by C. A. Salo
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The Wild Rose Press
www.thewildrosepress.com
Copyright ©2006 by C.A. Salo
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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CONTENTS
Dedication
Reviews
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
About the author...
Also available
Chapter One
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Destined To Mate
By
C.A. Salo
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Destined To Mate
COPYRIGHT ©
2006 by C.A. Salo
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Cover Art by Angela Anderson
The Wild Rose Press
PO Box 708
Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708
Visit us at www.thewilderroses.com
Publishing History
First Scarlet Rose Edition, April 2009
Published in the United States of America
Dedication
Thank you to all my family and friends
for sticking with me through my process
of creative imaginary output.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Reviews
"Ms. Salo certainly took my breath away in this book filled with white-hot sex, Chimeras, Vampires, Guardians, and Lykans! Boy does the fur fly in this fantastic book that I had trouble putting down until it was finished ... one of those rare books that you know will be good throughout after seeing how wonderful it is from the first page. And boy is it ever!
This book is a must read and a keeper. Perhaps with a little encouragement from more fans maybe there will be a sequel. What do you say Ms. Salo?"
~Alisha, Two Lips Review
"C. A. Salo has out done herself..."
~Indy, Joyfully Reviewed
"I'm looking forward to more of her stories..."
~Donna, Fallen Angel Reviews
"Love this book! Want to be on the edge till the very last word? Want MORE? I do! Great Job, C.A. Hope to see more of these characters asap."
~Michelle, Reader
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter One
"Are you sure she's the one?” Morgan LeVey watched the petite brunette walk out of the brownstone house from across the street.
"She's the only woman who's entered the house all week,” Rafael answered. “Are you sure you were told correctly?"
Morgan inhaled deeply. “Positive. Although she smells of vamps, it's not strong.” Frowning, he picked up another unusual scent as he followed, liking the golden highlights shining in the long brown hair that flowed down her slender back.
"I noticed that also. Plus a scent I cannot place. It's almost feline, but it's not ... could she be a guardian?"
"A guardian's scent is usually more predominate."
"Maybe the blood sucker hasn't bitten her yet."
"Guardian in training? It's a possibility."
"She knows his current guardian, an old man. A granddaughter training to take his place?” Rafe shrugged as they slipped through the park's gate.
Morgan frowned at her leisurely walk, as though the oncoming darkness was no concern. Most humans didn't walk the park alone at night unless they were courting trouble. Why he was here and what he had to do with this woman was a mystery. He'd received specific information on where to find this little human, but the what and why of it was still unknown.
Snorting, he met Rafe's glance. “This is a waste of my time.” He was a Lykan Alpha for love of the Gods, not a soldier to go running after a quarry in the night. Now, if it was a hunt that ended with a sexual encounter or a meal, that might be different. The corners of his lips lifted as he pictured the dainty brunette running while he gave chase. A rush of blood flooded the tip of his cock.
"What are you smiling at?"
"Her on the run."
"I do believe I know how this ends."
"Hey, we all have our erotic fantasies."
"Then I'd put her in a little red leather number. Now, that would be fucking hot."
"I think you're on to something there my friend.” Morgan grinned, knowing he'd be between her shapely thighs soon enough.
* * * *
Alexis glanced around the park. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, yet she heard nothing. No footsteps, no twigs snapping, nothing but the darkness and the wind. Keeping her head lowered and ears open, she held her books to her chest like a lifeline, a weapon in case she had to throw them at someone.
The shadows up ahead shifted, and Alexis lifted her head as the shape of a woman's figure appeared in front of her. Tension eased from her body until the woman stepped under the streetlight, revealing an angry face and the deadliest looking sword Alexis had ever seen gripped in her hand.
Gasping, Alexis stumbled back as the woman charged. “What, are you nuts?"
"Where is he?"
"Where's who?” Stomach churning, she kept her gaze on the other woman and enough distance between them to keep her safe from that sword.
"Your master."
"What the hell are you talking about?” Alexis shouted.
The woman advanced on her, and she scooted back, only to trip on the uneven concrete. Crying out as she went down, natural instinct took over. She twisted mid-air to catch herself, clamping her teeth together as her palms scraped against the gritty stone surface. Her books scattered over the sidewalk.
"Your master, guardian. Where is he?” the woman yelled as she stepped forward towering over her.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have a damn master.” Alexis struggled to get up as the woman dressed in black leather snarled at her with menace. A black boot kicked her shin, pain shattering as the familiar numbing tingles swept throughout her body. Her sign to leave and quickly.
"I can smell him on you. Answer me or die!"
Smell him on me? Guardian?
