It won’t be the first time I’ve bathed you. How many times did I have to clean poo off you after you learned how to take off your diapers?” She turned to Tatiana, making a face. “He would smear it all over his face and the walls. It was the most disgusting thing I’d ever seen.”

  “Bunica!” Dimitri pleaded when Tatiana turned a pale shade of green.

  Amara pulled Tatiana out the door.

  BUNIC ANTON PULLED another batch of sugar cookies out of the oven. Amara dunked a one in milk, enjoying each bite, wishing the sound of her chewing drowned out Dimitri’s indignant cries upstairs. With all the ruckus he was causing, Amara would’ve thought Bunica was branding Dimitri with a hot poker.

  She finished her cookie and drank the cool milk.

  “Not those, Bunica!” Dimitri hollered.

  Milk spewed from her mouth as a burst of laugher erupted from her throat. Tatiana gaped at the stairway, looking absolutely horrified.

  “You don’t want your mate to have crusty balls, Tatiana,” she said with a wink.

  Tatiana laughed and then slapped a hand over her mouth, looking contrite. “We shouldn’t be laughing.”

  With each new protest from above, Amara chuckled so hard, her sides hurt. Her laughter died like a snuffed candle flame when Katarina walked into the kitchen, a familiar scowl on her face.

  “I don’t see how you can enjoy warm cookies and a soft bed when your mate is
forced to sleep in the barn.” Katarina took her usual spot at the end of the table.

  Amara bristled. “I don’t have a choice. He is banished.”

  Katarina flicked a wrist at Amara as if she was swatting a fly. “All because you were foolish.”

  The bitch had a lot of nerve. Amara was so pissed, she was seeing red. “Believe me, I’ve learned my lesson. Never get between two irate protectors.” Her nails broke through the skin on her palms. “My bunics could’ve taught me about Amaroki society if you hadn’t ruined my visit by being such an unfaithful whore last time I was here.” She emphasized the word “whore” while imagining it was a dart of venom firing from her tongue, burning a hole through Katarina’s shriveled up heart.

  A flash of silver in Katarina’s eyes was the only warning she gave before shifting, ripping through her clothes and springing on the table on all fours.

  Tatiana screamed, climbing over Amara’s chair and pushing her back. “Think of the baby,” she cried.

  A big, hairy arm swooped down and knocked Katarina off the table, sending her flying into the wall. Katarina yelped and shifted back into human form, crying and naked on the floor, and clutching her ribs.

  “I think you broke something!” she wailed.

  Tatiana fell into a chair beside Amara, taking her hand. “Are you okay? Is the baby okay?”

  “Yeah, yeah. We’re fine,” she mumbled, squeezing Tatiana’s hand. “Thank you.” Amara looked up into the face of her protector, whose glowing gold eyes shone with fury. Where’d Hakon come from? She hadn’t even heard him come into the house.

  “You’d dare you attack a pregnant woman!” he bellowed.

  Katarina yanked a curtain from the rod and draped it over herself. “What do I care?” She snarled as if she was still in wolf form. “It’s not my grandchild she’s carrying.”

  Hakon threw back his head and roared so loudly, the dishes rattled in the cupboards.

  The back door flew open, and Boris stormed in, shaking snow off his shoulders. “What’s going on?”

  Amara tensed, afraid her father would attack Hakon for hurting Katarina.

  Still in his protector form, Hakon said, “Either she goes or we do.” He pointed at Katarina. “I will not stand by another moment while my mate is abused by this bitch.”

  Katarina trembled like a leaf in a storm, blinking at her alpha with puppy dog eyes. “Are you going to let him speak to me that way?”

  He looked at Katarina a long moment. “Da. He’s right.” Ignoring Katarina’s litany of Romanian swear words, he said, “I’m sending you back to your părinti. You have ten minutes to pack your things or you leave without them.”

  She gaped at him, then got up on her knees. Clearly her ribs weren’t broken if she could move so easily. “But they won’t take me.”

  Boris’s expression was unyielding. “I won’t give them a choice. My brothers and I have tried to make this work. When you hurt our daughter, you hurt us.”

  She clutched the curtain to her chest, pouting. “I will be nicer.”

  “No!” His protector voice made Amara jump. “You’ve had your chance to be nice. We’ve warned you too many times.” He turned a much softer look on Amara. “Are you hurt, fiică?”

  Amara swallowed hard, trying to find the will to speak as her father hovered over her like a hawk. “No. Hakon and Tatiana protected me.” Amara squeezed Tatiana’s hand, hardly aware she’d been holding it the entire time.

  “It shouldn’t have come to this.” Boris’s shoulders slumped. “I’m so sorry, fiică.”

  Her chest tightened at the look of sorrow in her father’s eyes. She wished his mate had been kind and loving. He deserved so much better.

  “It’s not your fault,” she whispered, ignoring Hakon grumbling behind her.

  He let it go on too long, Hakon projected.

  Hakon was right. She wondered why her father had taken so long to put Katarina in her place. He’s doing something about it now. That’s what matters. Don’t forget his son almost died, and he’s preparing for war.

  A protector’s first duty is to keep his children safe.

