Kye's Heart

Roxie's Protectors - 5

by

Marisa Chenery

Chapter One

The gates at the end of Roxie and Beowulf’s long, curving drive swung open and Kye drove his French racing blue Jaguar XKR-S coupe through them. It was the middle of the morning, and his turn to watch over Roxie and her family. Now that her baby was born, the overnight protection duty had stopped. No longer pregnant, Roxie could once again shift, which meant in her half human and half wolf form, she was a force to be reckoned with.

Kye parked in front of the large detached garage, next to Dirk’s car. His brother-in-arms had arrived much earlier, which was his norm. Dirk and Roxie would probably already be holed up in her office doing something Kye didn’t understand on the computer. That was, if Roxie wasn’t busy with her new daughter, Nevaeh.

After getting out of his car, Kye pushed the remote to lock it. He smiled when he thought about Roxie and Beowulf’s baby. Being over a thousand years old, and the majority of that time living with the rest of the Protectors, he hadn’t had much opportunity to be around little ones. Nevaeh was only three months old, and every time he held her, he felt as if he’d break her. But he had to admit, the little squirt was growing on him.

Walking right into the house, Kye decided to check upstairs. He didn’t hear anyone moving around on the lower level. He took the stairs two at a time and headed for Roxie’s office. The only one inside was Dirk, who looked away from the computer he worked on, once he noticed Kye standing just inside the doorway.

“Where is everyone?” he asked.

Dirk turned the steno chair he sat on to face him. “Roxie is in Nevaeh’s room changing her. Beowulf is out in the backyard having his coffee.”

Kye jerked his head in Dirk’s direction. “I see you’re busy doing whatever the hell it is you do on that damn thing. You and Roxie always seem preoccupied with something that involves the computer. Yet you never say what it is you’re working on.”

Dirk smiled. “You’ll find out soon enough. It just took a while to set up and get rolling.”

He shrugged. “Whatever. I’m sure it’s something I won’t understand. I guess I have to look forward to another day of sitting in here with you two, bored out of my fucking head.”

“I don’t think so,” Dirk said with a knowing smile. “Roxie has thought of something else for you to do.”

Kye wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that. “And what would that be exactly?”

His brother-in-arms chuckled. “I think it would be better if you go ask Roxie yourself.”

Deciding to do just that, he left the office and walked down the hall to the baby’s room. He found Roxie had just finished changing Nevaeh’s diaper. The task done, she lifted her daughter onto her shoulder and turned in his direction.

“Good, you’re here,” Roxie said.

“Dirk said you had something else you wanted me to do today.”

“I do.”

Roxie closed the distance between them and placed Nevaeh in his arms. Kye automatically stiffened, afraid to move in case he hurt her.

“Ah,” he said hesitantly, “what would that be?”

He glanced down at the baby to find her staring up at him. She had the same ice blue eyes her father had, along with his black hair. What she had of it. Kye thought she was pretty bald. In looks, she took after her mother.

“As of today, you are to be Nevaeh’s sole Protector.”

Kye’s gaze shot to Roxie. “What?”

“Saskia and I discussed it, and we decided you will have the sole responsibility of protecting my daughter.”

“Won’t that be spreading the others kind of thin? There are supposed to be two of us watching over you with each shift.”

“That was another thing Saskia and I talked about. Miles is no longer the threat he once was. He still thinks Jaden is the foretold one. And from what Saskia says, her brother loves his daughter. He won’t make a move against her. He still hasn’t a clue about me really being the one to rule over all the werewolf packs.”

Jaden, the mate to Leif, another of his brothers-in-arms, had pretended to be the foretold one when her father, Miles, had taken Leif as a hostage. Since Miles had never seen Roxie, Jaden had taken her place. Finding out he had a daughter he’d never known existed had caused Miles to have a change of heart about gaining control over the foretold one. He’d wanted to use her as a figurehead to rule the packs himself. Once a Protector and brother-in-arms, it was kind of nice to see Miles step back from the dark side.

“That might be the case now,” Kye said. “But we still need to be careful. Who knows what Miles will do if he ever finds out the truth.”

“We’ll make sure that never happens. Jaden is willing to keep up the charade indefinitely for her father, if need be. I still want you to be Nevaeh’s Protector.”

Kye looked down again at the baby in his arms. “All right, since I really don’t have any choice.” Roxie did rule over the packs, after all. “In a way, I’ll still be here to help protect you as well, since Nevaeh isn’t exactly able to go anywhere without you. The only problem I have with it—is I’ll be on duty all day, and most of the night every day. I’m going to need a break at some point.”

Roxie waved his concerns away with a flick of her hand. “Don’t worry about that. One of the others can spell you out for a bit if it starts to be too much, but you will take on the majority of the task. And you’ll still be here in the house most of the time, but I want you to take Nevaeh out alone.”

Kye gave her a look that said he thought she was crazy. “Ah, Rox, I know nothing at all about babies. You can’t expect me to look after her by myself.”

