“How can we fight a magick disease with science when it works more like a curse?” Nia felt hope slip through her fingers.
“That’s why I’m studying the ancient texts. But it’s slow work because the language is finicky.” Nikita sighed. “I have to get back to work. I’m getting close. I’m experimenting with vials of Father’s blood.”
“Please be careful,” Nia begged.
They hugged. A lump formed in Nia’s throat. If something happened to Nikita, her world would shatter.
Her twin, the only one she truly loved since their mother died birthing them. Nia gave a jerky nod.
“I’ll do it.”
“It will be fine. There’s nothing to fear. The mating ceremony will take place tomorrow, everything will be fine.”
But Nia wondered. What would Aiden do if he found out he’d mated the younger sister and he did not have a legal claim on the pack?
CHAPTER 3
I can do this.
Sitting on the throne, Nia watched Aiden and Richard resume their fighting. Although Richard seemed to gain the upper hand, Aiden’s fierce fighting warned he might be the victor.
Her mate.
Aiden was the only male who’d ever touched her. That time he’d first met her, he’d taken her hand and kissed it, his mouth warm and firm upon her knuckles. Werewolves thrived on touch, needed it. But outside of her twin’s occasional hugs, Nia lived without that comfort.
Every time she’d encountered Aiden, she left sexually frustrated. She’d spent a long time in the shower with the showerhead, trying to ease her body’s aches.
Now an image surfaced, Aiden naked in her bedroom. Nia’s mouth went dry as the image sharpened. Aiden leaning over her, his thick cock posed at her wet entrance, his taut ass flexing as he thrust deep inside her.
Claiming her in the flesh.
I hope he doesn’t win.
Richard, she could handle in bed. Richard was mild, a pleasant, trickling creek.
Aiden was a tidal wave. Rumors swirled in the compound about the alpha’s fierce sexuality. He was strong, and passionate, with a dominant streak. Aiden could sweep her away on a crest of pure erotic pleasure. He’d give her no quarter, no mercy.
Panting, he shoved Richard to the floor. As the other alpha lay still, Aiden turned.
Nia’s mouth watered as her gaze swept over the sweat-dampened dark curls matting his chest, the flat, rippled abdomen, his narrow hips and long limbs curved with hard muscle. Then her gaze flicked to the thick nest of dark hair at his groin.
Nia’s female center dampened and clenched as she imagined him fully erect, probing at her virgin passage to mark her as his mate. She remained untouched. It had sweetened the prize for the two competing males, knowing the victor would be Nikita’s first lover. When he ejaculated inside the Blakemore alpha leader, there would be no doubt about the parentage of a conceived heir.
But of course no one realized she wasn’t the true alpha.
Aiden’s smoldering gaze met hers, and his cock twitched, as if already claiming the prize. He locked his heated gaze to hers. Moisture gathered between her legs as she pressed them together, as if trying to keep him out of her body as well as her mind. Nia arranged her face in a smooth, bored expression to hide her arousal. But his nostrils flared and a small smile touched his full, sensual mouth.
He’d scented her.
She gripped the chair’s armrests as Richard struggled to his feet. Aiden delivered a powerful punch to Richard’s temple. The other male staggered and fell.
Richard did not get up.
Low growls of approval rang through the opulent ballroom. Aiden’s large group of unmated males swept their hungry gazes over the appreciative females applauding his triumph. The scent of female arousal filled the ballroom, making the males restless and edgy with the furious need to mate and claim.
A full sixty seconds later, Richard still did not rise. Aiden growled, bunched his fists, and shifted into a wolf.
The muscular gray timber wolf loped over to his rival. And in a stunning display of pure alpha arrogance, Aiden lifted his leg and pissed on the man’s unconscious body. Cheers rang through the ballroom.
Amused and alarmed, Nia gripped the armrests harder. Her desperate gaze raked the ballroom and landed on Roxanne, who raced to her side and thrust a cell phone at her. “Perimeter alert, in the southern woods by the pond,” her beta whispered.
Nia took the phone and immediately raised it to her ear. “Report,” she bit out.
