Adrian sprinted across the riverbank where he'd held her in his arms, and his heart ached all the more. He'd done what he was supposed to. He'd taken the throne and seized command of the wolves. But without Redlynn, it was all for naught. He was as powerless as he'd been before he'd met her.
He'd started coming out to the woods to run the last two nights. Dax, the white bear, had joined him, probably afraid he might do something stupid, like run into Tanah Darah. Last night, Adrian had found himself at the edge of the woods, overlooking the village of Volkzene for hours on end. The villagers were busy celebrating the return of their daughters. From his vantage point, he'd tried to catch a glimpse of Redlynn, but hadn't seen her. Tonight, he'd resigned himself to the fact that she wasn't coming back, and he hadn't returned to Volkzene. Instead, he'd run in the opposite direction.
Running with no other purpose but to make himself forget, Adrian sprinted over rocks and fallen tree limbs. He cleared the river in an enormous bound and continued on, down into the valley.
Dax didn't pry. He didn't speak; he was good like that. He simply followed along, making sure Adrian was safe. The giant bear's company was so different than Blain's had been. Blain had been chatty and witty, but Dax was reserved. A quiet strength that Adrian appreciated having at his back. But his camaraderie with Dax wouldn't last much longer. He'd seen a restlessness in Dax. He'd move on soon. Most likely to finally face his demons and figure out who he was.
Adrian darted past the rocks where they'd found Lizzy, and out into the clearing where Redlynn had howled at the moon. He stopped in the middle, panting hard. The stars twinkled like candle flames, flickering far away. Breathing deep, he took in the scents around him. He sat on his haunches, remembering the last time he'd seen her, the wolf, in the woods. The way she'd looked so happy howling at the moon.
A rustle in the trees caught his attention, and Adrian turned around. Silence. Sniffing, he caught no scent. All sounds ceased except for the chirp of an occasional locust.
"Dax?" Adrian called.
There was no answer.
"Dax?" he called again. A shiver ran down his spine.
"I'm heading to the castle. You take your time," Dax said.
Adrian listened as something moved closer. He flattened his belly to the ground, trying to hide himself amongst the tall grass. He scanned the opposite end of the clearing. A form emerged from the darkness. A large red wolf with golden eyes made her way into the moonlight. He hopped up, his heart beating wildly.
"Hello."
Adrian's breath caught. She'd come back. She'd really come back.
"Hello," Adrian whispered.
"May I come in?"
Adrian stared in disbelief.
Redlynn shifted from foot to foot. " Maybe I should just—"
"Don't go," he said, quickly regaining his composure. He took a step closer to her and she took a step closer as well.
"You came back," he said softly.
"I told you I would."
"I know, but—"
"If you don't want me here, I'll leave."
How could she say that? How could she think he wouldn't want her?" Why would I want you to leave?"
She didn't answer. The two circled each other slowly, each taking in the sight and smells of the other.
"You learned how to shift."
"Angus has been teaching me."
It all seemed so unreal. Just when he'd resigned himself to losing her forever, she was here, in the woods, in wolf form.
"Are the girls alright?" he asked.
"The girls are fine. I was made Head of the Order."
Adrian's throat went dry and his heart sank. She wasn't staying.
"Lillith knew, not only about the wolves, but about the vampires as well. She said nothing about the vampires, because it would've exposed the lies she'd told about the wolves. But I think it went deeper than that."
"What did you do with her?"
"Nothing. When the Council went to pronounce her sentence of banishment, she was gone."
"Gone?"
"Only a few things were found missing. Enough to fill a pack, no more."
"Where did she go?"
"No one knows. But I have a feeling we'll see her again. I don't think she alone worked on keeping the Sisters from the Wolves."
"That's good," he finally said, sitting down. " I mean about you being made Head of the Order, not about Lillith. They need you."
"Yes, I suppose they do."
"Did Angus teach you how to communicate in wolf form as well?"
"He did." She cocked her head to the side. " How old are you?"
"What?"
"Angus told me that wolves live longer than humans. So it got me wondering how old you are."
"Old."
"And me? How long will I live?"
He hoped it was for as long as he did. " I don't know."
Redlynn let out a heavy breath. The air around her vibrated and she whimpered. Adrian watched as her body contorted and flexed, her limbs retracting, red fur giving way to smooth skin. A cry escaped her and he wanted to run to her.
After she finished and she lay panting on the ground, gaining her bearings, he too shifted. When he looked up, she stood naked in the moonlight. His heart caught in his throat as desire wracked him. Her hair hung loosely, covering her breasts and womanhood. Her long, slender legs were creamy and smooth. He couldn't stand, for fear she'd see his arousal.
"Adrian," she finally said. "I don't want to play games anymore. If I've learned one thing in these last weeks, it's that I need to speak my mind. I know you're hurting because of Blain. You're questioning your own existence because of what he did. You're also afraid. Afraid of being hurt. I understand that."
She took a step closer to him.