“I can and do. It will force you to get used to taking care of Nevaeh. And you will be taking care of her. Saskia and I think it’s important that you bond with the baby now, so she’ll feel safe and secure with you.” Roxie cleared her throat. “And it will give me a bit of a break from time to time.”

“So you want me to be a glorified babysitter?”

“Not really. Come on, Kye, it won’t be that bad. I’m not nursing her anymore, since I couldn’t produce enough milk to keep her fed, so she takes a bottle. That’s one hurdle we don’t have to worry about.”

To say he was uneasy about the whole situation was an understatement. What if he messed up? “You’re willing to put your only child in the hands of a man who could forget to feed and change her. Fuck, I don’t even know how to hold her properly.” He stretched out his arms to show her how stiffly he held Nevaeh.

Roxie glared at him. “No swearing in front of my daughter. You got that? I don’t want her first word to be a swear word. And you just need some practice is all. Plus, you don’t have to worry about those other things. Nevaeh will make sure you know when she needs to be changed or is hungry. She has a good set of lungs.” Roxie pushed back his arms and tucked the baby more firmly into the crook of the one she was nestled in, while his hand stayed under her bottom. “There. That’s better. Now put her up on your shoulder. She likes it.”

Feeling like a blundering idiot, Kye somehow managed to get the small person he held up on his shoulder. He winced when Nevaeh grabbed a handful of his hair that just reached the top of his shoulders and gave it a good yank. He then heard sucking noises.

“Is she sucking on my hair?” he asked horrified.

Roxie laughed. “You should see your face. And, yes, she is. You might want to consider pulling it back in a ponytail. Beowulf has gotten in the habit of doing it whenever he’s going to hold her.”

He winced again as Roxie untangled his hair from the baby’s fist. “So this is what you have planned for me today? To learn how to take care of Nevaeh?”

“That, and I want you to take her to the zoo.”

Kye scowled. “Why the hell would I do that? She’s only three months old, for Christ’s sake. What the fuck would she get out of it? Ouch!” Roxie had smacked him on the side of his head.

“I told you to watch the swearing. She might not be an active participant, but she is a werewolf.”

“So? I’m a werewolf too, and I’ve never been to a zoo.”

“I want her to be comfortable with her wolf side. I want her to learn about other animals and nature. And if you haven’t, then this should be a new experience for you as well.”

He rolled his eyes. “God, you can tell how young you are with all that touchy feely crap. Back when I was your age, I swung a sword, fighting on battlefields.”

“Good for you,” she said sarcastically. “I still want you to take Nevaeh to the zoo today. It’s nice out, and not too hot. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.”

“I doubt it,” he said under his breath. By the scowl Roxie gave him, he knew she’d heard him. He breathed a deep sigh. “Fine, I’ll go, but I don’t want to push her in a stroller. That thing is nothing but a pain in the ass.”

“Then don’t take it. I have a baby sling. You can wear it across your chest. Nevaeh likes being carried in it.”

In no time, Kye found himself being given a quick lesson on how to change a diaper and how to heat a bottle of formula. Before he was practically shoved out the door, carrying Nevaeh in her infant car seat, he was given the aforementioned baby sling and a diaper bag. Jesus, he’d never known how much stuff went along with a baby until Roxie had had her daughter. It seemed as if he almost took the whole house with him when he left.

Promising to return in a couple of hours, Kye strapped the car seat into the back of his Jaguar. He got into the driver’s side and started the engine. As he drove to the San Francisco Zoo, he kept checking his rearview mirror, looking in the baby’s direction. He could only see the back of the car seat, since it was strapped in facing the rear. So far, Nevaeh was quiet, which he hoped like hell would continue for the entire time he was out with her.

Arriving at the zoo, he parked the car and got out. Since his was a two-door, he had to flip his seat forward to get to the baby. Kye took the seatbelt off the car seat and turned it so it faced him. Nevaeh was asleep. He smiled. She looked as cute as a button. He took out the sling and put it on the way Roxie had showed him. Then carefully, he unstrapped the infant and picked her up. He felt awkward as he placed her inside the baby carrier. She squirmed and whimpered a bit but settled once he rocked her for a few seconds. Before he locked the Jaguar, he took out the diaper bag and slung it over his shoulder.

Still thinking this was a stupid idea, Kye walked toward the zoo’s entrance. Whoever heard of taking a baby to a place like this? It would’ve been better to wait until she was at least a year old. Right now, he would be the only one who would get anything out of this trip, if he actually did. He wasn’t sure if it would’ve been better to sit bored, watching Roxie and Dirk on the computer all day.

Kye paid the fifteen dollar admission for himself, and wouldn’t you know it, the baby was free. Of course she was, since the zoo knew infants and children under four really wouldn’t pay much attention to the things around them, just as he’d told Roxie. Looking at the brochure he’d been given, he ran his finger down the list of animals on exhibit. There wasn’t a damn wolf on it anywhere. Figured. There were lions and tigers, but no wolves.

He walked farther into the zoo, heading to the first group of exhibits. His nose twitched as he detected all the different animal scents in the air. They just about overrode everything else. Some of them he didn’t even recognize.

