Wolf Fire (Warrior Wolves Book 2)

by Christine DePetrillo

  Mesmerized a bit by the lights, Nika allowed herself to be guided to two benches at the rim of the circle, realizing that the area reminded her of the theater she’d lost. She sat with Brandy and Meredith on either side of her and Dylan on the ground at their feet with Daisy cuddling up to the boy. When Reardon, Carrie, and Zavier joined them on the other bench, Nika craned her neck, searching for Jaemus, Red, and Hunty.

  “Where are—” Her question fell dead on her lips when Red and Hunty appeared in the circle of lit trees.

  “Welcome.” Hunty bowed low as Red curtsied beside them. “Tonight there will be a special presentation of The Wolfman Show for our esteemed audience.” He arced his arms out to indicate Nika and her gathered friends.

  “Relax and enjoy,” Red said as she twirled, letting her red hooded cloak billow out around her as she followed Hunty off stage, so to speak.

  The lights flickered out and all Nika could see were some silhouettes moving about the perimeter of the tree circle. A few moments passed and when the lights jumped back on, Red was in the middle of the stage, but instead of her red cloak, she was wearing one of Nika’s dresses, some of her jewelry, and a wig that looked exactly like Nika’s chestnut hair.

  Laughing, Nika watched as Hunty came on stage wearing a chin-length blond wig and doing a hilarious Jaemus impersonation. He pretended to see Red-as-Nika for the first time and a bunch of red paper hearts on strings dropped from tree limbs overhead to surround him. When Red-as-Nika saw Hunty-as-Jaemus, a set of lights organized into Xs and Os around her flashed until she started walking.

  The pair met each other in the middle of the stage and all the lights changed to red and pink as they joined hands and gazed at each other like lovesick dopes. They shared a dance to Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran.

  Nika’s sides nearly split as she laughed and sang along with those gathered around her. Then the lights went out again and she took a minute to catch her breath, which was hard with Dylan still cracking up as he sat at her feet.

  When the lights came back on, the Wolfman—her Wolfman—was center stage.

  On one knee.

  Holding a ring in one clawed hand. The other one pointed at Nika, his golden brown eyes focused only on her.

  She flew off the bench and ran to Jaemus. Her arms wrapped around his furred neck and squeezed as if she’d never let go.

  Marry me? His voice was low as it whispered in her head.

  She breathed one word into his oversized ear. “Aye.”

  A low rumble vibrated in his throat, reminding Nika of a purr, and he nuzzled the curve of her neck with his wet nose. She inhaled his woodsy, wild scent then pulled back from the embrace to look into his glowing golden brown eyes.

  “I love you, Jaemus McAlator.” And she would love him for all the days of her life and her next life too.

  I love you too, sprite.

  She enjoyed hearing his deep voice in her head, knowing they were as linked as true soul mates. She didn’t have to be a werewolf like him to feel the bond to Jaemus, but she was curious about how much deeper they could be connected if he were to turn her. Maybe someday she’d find out. For now, she was content with being his fiancée.

  And eventually his wife.

  “Take off the mask and kiss her!” Carrie yelled from the benches.

  That might be a problem, Jaemus said as he dropped the ring into her palm, his wolfman fingers too large to put the ring on her himself.

  Carry me off instead. Nika’s eyes widened when Jaemus followed her advice and scooped her into his arms. You can hear my thoughts?

  Aye. Flidae has given us this gift. We’re soul mates, sprite. Linked for eternity.

  She absolutely loved how it felt to be in Jaemus’s arms and pressed against all his muscles.

  His arms tightened in response. This is right where I want you, Nika. Always.

  After slipping the ring on, she cuddled up to him as closely as she could manage and hung on when he bowed to the audience, his arms full of her. He bounded out of the circle of lit trees and hustled back to the barn. Taking the stairs inside three at a time, he arrived at her apartment and set her down. He tapped a long claw on the stair railing waiting for her to open the door.

  “Impatient werewolf, aren’t you?” she teased.

  He swiped his tongue along the back of her neck, making her laugh.

