Alphas of Summer: A collection of shifter romances

by Lia Davis

  "Good. It'll help."

  Silence fell between them. Dana snuggled further into Cooper’s embrace, loving the way he absently traced his fingers up and down her arm. After a few moments, she asked, "How did you become Hope’s guardians?"

  "Celeste claimed her, told Edwin that she'd take full responsibility for the girl. I stepped up and backed her. By that time, Hope had already wormed her way into my heart. I couldn't let her go." He let out a breathy laugh as if a happy memory had come to him.

  "I can see how she would. When I first saw her, I wanted to protect her."

  "She's too damn cute."

  "That she is." Sitting up, Dana locked gazes with him. "It bothers me that, out of the blue, Edwin wants her dead."

  Cooper frowned. "Yeah. It's not like he didn't know she was deaf or a witch. There's something going on."

  "I agree. Edwin is slimier than his cousin. Always has been. Besides, he never liked me."

  "Same. Not that I care. I prayed that someone would challenge him someday. No one in the Pack has balls big enough." Cooper sat up, giving her his back.

  Defeat and a sense of embarrassment drifted from him. She got it. Pride was something she clung to, as well. Leaning forward, she kissed his bare shoulder. "Together, we'll take him out. We'll gather the information we need to deliver to the council and take him down."

  He glanced at her over his shoulder and smiled. That time, it reached his eyes. "We will because I'm not letting you go now that I've found you."

  Neither am I. She kept those thoughts to herself and said out loud, "I think I know how to control the magic. But I'll need your help to prove my theory."

  Cooper watched Dana crawl off the bed and disappear into the bathroom. His mate was coming around. Yet she still kept him at a distance. It would take time to earn her trust. He'd do whatever it took to gain it.

  He picked up his jeans off the floor and pulled them on just as Dana stepped out of the bathroom. She narrowed her gaze at him and then gave him a half smile. "I like you better with the jeans off."

  He crossed the small space between them and hugged her to him. His smile faded, and her brows dipped. "I like you better naked, too, but we have training to do."

  "Yes. And I have to face whatever my aunt believes is my destiny."

  He kissed her forehead and released her. "After you."

  With a roll of her eyes, she led him out of their room and down to the training center in the basement of the house. It looked much like the small gymnasium he'd had in high school. Mats were stacked along one wall. There were weights and various exercise equipment on the other side.

  Dana went over to the mats and pulled one off. He joined her, pulling another and placing it next to the one she’d laid in the middle of the gym. After they had placed two more mats, Dana stood in the center and beckoned him with a finger.

  Excitement and desire filled him, making his wolf growl in acceptance of the challenge the female promised. He moved to the mat and stopped a few feet in front of her. She attacked, catching him off guard and knocking him to the ground. Straddling him, she pinned his arms to the mat. A wicked smile curved her lips. "You were too distracted."

  "I had a beautiful reason to be."

  She growled, and he broke her hold on him and flipped her over. "How are you going to control your magic?"

  "With your help. When we were having sex, we were connected. I've never been that close to anyone before. For the first time, I felt in control." She pushed at him, and he moved off her.

  "So you need my help to focus?"

  "Yeah, I think. I don't know. I'm making this up as I go. I should talk to Star about it."

  Cooper reached out and touched her cheek. "Tell me what I can do. You can question Star at dinner."

  Dana opened her mouth, then closed it. Her brows dipped. Finally, after several moments, she lowered herself to the mat and sat with her legs folded. She spoke while tracing circles on the mat. "I've always been afraid of the power. Ross used it to control people. He used the Alpha power to draw out my magic. He said he'd use it to hurt the Pack if I ever left him."

  Cooper didn't bother holding back the growl rumbling from him. "You know a true mate can't hurt you without hurting himself, right? A true mate would also fear you breaking the bond if he even thought about controlling you like that. And he'd never, ever, use your Pack, your family, against you."