Kye meandered from exhibit to exhibit. He had to admit, some of the animals he saw were interesting. He particularly liked the polar bears, watching them dive into the water of their enclosure. Probably forty-five minutes had gone by when Nevaeh woke up. She squirmed inside her carrier, grunting. He stopped and looked at her. The baby made a loud sucking sound as she crammed her tiny fist into her mouth. Since she didn’t seem upset, he continued on his way.

Another five minutes passed before the baby whimpered as she sucked even harder on her fingers. Kye looked around for a bench to sit on. There wasn’t one in the general vicinity, so he kept walking, hoping one was around the farther he went. Once he found what he looked for, then Nevaeh’s whimpers turned into full-fledged cries. And she’d completely given up on sucking her hand.

Feeling a bit desperate, Kye sat, pulled Nevaeh out of the carrier and held her against his chest. He put the diaper bag down beside him and opened it. He pulled out what Roxie had called an “on-the-go” bottle warmer and unzipped the smaller container. By now the baby’s cries were almost ear-shattering to his sensitive hearing.

He noticed Nevaeh’s wails of unhappiness had drawn the stares of the other people visiting the zoo. Not liking it, Kye put the warmer down and patted the baby’s back as Roxie had shown him. That seemed to quiet her a bit. He stopped the motion and went to reach for the bottle, which set Nevaeh off again.

“You look as if you need some help.” The woman’s voice came from a spot close to him.

Without looking up from where he reached, Kye said, “I need to get the bottle out of this warmer, but Nevaeh isn’t cooperating with me.”

“Here, let me.”

A figure moved in front of him, blocking the sun. As her fingers brushed his, he filtered her scent from the stronger animal ones around him. It hit him like a ton of bricks. His head jerked up as his cock went instantly hard, straining against the front of his jeans as his mating urge kicked in. Kye had to bite back a growl of need when he looked into the face of his would-be mate.

She was pretty in a cute way. She smiled, showing even white teeth as she returned his stare, her light blue eyes friendly. Her long, straight black hair had been pulled back into a high ponytail. He ran his gaze over her body when she straightened with the bottle in hand. It was hard to tell what it looked like underneath the zoo’s uniform she wore, but from what he could see of her arms not covered by her short-sleeved shirt, they were slim and toned. He assumed the rest of her was as well. But the only way to be sure was for him to strip her out of her clothes, which his fingers itched to do. The baby let out a loud wail, breaking some of the sexual haze that had descended over him.

His would-be mate held out the bottle. “I think you’d better feed her.”

He nodded as he clumsily settled Nevaeh in the crook of his arm. He reached for it, his fingers once again brushing hers, causing his cock to jerk. “Thanks.” He placed the nipple against Nevaeh’s lips. She opened her mouth and greedily latched onto it.

“Is this the first time you’ve been out with your daughter since she was born?”

Kye’s head snapped up. “She’s not my daughter. I’m her Pro…uncle.”

“So you’re babysitting,” she said.

“You could say that.” At that moment, Nevaeh decided to squirm against him, and what sounded like rolling thunder emanated from her diaper, along with the sound of something Kye did not in a million years, want to handle.

Some of what he felt must have shown on his face, because his would-be mate laughed. “Why do I get the feeling you’ve never changed a diaper before?”

He looked at the baby, then jerked his head away as a foul odor hit him, making him wish he didn’t have a werewolf’s acute sense of smell. “Oh, Nevaeh.” She continued to contentedly suck on her bottle as if there weren’t a stinky mess in her drawers. Kye lifted his gaze to the woman in front of him and answered her question. “Because I haven’t.” The idea of having to deal with his first diaper changing horrified him.

It also cooled his libido somewhat, even though the mating urge was still there, unable to be ignored. Kye felt pulled in two different directions. He wanted to be with the one who was meant to be his, but Nevaeh was his responsibility. He opened his mouth to say something that would prevent his would-be mate from walking away when she beat him to it.

“How about I take pity on you and help you with that too? There’s an office close by we can use.”

He nodded and smiled. “Thanks, I’d appreciate that.”

Her gaze seemed to latch onto his mouth, making Kye wish they weren’t in such a public place, or that he didn’t hold a baby in his arms. As she stared at him, he took the opportunity to run his gaze over her face, wanting nothing more than to taste her kissable lips. He wanted to see if she’d moan into his mouth as he explored her, or use his hair to pull him closer, becoming more of the aggressor.

At a sound that was a cross between a moan and sigh, Kye lifted his gaze to her eyes and saw her pupils had dilated. There was also a slight flush across her cheeks. He took a deep breath and detected the subtle scent of her arousal. He ground his teeth to hold back a wolf’s howl that built inside him.

She gave herself a small shake, as if to break the spell between them. She cleared her throat. “Ah, if you want to come with me, I’ll take you to that office.”

He nodded and pulled the bottle out of Nevaeh’s mouth, only long enough to sling the diaper bag over his shoulder, then stood. “I’m Kye, by the way.”

“I’m Michaela.”