  Once inside, Jaemus pushed her away from him a little and shifted back to full human. As it had been last night, watching him transform was a beautiful thing to witness. All that silver fur around his head, shoulders, and back slid under his skin. His claws retracted as did his fangs, and his gnarled knuckles smoothed out to reveal the hands she’d come to love—especially when they were touching her.

  The light faded from his eyes, but the look he gave her was still predatory. “That didn’t repulse you?”

  Her gaze combed down his naked body, landing on his well-endowed package, tempting her hands to move in and bring him pleasure. “Repulse? Shit no. I told you this before. Besides, have you seen yourself naked, Wolfman? You’re freaking gorgeous.”

  In two steps she was in his arms again, dropping kisses on his stubbled chin, along his neck, down to his collarbone. Nipping lightly on his shoulder, she grinned when he moaned and moved the strap of her dress aside to press his warm lips to her shoulder.

  “Not half as gorgeous as you, sprite.”

  They spent a few moments making out like two teenagers before Nika broke free and shook her head.

  “I’m a horrible party host. My guests are fending for themselves while I manhandle you up here.” She rested her forehead against his shoulder.

  “In light of the fact that you accepted my proposal,” he brought her hand up between them so the engagement ring was visible, “I think our guests are okay with letting us enjoy this moment.” He teased her lips again, and she wanted the party downstairs to be over so she could start this party upstairs. Now.

  “Hey, you didn’t actually ask me to marry you out loud.” She pushed her fist into his taut stomach, loving the way the muscles stacked atop each other.

  “I don’t have to.” He grinned, an arrogant tilt to his eyebrow. “You already said yes. Can’t take it back now.”

  “I wouldn’t want to take it back. You and I belong together.”

  He stepped closer to her, his fingers curling around her wrists and tugging her against his naked body, making her instantly wish she were naked too.

  “Marry me, sprite.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  He rubbed his erection against her. “Marry me, sprite.”

  She reached down to wrap her hand around his length, loving how his eyes closed and his head dropped back. “Still not a question. That sounds more like a command, warrior.”

  Jaemus groaned, a mix of frustration and arousal. “Will you please marry me, Nika Skarvinski?” He gathered her dress and hiked it up so he could nudge her panties aside and caress her wet folds.

  Nika’s ability to speak temporarily fled as they brought each other to a shuddery orgasm with just their hands. She’d be a fool to say no to this, to him.

  She cried out his name as they both crested over the wave, then put her lips right against his ear. “Yes, yes, yes. I don’t know the word no when it comes to you, Wolfman.”

  “Lucky for me.” He moved his hands to her shoulders, staring deeply into her eyes, focused on her face. “My life was a foolish cycle of traveling, battling, killing, and collecting riches. I could have been satisfied with that life. But now that I know what having a woman like you is like, I could never go back to that old life. Never. I need you, Nika, like I need oxygen.”

  “A good fire needs oxygen. Here’s to hoping we’ll keep this wolf fire burning for a long, long time.”

  “Let’s burn some more tonight after our guests have gone.” Jaemus caught her bottom lip between his teeth and bit gently before running his tongue over that lip.

  Nika loved the way he tasted and k
new she’d never grow tired of his flavor, his scent, his presence in her life. She’d been alone for a long time, but those days were over. Waking up each morning with this amazing man beside her would be the perfect start to each day. Working alongside Jaemus as he continued with The Wolfman Show and helped in the new trading post would make the work hours a joy. Falling asleep beside his warm, sexy body would be what she looked forward to day after day.

  Well, maybe not just falling asleep…

  Jaemus dropped a kiss on her nose then went into her bedroom. When he emerged, he had jeans and a T-shirt on, his feet bare because his boots were downstairs in the barn.

  “You know, for a wolfman, you have cute feet.”

  He looked down, wiggling his toes. “I don’t think anyone’s ever referred to any part of me as cute.”

  Nika pictured him in full warrior armor, brandishing a sword above his head as he met his opponents. “I hope it doesn’t dent your manhood too much to be called cute.”

  “I’m sure you have ways to make sure I still feel like a man.” He ushered her to the door and down the stairs.