Alexis knew who the screaming Amazon was looking for, but she'd be damned if she gave him up. Especially to this whack job of a huntress, for that was exactly what this sword-wielding woman was. Nor would Alexis's life end like this, by a madwoman brandishing a sword. Never had one of the hunters approached her and, by the way this woman acted, she had no idea what capabilities Alexis possessed.
Moving at a snail's pace, she pulled the can of pepper spray from her pocket. If she could get out of this without the huntress finding out who she was, the better. Aiming the spray at her assailant, she hit the nozzle, but the woman jumped out of the way and swung her sword. It slammed into the back of Alexis's hand, and the canister went flying. Alexis screamed. Her irises narrowed, and a low growl formed at the back of her throat. Her skin tingled, and the need to survive kicked in.
* * * *
Morgan lifted a hand to stop their prog
ression, his ears honing in as his nostrils flared. “Quickly."
He took off at a run, the little brunette's scream echoing in his ear. With excelled speed, he ran through the trees and drew his sword, Rafael close at his heels. He held it high as the huntress sword poised to strike the woman they'd been following. His blade caught the downward swing of his adversary's before it hit his prey.
"You will leave this female unharmed.” He smiled calmly, liking the shock on the huntress's face as they separated to square off. Motioning for Rafe to help his little human on the ground, he swung his sword around stepped fully in front of them.
The huntress lunged backward then readied to attack. “She's a guardian."
"I don't care what she is, you'll leave her be.” Morgan growled, defending himself from her sword.
"What is a Lykan doing, protecting a vamp guardian?” she sneered as they clashed steel repeatedly.
"She's not a guardian, yet. Are your senses not able to pick up on that, huntress?"
"My senses are fine, Lykan. She smells of him, and I want him. Now.” The huntress lifted her sword in another attack.
"That may be, but your revenge will not be on her,” Morgan snarled as he pushed her back.
"I'll be back, werewolf.” Withdrawing, she lowered her sword.
"Not for this female."
"Maybe you, for getting in my way."
"Any time, any place, sweetheart.” Morgan's gaze followed her until she disappeared through the trees. He turned to his second, and his gaze lowered to the petite woman. “Are you well?"
* * * *
Alexis had suppressed the transformation that threatened—which wasn't easy—as soon as the warrior jumped in front of her. Her entire body trembled from the strain. Lips parted and panting, she followed his graceful movements, intrigued by how well he wielded the Katana with expertise.
What a powerful sight he is.
As she brushed the last of the dirt from her butt, he came to stand in front of her, his shadow covering her entirely. Not sure exactly who he was or what he would demand in return for saving her, she replied, “Am I well, you ask? You mean beside the fact that some whack-o just tried to make sushi out of me with a sword, and you jump in with one of your own? Oh, hell yeah, I'm doing just fucking dandy."
"Well, as long as you're fucking dandy.” He smiled and sheathed the sword under his black leather trench coat.
"Who the hell are you, Indiana Jones or something?"
"Not quite, sweetheart, so let's get you taken care of."
"And they say New York is full of weirdoes.” But she didn't argue as he took her hands and turned them over to examine them. She winced at the burning pressure on her palms and lowered her gaze. Blood oozed from the scrapes.
"Oh shit,” she mumbled as the edge of blackness engulfed her.
* * * *
Morgan caught the human as she went down. “Rafe, gather her items.” He nodded to the books on the ground.
Rafe arched a brow as he picked up the pepper spray canister. “A guardian who can't stand the sight of blood?"
"An oxymoron isn't it?” Morgan chuckled as he swung her into his arms.
"Think the huntress will come after her again?” Rafe asked before sneezing.
"She better not."
"From the smell coming off your little human, I'd say she's hanging with the one and only Master Val, High Lord of the bloodsuckers."
Morgan glanced down at the ashen-faced woman in his arms. He knew Val and had even seen him a few times. Fortunately, for both of them, their passing had been amicable. It wouldn't do to get in an all-out battle in front of humans.
Val was an older vamp so his powers were superior to a younger one. Not that Morgan was bothered. If it came down to a battle, he'd hold his own with the bloodsucker. He was confident of that.
But where this woman came into the picture was most intriguing, and he loved intrigue as well as a challenge.
* * * *
Alexis gasped as her eyes flew open. Sitting up, she looked around, disoriented until she remembered why she passed out. Lifting her hands, Alexis noticed clean white gauze wrapped around them. Then she scanned the elegant room. Definitely masculine, adorned in deep rich colors of reds, purples and blues. As she took in the velvet drapes, her hand ran over the silk comforter covering her and she realized she wore only her bra and underwear.
The wooden door opened, and she jumped, pulling the comforter up just as the dark haired warrior who had helped her in the park walked in. Her nipples hardened against the soft material at the sight of him. “Where am I?"
"My house,” he answered as he lifted her hands to examine them. “Not too fond of blood are you?"