Falling into step with Michaela, Kye prayed she wouldn’t look down and see the raging hard-on he had. Having her think he was some kind of perv was not how he wanted to start things off with her.

Chapter Two

Michaela felt her heart thudding against her ribs. Her blood still rushed hotly through her veins after that hungry look he’d given her. Her pussy clenched at the thought of it. She shot a glance at Kye from the corner of her eye as he walked beside her. He was gorgeous, the type of man she could stare at all day. He had male supermodel good-looks that would draw women in droves. At five-foot-eight, she considered herself to be tall for a woman, but he made her feel small. If she had to, she guessed his height to be six-foot-four. Sitting down, he’d looked big with his well-muscled body, but with the extra eight inches he had on her, he came across as even bigger.

“So what do you do here at the zoo?” Kye asked, bringing her back to reality.

“I’m one of the animal keepers.”

“You help take care of all of them, or just certain species?”

“I go where I’m needed.”

“Then you mustn’t be afraid to be around large wildlife.”

Michaela turned her head to look at Kye. He stared at her intently as if he waited to hear what her reply would be. “No, I’m not afraid of them. I find them all beautiful, especially the big cats. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing what I do.” Something she said must have been what he’d wanted to hear, because he gave her a smile that turned him from gorgeous to a mouthwatering hunk she couldn’t look away from.

Finally able to pry her gaze off Kye, Michaela walked beside him in silence, but she was more than aware of his presence. First seeing him holding the small baby, she’d thought for sure he was married. She hated to admit how glad she was when she’d found out he was only Nevaeh’s uncle. There was still a chance he was taken, but given how he’d looked at her, she had high hopes he’d be single.

At the office door, Michaela opened it and allowed Kye to walk in ahead of her. She shut it behind her once she stepped inside. She pointed to the couch in the corner. “You can use that to change her.”

“Okay.”

Kye walked past to where she had indicated. Michaela had to hide a smile behind her hand as his gaze shifted from the baby to the couch, looking none too sure of himself. He pulled the now empty bottle from Nevaeh’s mouth and stuck it in the open diaper bag. He knelt, then laid Nevaeh down. Keeping one hand on her, he rifled through the bag and took out everything he needed to do a diaper change.

The poor man appeared to be a bit shell-shocked, looking as if he really had no idea where to start. Michaela crossed the room and squatted beside Kye. “Put the changing pad under her, then you can take her pants off.”

He nodded and did what she said. After getting Nevaeh down to her diaper, Michaela heard Kye say under his breath, as if to himself, “You can do this. You’ve faced worse things.”

She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing at his pep talk. With a deep breath, he reached for the tabs and quickly tugged them open. Gingerly, he pulled down the front of the diaper.

Kye just about gagged and looked away. “Roxie is going to owe me big time for this,” he said. “This was her bright idea.”

Michaela’s hopes sank a bit at the sound of another woman’s name. “Roxie? Is she your girlfriend?”

He snorted. “No, I don’t have one. She’s Nevaeh’s mother, and the person who talked me into taking her daughter to the zoo by myself. Roxie thought it would help me bond with the baby.”

Her hopes flared once more. “So Roxie is your sister then?”

“Again, no. Nor is she my sister-in-law. I’m not Nevaeh’s uncle by blood or marriage. I guess you could say I’m a very close friend to her mother and father.”

“Ah, I see. Well, Roxie isn’t here to do this, so can I suggest you grab the baby wipes and get to work?”

Kye gave her a pleading look. “Do you think you could do it for me?”

Michaela laughed. “No. Nevaeh is your responsibility, not mine. My job is to clean up after the animals here, not change a baby’s dirty diaper.”

He gave her a lopsided grin that almost had her leaning in to kiss him senseless. “Oh well,” he said. “It was worth a shot.”

With a big production of almost gagging and bemoaning his fate, Kye managed to change the diaper. The only help she gave was to point out he’d put the new one on a bit loose. Finished, he picked up Nevaeh and stood. Michaela rose with him and watched as he lifted the baby to his shoulder to burp her. A few good taps and he brought up a good one, along with something extra. She struggled to maintain a straight face, but it was a losing battle when Kye shifted the baby to the crook of his arm and looked at his shoulder in disgust.

“Great,” he said. “Now I smell like puke. If something isn’t coming out of one end, it’s coming out the other. Roxie made sure I brought a change of clothes for Nevaeh, but I don’t have an extra shirt for me. And I don’t want to walk around with spit up on my shoulder for the rest of the time I’m here.”

Michaela couldn’t help it, she laughed. At the stern look Kye gave her, she laughed even harder. After she collected herself, she said, “I’m sorry. Really, I am.”

“I’m glad someone can find the humor in this,” he huffed.

“The gift shop sells t-shirts. I’m sure there will be one in your size.”

“Good idea. Here, hold Nevaeh.”