  She lifted her gaze to his. A spark of white light lit up her blue eyes. Her wolf also flashed in her depths. Hadn't she realized what it was like to be mated to a true mate? "I was young when I mated Ross. I didn't comprehend what he was doing until it was too late and he’d killed my parents."

  An ache formed in his heart. He wanted to take her away, go somewhere—anywhere they could start a new life. However, he couldn't leave Celeste or Hope behind. They were his family as much as Dana was now. "Ross deserved what he got."

  She nodded but didn't meet his gaze. He scooted closer and wrapped his arms around her, drawing her into his lap. "My parents were so in love. My dad once told me that a mate is something you treasure and protect with your life. And if she isn't happy, then no one is."

  That last statement made Dana laugh. The sound light and soft. "My mom would sometimes act like she was mad at my dad just so they could argue and then make up. Darin and I made fun of them for it."

  She rested her head on his shoulder and fell silent. He kissed her hair, inhaling her scent. Mine. "I miss my parents. I miss how Bloodrose use to be. So alive, healthy, and safe."

  "We'll make it safe again," Dana said, lifting her head. "We'll make sure. Edwin needs to be stopped."

  Cooper smiled. "You have more control over your magic than you think."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "You've contained it for so long. That takes focus and control. A lot of it."

  She stared at him as if she'd never thought of it that way. "I've spent so long hiding it from Darin and Ross and myself. I didn't realize I was controlling it."

  "Then let it go. Unleash your hold and see what happens."

  Fear paled her features, and she shook her head. "I...I can't."

  He framed her face. "You can, and I'll be here to help."

  Footsteps brought their attention to the entrance of the gym. Star crossed the room toward them. "He's right. Your magic only seems out of control because you fear it and try to push it away. I'll help, too. But first, dinner is ready."

  Chapter 8

  Dana wasn't sure about Star's and Cooper's plan for her let go of her magic in order to control it. How would releasing that much energy possibly help her to control it? But she trusted Star to keep her safe. She didn't know if Cooper would be able to. Yeah, he was her mate and would try everything in his power to protect her, but he wasn't a witch.

  But she knew the wolf within would risk his life to protect its mate.

  She knew that, had watched how her father was protective of her mother, her, Darin, and the Pack. A true Alpha, father, and mate.

  How the hell did I succumb to Ross's evilness and become so blind?

  Because the asshat had used her own magic against her and the Pack.

  She fisted her hands and moved to stand in the ritual circle located in the center of the Coven. Facing Star, Dana watched her as she motioned for Cooper to stand behind Dana. Her wolf paced within, not liking the unknown.

  Suddenly, Cooper's scent drifted on the breeze toward her. She inhaled the spicy-sweet notes. Then she felt his strength as if they were connected. Could they be without mating? She didn't know. She'd never met her true mate until he showed up. Now, every wall she’d created around her soul and heart had begun to crumble.

  "Dana, I'm going to raise a circle around you. You will feel trapped, but remember, I can break it at any time. Just say the word." When Dana nodded, Star continued. "Once the circle is set, release your hold on your magic and don't try to control it. And Cooper, no matter what you see, do not touch the circle. It'll knock you on y
our ass."

  Dana didn't like the sound of that. Star was going to put her in a containment circle. Meaning no one could get out or in without Star taking it down.

  Taking a deep breath, Dana pushed her fear into the earth beneath her feet and grounded herself. Gods, this was going to hurt. She'd leashed the power for so long, she wasn't sure just how much it had grown.

  Now or never. "I'm ready."

  Star raised her hands into the air, slowly. At the same time, the walls of the magical circle rose from the ground and closed at the top, over Dana's head. The air seemed heavier, almost choking. Dana stumbled back a step before balancing herself. She breathed in and out, slowly and deeply. After a few moments, she relaxed.

  Just need to let go.

  Easier said than done.

  Closing her eyes, she searched within for the shields she had created around her mind, heart, and the wolf. One by one, she broke them down, starting with her heart—her core center—then her wolf. The animal spirit jerked at first then snarled at the release of power. To Dana's surprise, the wolf accepted the magic like she'd been waiting for it.