"But I also know that I am the one. The one from the prophecy, but most of all, I know that I'm the one for you. I'm yours. I love you in a way that I honestly never thought possible. And I want to be with you. Now and forever. If you need time to—"
She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence. Adrian crossed to her. His lips on hers, he pulled her close, smashing her body into his. She loves me.
***
Redlynn's body tremored with anxiety. Spilling her feelings to Adrian made her more nervous than when she'd faced the village council. But if they were ever going to make this work, one of them was going to have to start the conversation. Bags shadowed his eyes and he was unshaven. All she wanted to do was rush to him, but he sat there, listening to her ramble.
Then, before she knew what was happening, he was on her. His lips on hers, his strong arms wrapping her in to him. It made her head spin at the smell of him. She'd missed him so much. He lifted her off the ground, kissing her with fervor. His tongue plunged into her mouth, twisting and dancing with hers. His warm lips crushed hers with his power. A moan escaped her as his lips travelled down her chin to her neck. He nipped and licked her skin.
"I love you. I love you. I love you," he said over and over as he kissed her.
She dug her nails into his shoulders and he set her down on the grass, running his hands over her body.
Redlynn gasped for air. Tingling skittered over her skin, setting her ablaze. She shuddered at his touch and found herself unwittingly moving her hands over the muscles of his broad chest to his back, and lower. They allowed their hands an opportunity to explore each other.
His hands roamed and caressed her flesh until she thought she might burst. The heat that pooled inside of her burned hotter the longer they kissed. The scent he gave off told her everything she needed to know. He marked her, making it known to all other males, that she was his. Just as she was marking him with her own scent.
"Adrian," she whispered as he kissed her shoulder. "You're killing me."
He chuckled softly. "Is this not what you want, my love?"
"No," she said roughly. "And it's not what you want either." Planting her hands firmly on his chest, she flipped him over. The fire sparkling in
his eyes told Redlynn she was right. Soft and gentle was not how they wanted it. She straddled his hips with hers, but didn't allow their bodies to merge.
"What beautiful eyes you have," she murmured.
"The better to see you with, my love."
She reached up and traced his lips with her finger. "What beautiful lips you have," she whispered.
"The better to kiss you with, my love."
Redlynn bent down and kissed him hard on the mouth. Adrian groaned and thrust his hips toward hers, but she pulled away.
"What a glorious body you have," she said.
"The better to love you with, my queen," he whispered in her ear.
Wasting no more time, Redlynn licked his chest, taking his salty taste in her mouth.
"Redlynn," he panted, the veins in his neck strained and corded. "I need you."
His fingers dug into her hips and at that moment, they became mates. The feeling of joining with him exploded inside her in painful ecstasy. A tear escaped her eye. This was who she was and what she was meant for. She dug her nails into his shoulders and bent over, kissing him hard. Their rhythm increased, warmth pooling inside her belly and spreading out from there. Tingling spread from her thighs up her back. Every fiber of her body was on fire. Moments later, Adrian's roar was only second to the one that Redlynn released.
It was complete. She was Redlynn, Queen of the Weres.
Epilogue
Redlynn pulled a brush through Baleen's tangled hair.
"Hold still, wiggly." She laughed.
"Can't help it, mama, I'm so excited."
"Well, we'll never get out of here, if you don't let your mother finish," said Adrian, playing with their son, Fergus, on the bed. Redlynn turned toward him and Adrian winked at her.
"Yes, Dada." Baleen turned her golden eyes on him.
Adrian picked up a rattle from the bed and shook it at Fergus.
"Ball!" Fergus giggled.
"Rattle," said Adrian.
"Ball."
Redlynn smiled and tied Baleen's long, red hair up with a ribbon. "There. Done."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! We go now?"
"Yes," said Adrian. "We go now."
"Yippie!" Baleen screeched, jumping from her stool and running out into the hall. "Papa Angus! Papa Angus! We leave now," she cried, running down to the dining hall.
Adrian laughed, stood from the bed, and handed Fergus to Yanti.
"Will you tell my parents hello for me?" Yanti settled Fergus on her hip.
"Of course." Redlynn smiled.
"Travel safe." Yanti took Fergus, cooed at him, and walked to his room next door.
Yanti had joined them in Wolvenglen just that year. She was too young to mate. But the sixteen-year-old, blond-haired beauty had many suitors among the pack. It wouldn't be long before Adrian performed the bonding ritual on Yanti and her chosen mate.
Redlynn stood slowly from her seat, supporting her lower back. Adrian was at her side in an instant.
"Maybe we should wait this year." He laid his palm on Redlynn's extended belly.
"Hanna checked me over. I'm not due for another three months. She said I would be fine to make the trip. I just can't shift."
Adrian's face held concern. She pressed her own palm on top of his as he stroked her womb. Redlynn's she-wolf slapped her tail in satisfaction.