Kye passed her the infant, slipped off the baby sling, then tore his soiled dark gray t-shirt off over his head. She felt her jaw drop as she took in the wide expanse of his bared chest. It was thickly padded with well-defined muscles, same with his washboard abs. She’d only seen a male body like this in ads, or on romance book covers. Running her gaze over every hard-muscled inch of Kye’s upper body, Michaela yearned to touch him. To trace him with her fingers, lips and tongue. Her nipples hardened to tight buds and her pussy grew wet as she thought of what it would be like to be given free rein over his body. To do whatever she wanted to him.

A small noise that sounded awfully like an animal-type growl had her lifting her gaze to Kye’s face. The heat she’d seen in his eyes before had returned. Hers narrowed slightly when she thought for a brief second that Kye’s mutedly glowed. But that couldn’t be right. She soon became lost in his hungry gaze, everything else not really mattering, except for the way he stared at her. Her pussy clenched with the need that thrummed through her, and she took a step closer to Kye.

“Ah hell,” he said, his voice a low, husky growl.

He closed more of the space between their lips and cupped her face in his large hands. He tipped her head up and brought his mouth down on hers. He slanted his more firmly to get a tighter fit while his tongue licked along the seam, as if asking her to open for him. Michaela didn’t hesitate. She softly moaned as he slipped inside, tasting her, pushing her arousal to even greater heights. He kissed her as if he wouldn’t survive his next breath without her.

She took a step nearer, wanting to be closer to Kye, her body aching for his, but the baby she held in her arms protested, letting out a small whimper. The sound brought her up short, and Kye abruptly broke away from her and dropped his hands to his sides.

Michaela watched his chest rapidly rise and fall as he panted for breath. She was no better off than him. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears and desire still had her in its grip. She wanted Kye—almost desperately. No man had ever turned her on to this degree with a single kiss. He hadn’t touched her intimately, and Michaela felt as if it wouldn’t take much else to push her over the edge into orgasm.

“I want to see you. Alone,” Kye said huskily. “After you’re done with work.”

She nodded. “You can come to my place.”

Michaela didn’t normally invite men she’d just met over to her apartment, but Kye was different. She didn’t want him to slip through her fingers. This instant attraction that had flared between them, she wanted to explore. She usually had a good sense about people, and she had a positive one about the man who stood in front of her. The way he was with Nevaeh, he couldn’t be that bad.

He gave her a curt nod. “I’ll be there around seven. Nevaeh should be asleep for the night by then. Just give me your address.”

She passed the baby back to Kye and turned to the desk behind her. She searched the top of it with her gaze until she found a scratch pad and pen. Michaela scribbled her address on the paper and tore the top sheet off. She then passed it to Kye, who crammed it into the front pocket of his jeans.

“Seven will be fine,” she said. “I guess I should take you to the gift shop for a new t-shirt, then get back to work.”

He nodded. “I’ve monopolized your time enough already. I don’t want to get you in trouble. I could always go there by myself.”

“It’s okay. I don’t think they’ll look too kindly on you going inside without a shirt on, anyway. Plus, it’s part of my job to help the visitors at the zoo.”

Kye shoved his dirty t-shirt into the diaper bag, then picked it up and the baby sling. He followed her out of the office. Once they arrived at the gift shop, he gave her some money for a new shirt and waited outside with the baby while she bought it. When she returned, she held Nevaeh only long enough for Kye to put on the black t-shirt that had the name of the zoo stenciled across it, in large gold lettering.

“I should get back to work,” Michaela said. “I’ll see you tonight.”

He looked as if he wanted to kiss her again, but she took a step back before she became too tempted to let him. Outside where anybody could see them, it wasn’t exactly the place to let herself get carried away. Being caught kissing one of the visitors to the zoo was more than likely a surefire way to lose her job, or at the very least be reprimanded. She liked doing what she did. Even though some people wouldn’t think cleaning cages and looking after animals was a dream job, it was hers. And as she’d told Kye, she loved working with the big cats.

Kye nodded. “And I should finish looking at some of the exhibits, then get Nevaeh home. Though I think I’ll be returning very soon, since I’ve now found something here I like.” He gave her a heated look, which set her heart pounding once more. “I’ll be at your place at seven sharp.”

Michaela watched Kye walk away. He now had the baby safely tucked in the sling across his chest. There was something about a man that large carrying such a small infant she found even more attractive. With a sigh, she turned and headed to her next task. She just hoped the hours wouldn’t drag on before she was able to see Kye again.

* * *

Kye spent another half hour looking at the animals. Nevaeh, now fed and changed, peacefully slept in the carrier. As he wandered, his thoughts kept going back to Michaela. He’d found his mate. And to think she worked at a zoo. The fact she was an animal keeper gave him high hopes she’d have an easier time of accepting him as a werewolf. She was used to being around wild animals, and had even said she loved the big cats. Well, his wolf wasn’t nearly as large as those beasts, and nowhere near as unpredictable, since he retained human thought in that form.

He took a deep breath and was still able to smell Michaela’s scent on his skin. The mating urge continued to ride him hard and would do so until he finally claimed her as his. Fully making love to her would cause their souls to join, cementing the mating bond between them. After that happened, they wouldn’t be able to stand being apart. One hour away would feel as if a month had gone by, and their minds would play tricks on them, making them think something bad had happened to the other. And once they came together again, depending on how long the separation was, it usually ended with explosive sex, the best way to reaffirm the bond. Having never been mated before, Kye had no such experience with any of it, but having watched his brothers-in-arms as well as his sister-in-arms go through their matings, he knew what to expect.

