Kin Selection (A Shifter’s Claim Book 1)

by L. B. Gilbert

  Not again.

  He and Denise had liberated some dogs from a research facility in Kentucky a few days ago. The place’s animal abuse records had been wiped by the authorities, giving the staff free rein to continue their abhorrent practices.

  They had only planned to take the dogs, but when Denise had seen the rabbits, he’d sighed, knowing he was going to end up having to make more room in the van.

  And now, thanks to Oliver, the baker’s dozen of fuzzy bunnies they’d brought back was one short…

  At least this time, the kid had tucked the remains out of sight. Knowing cubs the way he did, Yogi figured he’d probably find the bones under the house. At least, that was where he had found them the last time.

  On the bright side, there was no trail of blood leading to the body. Some of my lessons must be sinking in.

  Unfortunately, Denise’s weren’t. She had tearfully lectured Oliver on the importance of not eating the rescue animals. However, there was only so much tofu and soy crap a wolf cub could eat. Eventually, instinct won out.

  Of course, there had only been three rabbits last time. Maybe Denise wouldn’t notice one was missing if Yogi released them quickly enough. In the meantime, he would keep her busy. Yogi had become more than adept at distracting his mate.

  When his friends teased him for rescuing the animals they would normally eat, Yogi shrugged their jeers off. It made Denise happy. That was all that mattered.

  He went into the kitchen and started on some pancakes. By the time Denise woke, Oliver had torn through an entire stack and was working on round two.

  “Did you save any for me?”

  He smiled at his mate as she came out of the bedroom. Meeting her halfway, he gave her a good morning kiss. “Of course, but I had to hide them from Oliver. Your pancakes are in the oven.”

  “Mmm, pancakes…I’m just going to check on the rabbits first.”

  Shooting Oliver a black look behind Denise’s back, Yogi followed her out to the garage.

  “Babe, don’t you want to eat now before your food gets cold?”

  “Uh, yeah…wait, weren’t there thirteen rabbits?”

  Yogi feigned confusion. “Naw, I don’t think so.”

  “But…”

  “Come back to the kitchen,” he said, holding out his hand. “We’ve been so busy ever since we expanded to two teams. You should sit, put your feet up. I got that Canadian maple syrup you like…”

  Hunger won over curiosity. “That does sound good. I could eat a horse,” she said, walking in and settling at the kitchen table. She sniffed appreciatively. “I don’t know what’s with my appetite lately. I practically ate my weight in waffles yesterday.”

  Yogi added an extra pancake to the pile as she began to eat. A growing Were cub needed a lot of calories.

  She paused with the fork halfway to her mouth. “Are you sure there weren’t thirteen rabbits?”

  “Pretty sure.”

  Denise narrowed her eyes. She turned to their guest. “Oliver, did you go see the bunnies today?”

  Oliver beamed at her, but said nothing.

  “Babe,” Yogi prodded, waving the syrup bottle at her.

  Denise ignored him. “Oliver, sweetie,” she began, standing up.

  “You’re pregnant,” Yogi blurted.

  Denise stared at him, eyes wide. After a minute, she blinked. “Oliver ate the rabbit, didn’t he?”

  Damn. “Yes. Yes, he did.”

  She put her hands on her stomach. “I’m really pregnant?”

  It was too early to tell with a human test, but a Were’s nose was infallible when it came to this sort of thing. “Yes, sweetheart, you are.”

  Denise nodded as if that made sense, but then she wrinkled her nose. “I’m going to want steak now, aren’t I?”

  “Don’t worry. I stocked up last night. I got some really choice ribeye and four filet mignons just for you.”

  She stayed still and quiet for a little too long. “Can I have one now?”

  He released a pent-up breath he hadn’t been aware of holding. This was going way better than he’d thought it would. “Steak and pancakes, coming up.”

  Denise smiled and took a shaky breath. She held out her arms and Oliver scooted into the next chair, cuddling into her.

  Yogi took the steak out of the fridge, sneaking a peek at the picture the pair made. His little family, and it was already growing. A small, insecure voice told him he didn’t deserve to be this happy, but he wasn’t stupid enough to reject the gifts he’d been given. Quite unexpectedly, he’d found not just a purpose in life, but love as well.

  “Yogi?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Can you make that steak rare?”

  He grinned. “Coming right up.”

  The End

  Explore more with Fire: book one of the award-winning Elementals Series.

  Afterword

  If you liked this book go to the download page and leave a review! Every good review helps. Thank you!

  About the Author

  USA Today bestselling author L.B. Gilbert spent years getting degrees from the most prestigious universities in America, including a PhD that she is not using at all. She moved to France for work and found love. She’s married now and living in Toulouse with one adorable half-French baby.

  She has always enjoyed reading books as far from her reality as possible but eventually the voices in her head told her to write her own. And so far, the voices are enjoying them.