"Not my own.” Alexis's pussy muscles contracted at his touch, and his dark eyebrow shot up, as if he knew. She tugged her hand back and gripped the comforter to her chest. Uneasy with the way her body reacted so quickly to this man, she wanted away from him. “Um, may I have my clothes please?"
"They're being cleaned. Where were you coming from?"
"I was visiting my grandfather.” Alexis would give him as close to the truth as she could so she wouldn't have to remember what story she told him.
He widened his stance and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Didn't he ever teach you not to walk in the park at night?"
"It was just getting dark, and my home is just on the other side."
"That doesn't keep the criminals from leaving you alone."
Gods, she had to get out of here, this man's energies were off the chart. “I'd like my clothes please."
"When they're done."
Alexis didn't know what to think of this guy. He seemed in no rush to get rid of her. “I, um, I have to get going,” she whispered, shifting her legs over the side of the bed.
His gaze traveled from her feet to her calves and up her thighs. His nostrils flared. The front of his black jeans became tight with his erection. And what an erection.
Covering her limbs with the comforter, she whipped her gaze away. Obviously, he had caught scent of her arousal. Her own nose twitched with the strong scent of Lukos energies, and a jolt of excitement vibrated her pussy while her shoulders shivered with uncontrollable tremors.
"To where, Alexis Xanthis?” he asked as her gaze lifted.
Alexis gulped when he put his hands behind his back and stood there, feet braced apart. His long, black hair swayed with his movement, and not only were his eyes the greenest she'd ever seen, but his pheromones were interestingly strong. His intense gaze rested on her. Too masculine, too sexy. She'd been without a man for way too long.
"How do you know my name?"
"Your license was in your jeans pocket."
"Oh,” Alexis breathed.
"Alexis the Fair, quite the surname you have, sweet. Old Greek if I'm correct."
"Very.” Her stomach clenched and her eyes blurred, indicating the beginnings of transformation. She quickly lowered her gaze and tried to control the rapid rise and fall of her chest.
Oh shit. I don't need this now.
But the pain only got worse. “Bathroom?” she squeaked as she tossed the cover aside.
"Through there.” He pointed to a door.
She stumbled out of his rumpled bed, tripping over her feet, and staggered into the bathroom.
"Are you all right?"
Ignoring his question, Alexis slammed the door and grabbed the counter just as her irises slimmed. “No, stop it,” she whispered, trying to make the progression stop. “Please stop."
"Now why would I do that?” a female voice asked.
"Mother?” Alexis gulped, looking into the mirror to see her mother's reflection. “What do you want?"
"Why do you try to stop the change?” Cleo asked, her eyes narrowed. “And why do I smell ... lukanthropos?"
"Lukos?"
"By the Gods, Alexis, you're surrounded by them."
"No.” Alexis shook her head. She couldn't deny the trouble she was in, but no way
in hell was she going to admit it to her mother.
"Yes, how do you get yourself into these predicaments?” Cleo snorted. “And you call yourself a daughter of mine? If you don't get out of there, you'll change in front of them, and then what? Little kitty's going to have a tough time getting away from all those big beastly canines. See what happens when you shove back who you are? You can't even detect danger when it's all around you,” she gloated with a depraved smile. “Maybe I should just help your transformation along, hmm?"
A knock sounded at the door. “Alexis, are you all right?"
"Y-yes,” Alexis called out. “Why are you doing this to me?” she whispered to her mother. “The only time you come around is to cause trouble, and don't you dare bring my change about."
"Alexis, if you need a doctor, I'll get one for you."
"N-no, I'm fine,” she stammered as he turned the knob. Her narrowed eyes whipped to her mother. “Go away,” she hissed. “And leave me alone."
"Have it your way then.” Cleo smirked as she waved a hand and left the mirror.
Morgan opened the door as Alexis collapsed against the counter. “Damn it, you shouldn't have gotten out of bed."
She breathed heavily as she glanced into the mirror to see her amber eyes normal again. “I'm fine, I'm fine."
"The hell you are.” He swung her into his arms but stopped short of leaving the bathroom. His nostrils flared again, and his gaze narrowed as he surveyed the enclosed area.
"W-what?” Heart pounding, body shaking, Alexis knew her unusual scent weighed heavily in the bathroom.
"Nothing.” He stepped out of the bathroom.
"I need my clothes please."
"You're not going anywhere until I'm satisfied that you're all right."
"I'm fine."
"I'll be the judge of that.” He set her on the bed, and his gaze roamed over her. Hers dropped to the bulge under the zipper of his jeans.
A quick rap on the door drew his attention, and Alexis's gaze flew there just as it opened. A tall, athletic, good-looking guy stepped in.
"My lord, your presence is needed ... oh, look, it's up,” the new arrival said with a sarcastic smile as Alexis hugged the covers to her body.