  Finally, Dana tore down the shields in her mind. Rip it off like a Band-Aid, right? Wouldn't that break her, though? Only one way to find out.

  She shattered the walls, and pain ripped through her skull and shot down her spine. She fell to the ground and curled into a fetal position. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Fear that she'd blasted through the circle and hurt everyone froze her bones.

  After what seemed like hours, she heard Cooper’s voice. "Get up. Please, get up. Please, be okay."

  She was fine. If she could hear him, then he was, too. Opening her eyes, she scanned her surroundings. The circle was still in place, but there was an electrical charge of power inside with her. It no longer hurt. Uncurling herself, she rolled onto her back and watched the swirls of the colorful streams of magic bounce from one side of the circle to the other.

  With her right hand, she reached up through the streams. The ones closest to her wrapped around her hands. When she moved her arm, the magic followed. Like soldiers with their leader. A Pack following their Alpha.

  Cool. She slowly stood. When she straightened, her gaze locked with Cooper's. His mouth was open in a small O. What did he see? Then she looked down at herself and smiled. The streams of power danced around her as if not sure what to do. She wasn't sure magic was supposed to act alive. It was almost as if she had her own army at her command. That was crazy, right?

  Maybe she’d broken her brain.

  To test her theory, she gave a command, "Come to me."

  The power rushed at her, wrapping around her body until it was once more inside her. She let it run wild in her veins, wondering what to do now. She turned and met Star's stare. "Now what?"

  "Store some in your chi and release the rest into the earth. It will always come back to you when you need it." A bright smile lifted her aunt's lips before she added, "It is as I said. You do hold the power of the goddess Diana. You are the charmed wolf."

  Dana averted her gaze. She didn't want to admit it, not yet. The responsibilities of the charmed wolf were unclear. So she wanted to ignore it for now. She and Cooper had to stop Edwin from destroying Bloodrose Creek, and they had to clear their names.

  Darin gripped the arms of his high-back leather office chair and gritted his teeth. Dana had released the power, and he hoped it was within the walls of a circle. He had to believe that everything was okay. She was with Star and the Coven, they would protect her.

  "Anything wrong?" Edwin asked from the other side of Darin's desk.

  "Nothing I can't handle." Darin rose to his feet and motioned to the door. "I told you, I don't know where my sister is. She has blocked all my attempts to contact her. And I have Pack business to attend to."

  Edwin narrowed his eyes, and Darin swore he caught a snarl in the man’s next words. "Do remember that harboring fugitives is against council laws. And another Alpha would have the right to search your territory to find them."

  It took two breaths to grip the bastard by the throat and slam him against the office wall. Darin bared his teeth and allowed his wolf to surface. "Are you threatening the safety of my Pack?"

  A half-smirk tugged the corner of Edwin's mouth. "Just reminding you of the law."

  "Get. Out!" Darin released the male and willed the door to open with his mind—using the power he shared with Dana—hard enough that it hit the wall.

  Edwin glanced at the door, his face losing some of its color. Without another word, the Alpha left.

  A moment later, Asher, Darin’s Beta, entered. "I had a few enforcers follow him. He won't give up until he kills Dana. He's afraid of her and you."

  "Good. He should be." Darin moved past the other male to head to the medical center. "Increase security on the den. I don't trust Edwin to not attack us. The male is not right."

  Edwin reeked of black magic, confirming the rumor. The Alpha of Bloodrose had to be dealt with. Darin would find the proof he needed to help his sister and her mate take Edwin down legally.

  A few moments later, he was in Celeste’s medical room. She was in human form and resting. Her long, brown hair fanned out over her pillow. On a small cot on the other side of the bed was Hope. The four-year-old refused to leave Celeste's side.

  As if sensing him, Hope opened her eyes and waved. He smiled and signed to her, "How was your nap?"

  She signed back, "Okay"

  "Are you hungry?"