Before he left the zoo, Kye debated on whether or not to see if he could find Michaela one last time. But in the end, he decided not to torture himself. And it wasn’t as if he wouldn’t be seeing her later. When he did, then he could indulge in his need to touch and taste her. He might not be able to make love to her fully, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t strip her naked and make her come. Oral sex would more than likely ramp up his mating urge. Still, it was a price he was more than willing to pay.

After getting Nevaeh strapped into her car seat, Kye drove to Roxie and Beowulf’s place. The baby just started to fuss as he parked in front of the garage. He quickly got out and pushed his seat forward to gain access to the back. As he took Nevaeh out, he made a mental note to sell his two-door car and buy a four-door, once he had a baby of his own. That thought sort of brought him up short. The idea of him having kids had really never come up before now. But now that he’d met his mate, the chances were good that they were an eventuality.

Kye headed toward the house with Nevaeh. He shook his head. He was getting a little ahead of himself. Having Michaela accept him as her mate wasn’t exactly a foregone conclusion. He knew she was the one meant for him, his mating urge wouldn’t have kicked in otherwise, but she didn’t know he was hers. And her being a mortal, he’d have to tread carefully to win her over.

Once inside, Kye found Dirk in the kitchen with his head stuck in the fridge. That was one thing Kye loved about Roxie—she kept a well-stocked refrigerator and allowed them to eat whatever they wanted.

“Hey, Dirk,” he said as he put Nevaeh, still inside her car seat, on the kitchen table. “Is Roxie upstairs?” The baby fussed, slowly working herself into a cry. Kye unstrapped her and picked her up. She settled and stared at him with her big blue eyes.

Dirk closed the fridge and turned toward him. “Yeah, but Beowulf is with her, if you know what I mean.”

Kye rolled his eyes. “Have they been going at it the entire time I was gone?”

“No,” Dirk said with a laugh. “For a while, Roxie slept, and Beowulf and I hung out. It wasn’t until he decided to see if she were awake. When he didn’t come back downstairs, I figured they were making good use of their time alone together.”

That was the thing about mated couples, most of the time they could be found all over each other. It had never really bothered Kye in the past, but now that he’d met Michaela, it just made him long for her more. He wanted to be the one locked inside his bedroom making love to his mate.

“I guess this is what Roxie meant about getting ‘a break,’” he said a bit grumpily.

Dirk seemed to be giving him a closer look. “You look a little strained. Didn’t the trip to the zoo with Nevaeh go well? I have to say, you appear more comfortable holding the baby.”

Kye looked down at Nevaeh and stuck out his index finger for her to clutch. She smiled, and he felt her burrow a little deeper inside his heart. Keeping his gaze on her, he answered Dirk. “It was great.”

“Great? Really? I figured you’d be bored as hell.”

He looked at his brother-in-arms and grinned. “It would seem I should have made this trip to the zoo a long time ago. I found something there that will have me going back more than likely every day.”

Dirk shook his head and chuckled. “Crap, you found your mate.”

“Yes.” Kye patted the baby’s diapered behind. “And I have Nevaeh to thank for that. If she hadn’t fussed and cried, my soon-to-be mate wouldn’t have taken pity on me and come to help get Nevaeh settled.”

“Maybe I should take her out for a walk sometime and see if I’ll stumble across mine as well,” said Dirk. He went to reach for the baby, but Kye jerked out of reach.

“Keep your paws to yourself, Dirk. Nevaeh is my little good luck charm. Go get your own.”

“Look, Beowulf,” Roxie said as she and her mate walked into the room. “Our daughter already has men fighting over her. I told you she’d be a heartbreaker.”

Beowulf shook his head. “Not if I have anything to do with it.”

“I thought you two were otherwise occupied,” Kye said.

“We were.” Roxie gave Beowulf a smile before she turned back to Kye. “But I heard you down here and I wanted to get Nevaeh. So what’s this about my daughter being your good luck charm?”

Kye cringed inwardly. Once he told Roxie about finding his mate, he knew what would come next. She had “rules” that she wanted each of them to follow while they tried to win over their mortal mates. So far, all of his brothers-in-arms, except Dirk, had broken what Roxie considered the “big one”—telling a mate what they were before claiming her as his own.

“Well,” he said slowly, “I guess I got something out of the zoo, after all.”

“Like what? That you need to be locked away with the rest of the wild animals?”

Kye scowled. “Do you know you drive me up the fucking wall sometimes?”

Roxie took Nevaeh out of his arms. “Watch your language. Baby ears in the room. Gee, Kye, can’t you take a joke?”

“I’m not exactly in the mood to be made fun of. I have other things on my mind.” He paused for a second. “Like getting myself mated.”

Roxie let out a little shriek, then threw her free arm around his neck and hugged him. Nevaeh whimpered at being wedged between them. “Oh, Kye, this is fantastic news.”