  If you like a little more steam with your Fire, check out the author’s Lucy Leroux titles

  Read More from L.B. Gilbert’s steamy alter ego Lucy Leroux

  www.authorlucyleroux.com

  or keep up with her clean releases

  www.elementalauthor.com

  Books by L.B. Gilbert

  Fire

  The Elementals Book One, A Readers’ Favorite Silver Medalist

  A kick-ass heroine with pyrokinetic abilities and a license to kill. Enter Alec...vampire, scholar, and worst of all—fan. What could possibly go wrong?

  Diana, the fire Elemental, is nearly burned out. Tired of traveling the world and losing innocent lives, she's slowly slipping into a depression that may consume her. But when she discovers that a child's life is in danger, she feels compelled to help. However, teaming up with one of the most powerful vampires in North America is the last thing she wants to do.

  Academic scion, Alec Broussard prefers his studies over the opulent and vicious lifestyles of vampires. And when he learns of another missing child, Alec can't shake the suspicion that his coven may be to blame. Joining forces with an Elemental may be his only hope to save the child and clear his coven’s name.

  As Diana and Alec work together to save the children, they must relinquish their prejudices and trust one another. In time, Alec is wearing down the walls around her. But just when their friendship intensifies, Alec's future is threatened. Now, it's up to Diana to save him before it's too late. Can this Elemental find the fire within her to protect him once and for all?

  Air

  The Elementals Book Two, A Readers’ Favorite Silver Medalist

  Despite being the junior Elemental, Logan’s never had to worry about failing a mission before. Not until an overgrown and annoyingly attractive shifter comes along.

  Being an Elemental is in Logan’s blood. Hers is the gift of Air, a vast power she’s still struggling to control. Then a Were named Connell hunts her down. His wolf is missing, and he blames her.

  A den of werewolves is the last place Logan wants to be. The testosterone alone is enough to make her choke. But she has a mystery to solve. She will find out who is stealing wolves even if kills her.

  Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the enemy has planned…

  Kin Selection

  A Shifter’s Claim Novella

  Animal activist Deena Hammond had no idea the wolf cub she just rescued is a shifter—not until the Werewolf sent to recover him kidnaps her.

  Savi
ng a wolf cub from an animal testing facility changes everything for Deena Hammond, a feisty and dedicated animal activist. Determined to protect the innocent animal, Deena's shocked when the cub shifts into a small toddler right before her eyes.

  Bound by honor to keep their existence a secret, Yogi, a wolf shifter, kidnaps Deena and brings her back to the cub's family. Knowing a hellion with curves likes hers is the ultimate temptation for the other males in his pack, Yogi stays close to Deena, fighting to keep his desire for her under control. But she just might ignite the animal within him.

  Discordia

  An Elementals Prequel Short

  Part of the Elemental’s Box Set

  Fire Elemental Diana’s first solo mission is a disappointing one—stop a pack of carrion-eating fae from eating tourists in the Everglades. But then a Greek God’s relic complicates her simple case.

  Writing as Lucy Leroux

  Making Her His

  A Singular Obsession Novel, Book One #1 Amazon Erotic Suspense Bestseller Feb 2016 & A Readers' Favorite Finalist SIZZLE CATEGORY

  For almost five years, Alex has had one obsession. Her name is Elynn.

  Alex Hanas couldn't believe that after so many years as a widower, his father was getting remarried. To make matters worse, the American gold digger had a kid—a daughter named Elynn. After months of avoiding it, Alex goes to brunch with every intention of giving his father's new family the deep freeze. But he can't pull it off with Elynn's anxious green-grey eyes locked on him.

  That was the day his life changed.

  Four years later, Alex is as close to Elynn as a stepbrother can be. But that's not enough for him. He wants more...and he's done waiting.

  Confiscating Charlie

  A Singular Obsession Novelette, Book 1.5, Available Now

  Noah Masters is looking for his future. He never expected it to find it in her.

  After After crashing and burning his racing career Noah Masters has to figure out what to do with his life. His cousin Alex suggests he find a way to channel his creative energy in a way that doesn’t involve him putting his life in danger.

  Then Noah meets his step-mother’s teenage sister Charlie, and he finds he doesn’t have to risk his life to find his future—he just has to risk his heart.

  Free on Most Online Retailers

  Calen’s Captive

  A Singular Obsession, Book Two, Available Now

  Calen is a good man from a bad family, but when the girl of his dreams falls in his lap can he do the right thing and let her go?

  Calen is the son of an Irish mobster, but he’s rejected his legacy and has made a name for himself as a club owner. After years of hard work, he has the life he’s always wanted. Almost.

  Then his father asks him to take a meeting with a rival crew. It’s too important to say no. Reluctantly, he drives out to the middle of nowhere to meet them. There to negotiate for reparations, he sees an innocent girl being held against her will—someone who looks very familiar.

  Unwilling to leave the girl to a fate worse than death, he demands she be included as part of the deal. Maia is forced to stay with Calen for her safety, but she soon finds out he has ulterior motives for protecting her.