  At the bottom she turned to face him. “We’ll have to experiment.” She reached up and kissed him until he ended up growling and leaning against the wall by the French doors for support.

  “Aye. Experiment. Often.”

  She touched her still buzzing lips. Would she ever grow tired of such experiments?

  Nope. Never.

  Epilogue

  May, Grand Opening of Maple Ridge Trading Post

  Jaemus stood in front of the new Maple Ridge Trading Post in full wolfman form, growling and chasing after visitors as they streamed in for the grand opening. Laughter and squeals of delight filled the spring air. He accidentally scared a few little ones with his fangs and claws, but quickly won them over when he flattened his ears and gave them big, sad eyes. He allowed parents to pet his silver fur and soon even the little ones were giggling.

  Reardon and Brandy—officially husband and wife now after a wedding at the sanctuary in October—handed out flyers for The Wolfman Show. A quick glance to the ticket booth showed an overwhelmed Zavier selling tickets like crazy. Fortunately, the new theater seated twice as many guests and from the looks of it, all those seats would be filled on this sunny Saturday.

  And hopefully every day after this.

  Jaemus knew how much work had gone into creating the new trading post. The results were tremendous with the artsy shop and all its unique wares, including jewelry handmade by Nika herself, the quaint attached restaurant that Rosie’s niece was managing, and the History of the Wolf mini-museum folks walked through before getting funneled into the theater area which had open sides with a roof to allow for rain or shine performances.

  Brandy and her partner, Parker, had contributed information and exhibit ideas for the museum along with a little advertising for Silver Moon Wolf Sanctuary. Nika had jumped on the idea when Dylan suggested it.

  “You know what, kid? That’s a great idea. We wouldn’t be here today if some nice wolves didn’t help us out.” She’d ruffled the lad’s hair then given him a big hug, making Jaemus instantly picture her embracing a child of their own. He couldn’t wait for that day to come. Neither could Nika. They’d set a wedding date for late July with the ceremony taking place right in the new theater, but they’d been trying to get pregnant.

  Actively.

  And what fun that was.

  Jaemus had gotten to know every delectable square inch of Nika’s extraordinary body, and even now, standing amongst the excited guests, he made plans to love her thoroughly tonight.

  “Doggie!” A lass of about four tugged her mother over to Jaemus. “Mommy, isn’t he pretty?”

  Pretty?

  “He definitely is pretty.” Nika came over to stand beside him, the definition of pretty herself in a long lavender dress, her chestnut hair straightened today and falling softly about her face. “And you know what he loves?”

  Sexy trading post owners.

  Letting him know she’d heard him, she gave him a sideways glance and elbowed him in the ribs, a beautiful grin on that mouth that only this morning had brought him ridiculous pleasure. Nika was thinking the same thing. He could hear it in her head, but her pale green gaze also dropped down to his torn jean shorts before focusing back on the little girl.

  “What does he love?” the lass asked, hopping from one foot to the other.

  “This.” Nika reached up and scratched Jaemus behind the ear.

  The girl giggled and her mother laughed as he let his tongue loll out of his mouth and made appreciative snuffling noises. When he pushed his nose into Nika’s cheek, the lass squealed.

  “I want a doggie kiss too!”

  Nika looked to the mother. “Is it okay if my Wolfman gives her a kiss?”

  “Fine with me.”

  Jaemus didn’t miss how the other woman’s gaze coasted over the muscles of his chest.

  Nika didn’t miss it either, but she took the little girl’s hand and led her closer to him. “He might get you a little wet. He’s kind of sloppy when he kisses.”

  Jaemus put his clawed hands on his hips then pretended to wipe his mouth on Nika’s dress. She batted him away with one hand, still holding onto the girl with the other.

  “That really is an amazing costume,” the mother said. “So realistic.”

  “Oh, our Wolfman is gifted. Very professional. Only the best for the new Maple Ridge Trading Post, right, Wolfman?”

  He nodded vigorously, making the lass and her mother laugh again.