Beowulf stepped over to them and took the baby from his mate’s arms. “I’ll hold her until you’ve settled down a bit, Rox. And since she feels and smells as if she’s wet, I’ll go upstairs and change her.”

Roxie waved Beowulf off before she linked an arm through Kye’s, and led him out of the room. “Let’s sit in the living room for our little chat.”

He rolled his eyes. “Roxie, I already know about your stupid rules. You don’t need to tell me.”

Inside the room, she pushed him onto the couch before she settled next to him. “Too bad for you. You’re still going to hear them, anyway. Rule number one: do not take mate claiming advice from Beowulf.

“I never said I would, did I?”

“Still, don’t bother. His ideas contradict my rules.”

“Whatever,” Kye said with an exasperated sigh.

“Rule number two and the final one: you will not claim your mate until you’ve told her what you are, and what being mated to a werewolf entails. So far, no one has taken this one to heart. Here’s your chance to come up better than the rest of your brothers-in-arms.”

“I don’t think any of us can forget that one, Rox. And I’ll do my best to not break it.”

She shook her head. “Not good enough. You’ll do better than try, do you understand me? You just have to have better control over yourself and the mating urge.”

Kye looked at her as if to say she were crazy. Ever since meeting Michaela, he’d walked around with a hard-on, or at least been semi-hard. Desire and need for her were like living, breathing things deep inside him. The instinct to claim his mate demanded he act on it, but he had it under control for now. That wouldn’t remain the case, though. As each day went by and he didn’t make Michaela his, the mating urge would only get worse, making it harder and harder on him.

“Rox, you have no idea what it’s like to be ridden by a mating urge. This isn’t just something I can tell myself I have to ignore. And I’m sure it will only get worse after I go out with Michaela tonight.”

She sighed. “Just do your best, okay? So your mate’s name is Michaela. Does she work at the zoo, or was she just visiting, like you?”

Kye was relieved Roxie had let the subject of her rules drop. “She works there. She’s an animal keeper.” He saw Rox try to hold back a laugh, but she ended up failing. “What’s so damn funny about what Michaela does?”

It took a few seconds for Roxie to get herself quieted down. “I just thought with her line of work, she’ll be able to manage you in your wolf form quite well. It shouldn’t be a problem for her to chain your ass up in the backyard if you piss her off.”

He scowled, something he tended to do a lot around Roxie. “I doubt she’ll be doing any such thing. As far as I know, chaining up werewolves in their wolf form in a backyard as if they were dogs is only something you do as a punishment.”

“And I must say it’s quite effective.”

“As long as I’m not on the receiving end of it, I’m not going to say too much about it, one way or the other. Now that you’ve given me your rules, I’m going back to the kitchen and grab something to eat. And to give you the heads up, I have to pick Michaela up at seven, so I’ll be leaving shortly after Nevaeh goes to bed.”

“That won’t be a problem. I don’t expect you to stay here overnight. Beowulf and I are quite capable of watching over her then.”

“Good. Now I’ll go satisfy the one hunger I can.”

Kye stood and headed for the kitchen. He could put an end to the hankering he had for food, but the one he had for Michaela wouldn’t quite so easily be remedied.

Chapter Three

She was nervous. Michaela looked at the clock for the hundredth time, at least. It still didn’t show it was any closer to seven than when she’d looked at it five seconds before. According to it, Kye would arrive in the next ten minutes.

Michaela had spent the rest of her day at the zoo reminiscing about her time with Kye, and especially about the kiss they’d shared. It caused her to have more than one daydream about what it would be like to sleep with him. If he made love half as good as he kissed, she’d be one happy and satisfied woman. She hadn’t made up her mind about how far she wanted things to go tonight, but she was willing to go along with all the options.

Now with only five minutes left, Michaela gave her living room one final inspection. After coming home from work, she’d done a quick cleaning job of dusting and vacuuming before taking a shower. It still looked respectable. Her apartment wasn’t large, by any means, but she didn’t want anything bigger. She thought it was just the right size for her.

With a deep breath, she sat on the couch. She had some beers cooling in the fridge, and if Kye wanted anything to snack on, there were some frozen finger-type foods in the freezer she could throw in the oven. As for entertainment, there were a few good movies on The Movie Channel she hadn’t seen yet.

At two minutes to seven, her telephone rang. Since she could use it to buzz people into the building, Michaela felt butterflies in her stomach as she answered it. “Hello?”

“Hi, Michaela. It’s Kye. I’m here.”

“I’ll let you in. I’m on the sixth floor in apartment 610.” She punched in the code to let Kye through, then hung up.

A few minutes later, a knock sounded on her door. Michaela wiped her sweaty palms down her jean-clad thighs before crossing over to it. It was stupid that she was so nervous, but she knew it mostly stemmed from her not wanting to blow it with Kye. She’d never had a chance to date a man as good-looking as him, and doubted she’d ever get to again if things didn’t work out between them.