  She glanced at Celeste, then the open door, then back to him. After a brief moment, she shook her head. Darin held in his comment about her lie. Instead, he pointed to the table at the end of her cot and conjured a plate of fruit, meats, and cheeses.

  Hope's face lit up, and her hands flew in motion. "Thank you. You used magic. Show me."

  He laughed and moved around to the other side of the room. "I will one day."

  Hope seemed to be happy with that reply and sat up to eat.

  "You shouldn't spoil her."

  He glanced up at Celeste. Humor lit up her gaze, and love filled her scent as she glanced at Hope.

  "Feeding her is not spoiling her." Darin raised a brow in challenge.

  Celeste laughed softly and then pressed her hand to her side. Darin tensed at the thought of her hurt. Suppressing a growl at the impulse, he forced back his emotions. "Are you still in pain?"

  "Just when I laugh, apparently." She leaned her head back on the bed.

  Silence fell between them. Darin wasn't sure what to say. That morning, after she’d woken and shifted back to human, their conversation hadn’t gone well. He guessed that she was being nice at the moment because Hope seemed to react when there was arguing or fighting around her.

  After a call to Soron, Darin had discovered why. Edwin had killed the girl’s mother in front of her. Celeste and Cooper were there to care for her after, and had been ever since.

  "Edwin seems to be a problem."

  "Ha!" Celeste lifted her head and glared at him. "You don't know the half of it. He's a monster who hides behind the grey areas of the law."

  Darin glanced at Hope, who was reading a book while eating cheese. He couldn't stop the smile forming on his lips. Warmth seeped into his heart. He’d dreamt of the day he would find a mate and start a family. Well, he used to. Before the female he’d thought was his mate had betrayed him.

  "I kept a journal of everything Edwin did."

  He returned his focus to Celeste. "To give to the council?"

  She shrugged. "One day. Although I'm not sure how it can be used to take him out."

  Truth was, the council didn't always do what was fair to anyone but themselves. "It would be good with other evidence. Or make Edwin get stupid."

  "He's messing with black magic. I think he has a witch tucked away somewhere and uses her for his personal needs and for her power." She frowned and shot a quick glance at Hope. After another moment, Celeste lifted her gaze to his. "How long do I have to stay here?"
r />   "You're not a prisoner."

  "But..."

  He sighed and stood. "I told your brother I'd look after you and Hope. You are under my protection. I'll have an enforcer collect the two of you and bring you to my home."

  He didn't give her a chance to reply before he left the room. Her scent drove him wild. It took all his power and control to not touch her.

  Mine.

  No. She wasn't. Darin wouldn't be seduced by a female, again. He'd help his sister and her mate clear their names. Then, together, they would bring Edwin down.

  And Celeste would go back to her own home where she belonged.

  Chapter 9

  After dinner, Dana followed Star to the large dining room with Cooper in tow. Conversation was limited while they ate, and Dana wondered if it had anything to do with the other witches at the table.

  Dana didn't doubt the others knew why she was there. No one said anything to her besides the polite hello in passing.

  Suddenly, a ghost of sensation passed over her. She stopped and glanced around, but didn't sense anything.

  "What is it?" Star stopped and faced her.

  "I'm not sure."

  "Reach out with your senses, and when you find it, visualize it."

  Dana frowned. That was easier said than done. However, she didn't argue with the elder witch and did as she was told.

  Pushing out her senses, she felt and watched for what had brushed against her subconscious moments ago. She found it fairly quickly. A powerful yet calming power stretched out to her. Someone was looking for her.

  Dana stopped her magical search and met Star's concerned gaze. She too must have felt it just then. "The council is searching for me."

  Dropping her shoulders, Star nodded and strode back to the foyer. "I was afraid they would, but I thought we'd have more time. Come."

  Fear threatened to choke Dana. She wasn't ready. She wasn't in total control of her magic. Then there was Cooper. What if they took him? That would piss off her wolf enough to lose control.