  In no mood to fight with him, Amara nodded. I’m tired. Will you go upstairs with me?

  Hakon grabbed a blanket off the sofa and wrapped it around himself before shifting back to human form. Ignoring Katarina’s wails, Amara slipped her hand in Hakon’s and followed him to her room.

  Katarina screamed, wailed, and cussed all the way out the door, making Amara cringe for her fathers. She listened to the drama from her room, rubbing her swollen stomach as the baby pressed into her.

  Hakon settled a hand on her when what appeared to be a hand tried to poke its way through her skin. Hakon chuckled. “He wants out.”

  “I hope not. He has a week to cook.” Amara frowned as realization pounded her. “Katarina could’ve hurt the baby.”

  “We’re lucky Tatiana has a soft spot for kids.” Hakon chuckled.

  She was thankful to Tatiana and Hakon for saving her from that catea. Amara cupped Hakon’s stubbled chin and kissed him softly on the lips. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

  “I’m your mate.” Hakon rubbed her belly like he was shining a bowling ball. “It’s my job.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t let her get to you.”

  “But she was right.” Shame washed over her. “She said I got Drasko banished, and now I enjoy a warm bed and food while he sleeps in the barn.”

  Hakon’s eyes flashed gold. “Fucking bitch. Ignore her.”

  “But Drasko’s hurting.” She hated the panic that slipped into her voice. “I can’t ignore him.”

  Hakon heaved a groan. “After we return to Alaska, I will appeal to my father to shorten his sentence.”

  Amara’s heart thudded loudly. “You will?” She could hardly believe her good fortune. Had Hakon had a change of heart?

  When he nodded, she showered him with kisses. “Oh, Hakon. Thank you, thank you.”

  When the baby bucked between them, he urged her to lie down. “He’s done a good job keeping watch. I can tell he only wants to keep you safe.”

  Her heart filled with so much love for her alpha, it felt near to bursting. “He does. He loves me. He loves all of us.”

  “I know.”

  “And I love him so much,” she blurted before she could think to take back her words. She bit her lip, hoping her admission hadn’t offended him.

  “I know you do, and I want to make you happy.” He stroked her arm, the twitch above his lip returning. “I know I haven’t been doing a good job of it lately.”

  She placed her hands on his forehead, knowing he needed her healing touch. “We will get through this, and we will be stronger.” She feathered a kiss across his lips, letting her healing magic sink in. “I love you,” she breathed into his mouth, pleased when the twitching stopped.

  “And I love you more than life,” he answered, closing his eyes and relaxing beneath her touch.

  She kissed him again, this time deeper and with more passion.

  His eyes flew open, flashing specks of yellow. “Be careful before I take you in hand again.”

  She bit her bottom lip, pulling away as her desire began to swell and drip. “Maybe after the baby stops kicking.” She coyly batted her lashes. “And then I can return the favor.”

  His mouth hitched up in an impish grin. “I’m holding you to it.”

  “Hakon.” She was afraid to bring up Drasko again and ruin the moment, but she was driven by the overwhelming urge to know when they could reunite. “When will I be allowed to talk to Drasko?”

  “I must follow my father’s orders.” He squeezed her shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. You’re obeying your chieftain. You’re an honorable man.” She placed a hand on his heart, letting her healing magic work there, too. “You will make a great chieftain one day.”

  The baby kicked so hard, she lurched. “Oof.” She laughed. “Your son agrees.”


  He bent over her, wagging a finger at her tummy. “Be kind to your mama.” His brows dipped low over his eyes as he looked up at Amara. “I want to get you out of here before you go into labor, but I can’t leave your family with the Stormwatchers and Albescus threatening them.”

  “I want Bunica to deliver him.” Amara clasped his hands, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “She delivered my brothers.”

  Hakon’s features hardened. “I don’t like putting you in danger.”

  “What do you think they’ll do?” she asked, afraid to guess but needing to be prepared.

  Hakon drew in a long breath, then spoke on the exhale. “They will try to draw us out and divide us.”

  “But we have a secret weapon.” She smiled at her belly. “I can see them coming.”

  “Only when you’re sleeping,” he reminded her.

  “What are the chances they’ll attack during the day?”

  He looked out at the moonlit sky. “Then you need to go to sleep.”

  She clung to him as if her life depended on it. “Will you stay with me?”

  “I’d like for nothing more,” he said.

  Despite the looming threat of war, she felt more content and safe than she had in many moons, snuggling in her alpha’s warm embrace.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Drasko and Luc patrolled the yard together. Either Luc or Rone had been Drasko’s companions the past few days, and Hakon had yet to break them apart. Could this mean he was softening his stance? Though Drasko still wasn’t allowed inside the house, he felt like he was making progress with his family. Was it too much to hope that Hakon would soon forgive him? And then there was his sweet Amara, who’d tried several times to sneak out to see him. Though he longed to hold his mate once more, just knowing that she wanted him was enough for now. Maybe if he proved himself in Romania, Tor would shorten his sentence. Drasko had originally asked Tor for a harsher punishment, but after four months of isolation, he was ready to go back to his family.