  “Okay, first you have to hold out your hand,” Nika said to the girl. “Like this.” She held out hers toward Jaemus. “Then you say, ‘Hello, Mr. Wolfman, my name is Nika and I’d like a kiss.’”

  Jaemus took her hand in his clawed one, shook it gently, then leaned forward to nuzzle her cheek.

  “Now you try.” Nika nudged the girl toward him.

  A little hand stretched up to him. “Hello, Mr. Wolfman, my name is Emily and I’d like a kiss, please.”

  Jaemus stuck one long, crooked finger out for her to shake, afraid that he’d crush her tiny hand if he gripped it with his. She wrapped her fingers around his, her shoulders hunched up to her ears as she laughed. The twin pigtails of red hair that bounced on either side of her head made him instantly hope their first child was a lass. A little angel that looked like Nika.

  He sniffed at her right pigtail and she grabbed at her hair, trying to keep it away from him. When he batted a wolfman hand at the left pigtail, the lass nearly doubled over with her giggles. Finally, he pushed his nose into her small cheek, letting her pet his muzzle before he backed away.

  “Oh, Emily,” her mother said as the child threw herself into the woman’s arms. “Wait until Daddy hears a wild doggie kissed you.”

  “Daddy likes cats,” Emily said, wiggling in her mother’s hold.

  Jaemus wagged a finger and shook his head.

  “No cat people here,” Nika said. “Just doggie folk.”

  Keep calling me a doggie, sprite, he warned as he sniffed her hair.

  Nika chuckled, pushing him away slightly. What, doggies are a woman’s best friend. Don’t you want to be friends with me?

  He growled low in his throat, earning a look from Emily’s mother before Nika edged them toward the trading post.

  “Bye, doggie!” Emily called.

  Jaemus gave her a wave then continued his antics with the other guests. He caught sight of Meredith serving lemonade and cookies at a table she’d set up by the front door. Dylan and Daisy were playing catch with a few kids on a grassy patch to the left of the parking lot. He assumed Carrie and a few other teen employees they’d hired were hard at work inside the post, ringing up customers’ purchases because everyone who exited the shop carried a Maple Ridge Trading Post bag.

  A full one.

  This is what a life should be. He finally had it all. A home. A family that included his brother and a pack of real wolves who wer
e as loyal as any men. Maybe more so. A non-brutal way of making money.

  And, most of all, the love of a soul mate.

  Enjoy, warrior wolf.

  I plan to, Flidae, he thought. Thank you.

  Opening day flew by in a flurry of activity. The new Wolfman Show was a huge hit according to the roar of the audience as Jaemus, Red, and Hunty did their thing. If someone had told him that being a wolfman would be fun when he’d first found out he’d been turned, he would have bitten that person’s head clean off.

  But now he knew that a man could be both human and wolf and have everything he’d ever wanted in life and more.

  Shaking his head, he made his way from the theater to the post after his sweep to make sure all the guests were indeed gone. He had plans to make celebratory love to his fiancée after a successful first day.

  As he approached the back door of the post to collect Nika, however, a dark shape leaning against the building caught his attention.

  “We’re closed for the night, friend,” he said. “We’ll be open at nine tomorrow morning though.”

  “Are you the Wolfman?” a gruff voice asked.

  “Aye.” Now Jaemus’s senses kicked into full alert mode. He sniffed the crisp night air and took in the man’s faded blue jeans, black boots, and black leather jacket. With a close-shaven head and a ring of brown stubble around his mouth and jaw, the man didn’t look familiar.

  But he smells familiar.

  As I should, cousin.

  Jaemus shot his gaze to the man’s crystal blue eyes. “Kole?”

  “Aye.” He gestured to a lone motorcycle in the parking lot behind them. “Been riding across this land. Heard tale of this.” He reached into a pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper—The Wolfman Show flyer. “Figured even if it wasn’t one of you, but just costuming, it’d be something to see.” He glanced past Jaemus to the theater. “And it was. You’re either a madman or a genius, Jaemus. Prancing around in the open, all fangs and claws.”

  Kole McMannus’s voice was good-humored, but the tight set of his jaw told a different story.