Anxiety filled her as she listened. Nothing else mattered but pack safety, protecting the young and innocent.
Snapping off the connection, she left the throne, heading for the bedroom to change into her fighting clothes.
***
He was the winner.
Aiden’s blood thickened in his veins. He itched to formalize this mating. Sign the contract, take Nikita upstairs, strip her naked and claim her so his men could select their own females. The rules on this match were ancient and rigid. Even the sexual position required had been dictated. The female must willingly lie beneath him in the traditional position, surrendering to his dominance.
If she managed to throw him off her body, he’d lose it all.
Aiden’s body tightened at the thought of Nikita naked. He’d admired her from the moment they’d met when she’d hired him to fix the ranch’s broken tractor. With her clear blue eyes, curved hips and waterfall of long, gold curls, Nikita was lovely.
But what drew him to her was her passionate, tough spirit. He needed an heir and Nikita would make a splendid mother, for he sensed she’d protect their children with the same zeal she showed to her pack. He wanted to make babies with her. Many babies. Many long hours in his bed, achieving the deed.
He smiled grimly. Get ready, sweetheart.
His smile dropped as her aide dashed forward, handed Nikita a cell phone. Worry lines dented her forehead as the Nikita took the call, and then left.
Aiden dressed quickly, his anger rising. Was the woman ever going to stick around? How many more times would she insult him? His wolf nudged him to chase. Chase her, toss her to the ground and mate. You are alpha. You cannot tolerate this rudeness.
He told his wolf to quiet. The man advised caution. The man knew he was on her territory and Nikita held all the power until they formally signed the blood oath. He must tread cautiously and make sure everything was done by the rules or he would lose her.
Later, he’d indulge his wolf when he chased Nikita around the bedroom and then caught her and showed her his dominant side.
As he stuffed his feet into his boots, Richard gained consciousness. His nostrils flared. For a moment, hatred and anger flared. Aiden watched as one of Richard’s pack hurried over with a towel and the alpha leader dried himself off. Then Richard headed for the clothing one of his pack held out.
Nikita entered the room as Richard finished dressing. She’d exchanged the traditional formal robes of an unmated female pack leader for black leather pants, kick ass boots and a tight black T-shirt. Richard’s gaze remained riveted to those generous breasts, but Aiden watched her expression.
Something was wrong.
Cell phone cradled to her ear, she held up a finger. Suppressing his annoyance, Aiden leaned against the wall, folding his arms. Richard hovered, wiping the blood from his face with a shirt sleeve.
“Increase the patrols. Order them to draw first blood if any are sighted.”
She thumbed off the cell and turned, all smooth business. Approval shone in her gaze as she studied Richard’s bloodied shirt, his shattered jaw, and the two swollen eyes.
Aiden stepped forward, shook Richard’s hand amicably. The other alpha nodded in respect, and then glancing at Nikita, touched his forehead.
Dismay tightened her features as Richard and his pack left the room. Nikita watched as the doors closed behind them. “I can’t believe you won.”
“Try not to sound so enthused.”
“I’d try harder, but
I’m not a terrific actress.”
Aiden stepped close, enjoying her rich scent of spring flowers, vanilla innocence and musk. Taking a long curl in hand, he wrapped it around his finger, forcing her to step closer. Close enough for him to see the desire and alarm swirling in her eyes.
“I bet I can coax a little enthusiasm from you when we’re alone.”
She looked around the crowded room. “We’re far from alone now, so you can stop thinking about sex.”
“Sweetheart, when you’re in the same room with me, all I can think about is sex.”
He enjoyed the flush tinting her cheeks, knowing his words, and her own arousal, caused the coloring.
Hot, sweaty sex, those long legs wrapped about his hips as he pumped hard and fast into her soft, wet heat. Her scent wound around him, making his blood run thick and hot. He’d take her upstairs, make slow, gentle love to her the first time, then tutor her in passion and fuck her hard and fast. Keep her in bed until she conceived.
Aiden needed an heir.