"It will be okay." The child inside kicked and moved at his touch. Adrian smiled and bent, kissing her stomach. She sighed and stroked his soft hair. He looked up at her, his concern still apparent. "I'll be fine, my love. Besides, you know I have to go at least twice a year. Once for Initiations, once for Settlings."
Adrian shook his head. "It's not that. It's been years since we rescued the girls. The vampires have been silent for far too long. We've not seen anything of them since finding Lillith's mangled body at the northern border, next to their lands."
"I know." She laid her hand on his stubbly cheek.
"Even Sage has seen nothing in his travels. They're quiet. Too quiet."
"Perhaps it is because of what Sage said. They know that their prophecy is next. Perhaps they're scared."
"Or building their ranks." Adrian stood and wrapped his arms around her waist. "War is coming, and I don't want you and our young caught in the middle."
"Which is why we need as many Sisters as possible. Today is a good day. Five new Sisters will be mated to their chosen, Adrian. Remember what that felt like for us? The day I met you in the woods and we became one? Today that happens for Paulo, Law, Athos, Marcos and Rue. More Sisters, more mates, more young."
Adrian nodded and pulled her close. "I only care about one Sister."
She took in his heavenly scent, something she never grew tired of. She hadn't regretted returning to him for even a moment. In the years since she'd returned the girls to Volkzene, she still wasn't used to being Head of the Order. However, knowing that she wouldn't be staying in the village permanently, she'd set up both a second and a third in her stead. And several of the wolves had taken up the position of emissaries with the Sisterhood, bringing messages back and forth.
Wrapping her arms around Adrian's broad chest, she laid her cheek on his shoulder. His hands rubbed down her spine to her rump. He lowered his lips to her neck, and she felt a familiar tingle in her thighs.
"Adrian," she moaned.
"Yes, my mate?"
"We have somewhere to be."
"I know." He slid her gown off her shoulder, kissing her bare skin while running his finger over her bodice.
"Adrian," she growled.
"Yes, my lover?"
"Just once."
"Of course, my queen."
Go Back
About the Beyond the Veil Boxed Set Authors
Elianne Adams, is a self-proclaimed tropical Princess, so how she came to be born and live in snowy Canada is a mystery. She loves to read (and write) romances that lure you into different worlds, the kinds that suck you in until the very end.
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Annie Nicholas writes paranormal romance with a twist. She has courted vampires, hunted with shifters, and slain a dragon’s ego all with the might of her pen. Riding the wind of her imagination, she travels beyond the restraints of reality and shares them with anyone wanting to read her stories. Mother, daughter, and wife are some of the other hats she wears while hiking through the hills and dales of her adopted state of Vermont.
Annie writes for Samhain Publishing, Carina Press, and Lyrical Press.
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Email: [email protected], Website, Facebook, Twitter
Gina Kincade has been writing erotic paranormal romance books and erotic short stories since she was seventeen years old.
She writes everything from M/F, M/M, Ménage, BDSM and fetish, to evil little vampires and were-creatures who will rip out your heart without thinking twice and then engage in steamy, explicit sex scenes.
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Kiki Howell has had over fifty stories published with three novels hitting Amazon Bestsellers lists in categories like Paranormal, Suspense, Occult Horror and Witch & Wizard Thrillers. She’s won awards like being chosen as an Ohioana Book Festival author along with having several shorts win writing contests.
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Lucy Leroux chose love.
Lucy moved to France for a one-year research contract. Six months later she was living with a handsome Frenchman and six years later is happily married to him.and still in France.
When her last contract ended Lucy turned to writing. Frustrated by the lack of quality romance erotica, she created her own.
Cursed is the first of many regency novels. Additionally she writes a bestselling contemporary series. The ‘Singular Obsession’ books are a combination of steamy roma
nce and suspense that feature intertwining characters in their own stand-alone stories.
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Katie de Long writes paranormal romances and dark urban fantasy under K. de Long. Katie lives in the Pacific northwest, realizing her dream of being a crazy cat-lady. As a kid, Katie flagged the fade-to-blacks in every adult book she encountered, and when she began writing, she vowed to use cutaways sparingly. After all, that's when the good stuff happens. And on a kindle, no one asks why there's so many bookmarks in her library.
Visit delongkatie.com for news on upcoming releases.
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Filled with the desire to write books she wouldn’t want her mama to know she read, much less wrote, Ever Coming was born.
Ever Coming is the naughty pen name of an international best-selling author who simply wanted to get her smut on. When she is not reading and writing the naughty, Ever is usually found enjoying time with her kids and husband.
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Holley Trent is an award-winning author of more than thirty works of contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance. In addition to her works issued through Crimson Romance and Kensington Publishing, she has books in several self-published series, including the modern Viking Afótama Legacy, the Wyoming-set Storafalt Stories, paranormal romantic suspense Shrew & Company, and the erotic romance Den of Sin shared world.
Eager to chat about Prince in Leather or another book by Holley Trent? Catch her online on Twitter where she tweets under the handle @holleytrent. You can also find her on Facebook.
Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set Page 332