  Stolen Angel

  A Singular Obsession, Book Three, Available Now

  Sergei Damov is in love with someone who isn’t interested in him, but he’s determined to change that.

  Sergei has pined for months, waiting for his assistant to turn around and see he’s the perfect man for her. But Ada only sees him as her boss. Until one night when they both have to work late and the office is deserted…

  It doesn’t happen right away, but soon Sergei has Ada right where he wants her—in his bed. Then demons from his past resurface, and he brutally pushes her away before the darkness inside him can consume them both.

  But Ada isn’t about to let herself be used. Soon she turns the tables on him and disappears, leaving a mystery in her wake. Why was Ada working under an assumed name? Not just with him, but at every job she ever held?

  Using every resource at his disposal, Sergei desperately searches for her, before the danger she’s running from catches up with her…and to try and heal the heart he shattered.

  The Roman’s Woman

  A Singular Obsession, Book Four, Available Now

  When Gio Morgese meets Sophia, he realizes the "nice guys finish last" adage might be true...and he's done coming in last.

  A well-ordered life and quiet existence is not working out in Gio’s favor. Less aggressive than his alpha male friends, he's led a circumspect life and married early to gain the domestic bliss he's always craved. But marriage to the wrong woman has ensured all of his plans blew up in his face.

  Perplexed and a little jealous, he watches from the sidelines as his closest friends succumb to love, giving up their playboy lifestyles for the family life he’s always wanted for himself. Aware that something has to change before he ends up bitter and alone, he resolves to let down some of the walls that went up after his divorce.

  Then he meets Sophia, a full-figured goddess completely unlike anyone he’s ever known. Against a backdrop of jealousy and deceit, Gio soon realizes that finding love is one thing. Holding onto to it is something else.

  Now he’s saying and doing things he’d never imagined he would do. But there are some things—and some women—worth fighting for.

  For Gio, the right woman is worth everything.

  Save Me

  A Singular Obsession, Book 4.5, Available Now

  He left to save himself, but ended up losing her…

  Two years ago Eric Tam left Las Vegas, his career in shambles. Now he’s rebuilt his life, but it’s conditional on one thing—he can’t go back. Until he gets the one phone call that changes everything. His former lover, the one he still dreams about, is in trouble with their mutual boss.

  It’s been years since Andie saw her first love, Eric. And she definitely doesn’t want to see him now, not when her life is a complete mess. But unlike Eric once did, her problems aren’t going away. She’s trusted the wrong people. Soon it becomes clear it’s not just her job on the line. It’s her life…

  Take Me

  A Singular Obsession Prequel Novella, Available Now

  FBI agent Jason White has found his dream girl in Maggie Tyler. The only problem…she may be a criminal.

  How to land the girl of your dreams:

  Step One: Spill hot coffee all over her.

  Step Two: Accidentally touch her inappropriately while trying to clean the coffee.

  Step Three: Convince her to go out with you anyway.

  Step Four: Woo her with ice skating and vintage Street Fighter games.

  Step Five: Drag her downtown and accuse her of breaking the law.

  *For instruction on how to lose the girl of your dreams see step five above.

  Take Me is a standalone prequel novella in the Singular Obsession series. It takes place before the events of Calen’s Captive, A Singular Obsession Book Two, but can be read at any point in the series.

  Trick’s Trap

  A Singular Obsession, Book Five, Coming Soon

  She's a gamble he's willing to take.

  When world-class poker player Patrick Tyler meets his match, Tahlia, in an underground game, he's immediately drawn to her swift talent and striking beauty. But it’s not long after their meeting that she mysteriously disappears. With nothing but a bloody crime scene as a clue to her whereabouts, she’s presumed dead.

  Or so he thought...

  A chance encounter changes everything.

  Alone, afraid, and homeless, Tahlia needs Patrick now more than ever. Feeling compelled to help, he throws her a much-needed lifeline--a lady's choice card game. When Tahlia’s family finds out Patrick’s plans, they will stop at nothing to get their hands on her. Will Tahlia be able to protect him from her family or will this game of high stakes end in the most devastating loss?

  Cursed

  A Spellbound Regency
Novel, Available Now

  Isobel Sterling is a governess with a lot of secrets—including an uncanny ability she's been hiding her whole life. Until the day arrives when she has to use it to save herself from a madman. But first she has to master it. Fast.

  Governess Isobel Sterling feels fortunate to have found a safe haven in the Montgomery household. The children are kind and The Lord and Lady of the house leave her alone. Her life is as good as it can get, until the day mysterious visitors arrive from abroad.

  At first Isobel is flattered by the single-minded attention she receives from their handsome young guest, Matteo Garibaldi. At least she is until girls in the village begin to disappear. Isobel has a terrible suspicion that the disappearances are linked to the darkness she can see growing behind Matteo's eyes. Filled with dread she does everything possible to avoid his company—until she is locked in with him for the night