But he needed Nikita more. Couldn’t get the woman out of his system, hard as he’d tried. Aiden studied his future mate. He longed to nuzzle the sweet slope of her neck, trailing tiny, biting kisses down to her breasts. Mark her with each exquisite nip, culling little cries of pleasure from her plump, tender lips.
And then, the ultimate triumph, spread her legs open and taste her…
“I’m the winner, pixie. Get used to the idea.”
“Pixie! I’m no fairy!”
“You keep dashing in and out of here like one. Can’t fool me. But now you’re staying put. I’m your mate. You can’t deny me what I’ve wanted from you for all these years. Give in. It’s time to make you mine.”
“The full moon isn’t due until tomorrow.”
He stared at her mouth, making his intent clear. “I have no need to wait for a formal mating.”
“Impatient much?”
“No, I’ve been quite patient,” he murmured, tugging on another curl that had escaped the tight braid. “When I see something I want, I can be patient. Very patient.”
Throat muscles worked convulsively as she swallowed, her gaze whipsawing around the room. The sour stench of fear mingled with her arousal. Was she afraid of him?
He followed her gaze and saw the worried expressions of her pack’s females.
Something was wrong. Something not aimed at him or having sex.
Pushing aside his own raging need, he focused on the little worry line on her brow. He laced his long, calloused fingers around her fine-boned wrist. “Hold on.”
She looked away. Dismay filled him. Damn, he did not want her afraid of him.
“What’s going on? Talk to me.”
“Nothing that I can’t handle.”
“Obviously it’s something you can’t handle. Something more than your people can handle.” Aiden nodded to the worried pack members milling about the ballroom.
She nibbled her lower lip. He stared in fascination, tempted to trace its lush, plump curve with a finger. Aiden sensed an inner struggle.
“Pride won’t get you anything but your people hurt. Or worse. If you need my help, say it.”
“I have no right to request your help. You aren’t beholden to this pact. The contract hasn’t been signed yet.” Those incredible blue eyes glanced up at him. “Or consummated.”
“Then let’s sign.”
They moved to the inlaid table near the dais, upon which rested a white velum paper, a white feathered quill, a pot of ink, and a golden knife gleaming on a blue velvet pillow.
The ceremonial blade.
A formal, ancient tradition honored by all packs. Nikita obviously wanted to ensure this mating was legally binding.
He slashed his wrist, dipped the quill into the blood and signed the velum.
Face paling, but fully composed, Nikita took the knife, cut her finger, and did the same. Interesting. Females weren’t required to sign in blood. The virginal blood spilled on the mating bed sufficed.
Aiden took her finger, kissed the cut she’d made. She trembled beneath the caress of his mouth. “As your tradition dictates, the mating ceremony takes place tomorrow beneath the first light of the moon. Now, tell me, where do you need us?”
Nikita glanced at Roxanne, who frowned at her. “We can handle this,” the woman began.
Nikita seemed to struggle with a decision and turned to him, ignoring the aide and her shocked gasp. “Beyond the fence, in the woods, a patrol sighted several gnomes moving into position.”
“Most gnomes aren’t dangerous.”
“These are. They’re dragon seekers.”
Aiden went still, the sharp scent of fear in the ballroom seeping into his pores. He glanced around, then took her arm. “We need to talk in private. Your beta and mine, now, in your study.”
Aiden nodded at a tall male in a black shirt. “And Garth.”
She blinked. “Garth?”
“He’s one of my best fighters. I want him to listen, offer advice.”
The lavish study had an antique oak desk and a richly toned Oriental rug amid inlaid bookshelves. Nikita went to the windows and lifted the lace curtain, staring outside as he closed the double doors. Darius stood by his side, ready for action. Garth stood on Aiden’s left. The Lupine with his dark gold hair and his broken nose looked intent.
And he kept looking at Roxanne, as if he liked what he saw. Aiden made a mental note to pair them together later.
Nikita flicked a hand at the chair behind the desk. “Have a seat.”
By law, this was his room now. All these years she had struggled to hold her people together, had ruled over them and now she had to concede that power to a male. Aiden glanced at her firmly compressed mouth.
