The Mating Challenge

by Bonnie Vanak

  Soon, two more boys celebrated their 13th birthday and were doomed to the same fate. Aiden and the other males present today were safe for now, for the parvolupus targeted males who lived on the ranch for longer than two weeks.

  Nikita had spent years studying the ancient Lupine texts and trying to find a cure, while Nia, Mandy, and Roxanne searched the grounds for the buried chest.

  “You know what this means,” Nikita said slowly. “Once we find the chest, it must be returned to the Silver Wizard in order to lift the curse and give us the cure for the parvolupus. He is the rightful guardian of Pandora’s Chest. I am the one who should return it.”

  Nia’s stomach clenched. “No.”

  “You can’t protect me from him forever, little sister. Tristan will find me eventually. He is a powerful wizard and I’m certain he knows we have practiced deceit all these years.” Nikita shivered and the blood drained from her face.

  Fear ruled her twin’s life. Fear of the dreaded Silver Wizard finding her and taking her away. It would not happen, Nia vowed. No matter what she had to do.

  “How could he know? Dad’s mystics warded our ranch years ago to reinforce the illusion that only the younger twin survived at birth,” she pointed out.

  “The magick has eroded by now, I’m sure,” Nikita countered.

  “We can’t believe that. We have to keep positive or else he’ll come here and take you away and you’ll die. The prophecy…”

  “It could be wrong.” Nikita looked hopeful.

  Nia gave a bitter laugh. “I’m not gambling with your life. When we find the chest, and we will find it, I’m giving it to him in exchange for a cure, but you are not part of the package. Mandy, return to the well. I’ll join you and we’ll start digging.”

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” Her twin pantomimed boxing. “Aiden is waiting for you.”

  Damn. “You’ll have to wait until tonight, Mandy. Make sure no one else is around. We can’t risk outsiders knowing what you’re doing. Especially if it’s Mitchell who wins. His men are smarter than Richard’s Lupines.”

  “Aiden will win and claim his prize,” Nikita told her. “You, disguised as me. You will share Aiden’s bed. It’s you he’s wanted all these years.”

  The thought made her body tingle with anticipation. Nia shook her head. “I should tell him the truth about the chest, the disease and our men—”

  “No!” Nikita shook her head. “And forget your promise to Father on his deathbed? Never, ever tell outsiders of our secrets. You promised, Nia. You promised him in blood. You can’t trust anyone.”

  Nia fell silent, knowing her twin was right. A deathbed promise was sacred, but one made in blood even more so.

  Sometimes she wondered what her life would have been like had their father told the truth 25 years ago. She had been denied a life, even denied her name. Their father had gotten their names mixed up after they were born, announcing the surviving twin was named Nikita.

  Nia glanced at her gentler, frailer twin and felt a stab of guilt. At least she hadn’t been hidden away her entire life, her existence a deep secret.

  “Fine. I won’t tell Aiden. But we’ve dragged these males into a deathtrap if they decide to live here instead of the Mitchell Ranch. Our only hope is to get them out of here as quickly as possible. The longer they remain here, the more they risk exposure to the disease.”

  She gave her twin a pointed look. “And if Aiden wins and finds out I’m not the true alpha, there may be hell to pay. He might foreclose on the ranch. You sure you want me to take your place and carry this through?”

  Blood drained from Nikita’s face. “I can’t do it, Nia. You have to mate with Aiden. You’re the one he’s determined to claim. How can I have sex with a male who makes me physically ill?”

  Ever since her twin started experiencing vivid dreams of a mysterious lover a few weeks ago, Nikita got sick each time she came near Aiden Mitchell.

  “The dreams are worse?”

  Nikita nodded. “Even a sleeping potion can’t help me. That man keeps appearing to me every night. He loves me so deeply and then he leaves, screaming, and I wake up crying.”

  Nia had begun to wonder if the dreams were memories from a past life, a love that ran so deep, it haunted her sister.

  “Even if he didn’t make me sick, I couldn’t pretend to be you in bed, Nia. Aiden is too overwhelming. He called yesterday while you were sleeping. When he asked what kind of sheets I like to sleep on naked, I called him names and hung up on him. Just like you would.”

  Nia gurgled with laughter. She found the question sweet, and typically arrogant of Mitchell. She tilted her head. “We could still pull it off. Aiden may not win. Richard would be easier to fool.”

  “Aiden will win. You know it,” her twin said softly. “And he is not so easily fooled.”

  Nikita pulled her over to the full-length mirror on the wall.

  Two identical women with full, lush lips and high cheekbones stared back. The only discernible difference remained in their clear blue eyes. Nia’s were filled with confidence and hope. Fear and doubt shadowed her twin’s. Despite being the eldest, Nikita had always been more fragile.

  It was easy enough in the past to deceive fellow Lupines, and Skins, the word Others used to describe humans. But fooling Aiden Mitchell in bed?

  Niki was right.

  Mandy joined them at the mirror. She gave a critical look at Nia and pointed. “Make sure you wear more cover-up. Your scar is showing.”

  Nia turned her head and saw with dismay her aunt was right. She went to the desk and retrieved a bottle of makeup, returned to the mirror and put it on.

  “Men are men. They desire a pretty, fertile mate to bed and breed, and her lands to join their own. They think more with their cocks than their brains,” Mandy said.

  But Nia didn’t agree. She’d seen the sharpened awareness of Aiden Mitchell. Aiden was an alpha who handled duplicity by killing his betrayer.

  Nia shivered. The male was powerful and virile and his searing sexuality and strength hinted of many long sessions in bed.

  “Go back to the challenge. I’ll return to my room.” Nikita looked wistful. “I found a passage in the ancient texts last night that mentioned using hawthorne and mint mixed with other herbs to reinforce a Lupine’s immune system. I want to study it.”

  “I still don’t understand. If the parvolupus is a bacteria, then why can’t it be killed with the right medicine? We have antibiotics for Lupines. You’re the smart one, Niki. Explain it to me.”

  Nikita gazed into the distance. “Initially it spreads like a bacteria, similar to how tuberculous infects Skins. It’s spread from person to another through the air. And then once it infects mature male Lupines, it targets the cells in their DNA that allow them turn into wolves at will. And then the parvolupus affects their immune system. With the women, we get infected, but our immune system is able to fight it off. We don’t even get sick. The parvolupus in us is like latent TB. We never develop the disease.”

  Worry filled Nia. “If it’s like latent TB, we’re still infected and can be carriers and spread it to the Mitchell males. Can I infect Aiden if I sleep with him?”

  “No. Just like latent TB can’t be passed to another person.”

  “Great. Then all we have to worry about is trying to get all these men off our ranch before they get sick.” Nia thought about the dozens of males milling about in the lodge and shuddered.

  “If it were a normal disease, and didn’t carry strains of magick, I could defeat it through antibiotics strong enough for Lupines, just like certain antibiotics can cure TB. But it keeps mutating. I thought when the last mature male Lupine died, the disease would die. But it remained active. Like mold spores.”

  “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.”