Nikita wasn’t happy about it. He expected as much. It wasn’t fair, but the laws of the Mating Challenge were clear – winner takes all. The contract had been signed, only the formal consummation remained. Taking a seat behind the huge desk would assert his position of command.
Instead, he leaned against the door. Aiden didn’t want to strong arm his mate. He wanted her cooperation. Honey worked better than force.
“Dragon seeking gnomes are cold-blooded. They haven’t been sighted in this area in decades. Why are they sniffing around your land?”
Nikita let the curtain drop. “Maybe they heard how good my cooking is. I can whip up a mean snail soufflé.”
A loud guffaw erupted from Darius, while Roxanne stopped her nervous pacing and offered a small smile. Aiden folded his arms across his chest.
“I don’t doubt there are many things you do well. Talents I am certain I’ll enjoy discovering.” He let his gaze caress her body. “However, dragon seeking gnomes are more interested in treasure than food. The reason why they hunt dragons-”
“Tell me something I don’t know, Mitchell.”
The interruption was horribly rude, insulting a guest and the future alpha leader. Darius and Garth hissed disapproval while Roxanne gasped.
Lifting an eyebrow, he let silence descend. He locked gazes with Nikita in the first battle of wills between the two alpha leaders. Aiden refused to let his gaze drop. He could do this all day. Burn time while whatever the hell was out there drew closer.
And she realized it too, for she finally lowered her lashes.
He didn’t smile or show triumph. Another male might, but Aiden knew how the sting of wounded pride hurt.
He wanted to tame her to his hand, not break her spirit.
“Gnomes attach themselves to powerful dragons to gain their treasure. The only thing drawing them from their underground caverns would be a promise of riches. Something far more valuable than a dragon’s hoard of gold.”
Roxanne bit her lip, casting a worried glance at Nikita, who’d gone very, very still.
Score.
Whatever it was, they kept it secret. Richard didn’t know about it, nor did the other various packs scattered throughout the region. If any had, the pack alpha would’ve eit
her taken the land away by declaring war, or simply have raped Nikita and claimed victory.
Fury filled him at the thought of that proud, stubborn spirit broken and violently abused. He dragged in a deep breath. Did she realize how damn vulnerable she was?
“Most gnomes are greedy, but cowardly,” he reasoned aloud. “But if they sense there are riches close, they can be vicious and attack.”
Guilty looks exchanged between Nikita and Roxanne. Bingo. You win, Aiden.
All his protective male instincts raged. Aiden fought the primal urge to lock her in the bedroom, toss away the key and fight this threat to her people until every single gnome lay bloodied and dead.
Claws emerged from his fingertips. He raked one across the gleaming wood door, scoring deep gouges. Darius’ nostrils flared as he picked up his leader’s scent of male aggression. A low growl rumbled from his chest. Garth’s own claws descended as well.
Aiden glanced at Garth. “Ideas?”
“Cut them off from behind and circle around. As wolves we can take them down.”
He liked Garth’s confidence. Aiden gestured to the window. “Show us where they are, Niki.” We’ll take care of it. He amended the thought, knowing her stubborn pride. “We’ll help you.”
Nikita’s eyes widened. “How many of you?”
“All of us.”
Her jaw clenched hard enough to shatter rock. “You’re under no obligation to help us. The contract isn’t validated yet.”
He gave a slow smile, filled with intent, and sheathed his claws. “It will be. Trust me, I have every intention of doing so. Many times over.”
A delicate flush colored her cheeks, even as she withdrew the blade sheathed on her belt. “Let’s get to it, then. Gather your strongest men and meet us at the barn.”
CHAPTER 4
His strongest men numbered all 60 males who’d escorted their leader to the competition.
For once, Nia was glad for the overkill. They would need it.
The yellow sun hung overhead in a clear sky, though the temperatures remained brisk. A carpet of yellowed grass spread out before them in the gentle slope of the valley stretching before them. A cold wind nipped her cheeks.
Bad Boys of the Night: Eight Sizzling Paranormal Romances: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set Page 126