After she formed a smile on her lips, she pulled open the door. Kye just about took her breath away as her gaze landed on him. He was still dressed in the same clothes he’d worn the last time she’d seen him, right down to the t-shirt she’d bought for him in the zoo’s gift shop. Staring him in the face, he was even better looking than she’d remembered. How the hell she’d ended up attracting a man like him, she had no idea. She just thanked her lucky stars she had.

Michaela took a step back, and said, “Hi, Kye. Come on in.”

“Thanks for inviting me over,” he replied as he stepped inside.

She closed the door and locked it behind him. “I’m glad you could come. How did the rest of your visit to the zoo with Nevaeh go?”

He smiled. “Pretty good, though she slept through the rest of it.”

She motioned him to follow her as she led him into the living room, then took a seat on the couch. Once he lowered himself next to her, she asked, “Do you look after Nevaeh often?”

“I haven’t in the past, but it looks as if I’ll be doing a lot more of it from here on out.”

“Won’t it interfere with your work?” Realizing that had been a pretty forward question, considering she didn’t know Kye all that well, Michaela felt her cheeks heat in a blush. “Sorry, I should have held that back.”

Kye chuckled. “No need to apologize. I don’t mind. Actually, it won’t, since it really is my job.”

“You mean babysitting is what you do for a living?”

“No,” he said with a laugh. “I’m in the protection business. I guess you would call me a bodyguard. Roxie, Nevaeh’s mom, is sort of a client as well as a good friend. Today, she decided I’m to be her daughter’s personal protector.”

“Ah, I get it. So that means you got a crash course on looking after a baby.”

He nodded. “And as you saw, I still need some work in that department.”

“You didn’t do all that bad for your first time.”

“What about you?” he asked. “Have you worked at the zoo long?”

“A couple of years now. I love it. Being an animal keeper is something I’ve always wanted to do. When the opening came up I jumped on it.”

“So you’re good with animals then?”

“Yeah. I used to drive my mom nuts when I was younger. I’d bring home all the strays I’d find. And sometimes, they weren’t really strays but the neighbors’ pets.”

“And I figure they knew which house to go to if their dogs and cats came up missing,” Kye said with a smile.

Michaela nodded. “At least, they never got upset with me.”

“If you were anything like you are now as a kid, I can’t see anyone getting upset with you.”

She felt herself blush at what Kye had said, but especially from the way he stared into her eyes. He looked at her as if she were something special. “Thanks. Ah, would you like something to drink? I have some beers in the fridge. I can even whip up some snack food if you’re hungry.”

“The drink would be great. Don’t worry about the food unless you want something.”

With a nod, Michaela got up and went to the kitchen. She took two beers out of the fridge and twisted off the caps. Not bothering with glasses, she returned to the living room and handed one to Kye before sitting beside him once more.

After taking a couple of sips, Michaela picked up the TV remote. “I figured we could watch something on The Movie Channel, if you’re interested.”

Kye shifted a little closer, and said, “Sure. Whatever you want to see is fine with me.”

She turned on the television and switched it to the right channel. Figuring Kye was more into an action flick than a romantic drama, she selected that and settled back against the couch. Kye had put his arm along the back, so his fingers brushed her shoulder. A small thrill shot through her at so simple a touch. As the movie started, she found she had a hard time concentrating on it, all too aware of the man sitting close to her.

Michaela drank her beer and watched what was on the TV at the same time. The scent of Kye’s aftershave filled her head, making her want to turn toward him and press her nose to the hollow of his throat and breathe deep. But she didn’t, not wanting to be the one to make the first move.

Once she was close to finishing her drink, she turned her head to ask Kye if he wanted another. The words died on her tongue when she saw he wasn’t watching the movie, but had his gaze totally focused on her. There was an intensity in his eyes that had her pussy clenching. She felt herself falling into them, unable to look away.

Michaela swallowed and licked her suddenly dry lips as Kye reached over and took her beer from her. He then set both bottles on the end table next to his side of the couch. Turning back, he leaned in toward her. As his lips descended to meet hers, she met him halfway.

She shifted on the couch so she was turned in his direction, her hands sinking into his longish hair to pull him closer. Her taut nipples brushed against his hard chest, causing them to tighten even more. Michaela opened her mouth for his tongue, sucking on it before stroking it with hers. Arousal pulsed through her body, an ache building deep inside her pussy.

In a quick move, Kye wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap, straddling him, as he shifted to sit with his back against the couch. She moaned at the feel of the hard length of his cock pressed against the spot where she wanted to be filled. Deepening their kiss, he put his hands on her hips and ground against her pussy. Michaela couldn’t hold back the moan that pushed out of her. Wetness leaked into her panties.

All pretense of awkwardness disappeared as she rubbed herself against the large bulge in Kye’s jeans. He made a sound that was a cross between an animal-like growl and a groan.

Completely turned-on, she broke their kiss and straightened on his lap. Keeping her gaze locked on his eyes, which were open to mere slits, Michaela reached for the bottom of her t-shirt, then pulled it up and off over her head. “More, Kye. Touch me.”

“I intend to do a lot of touching, baby,” he said in a deep, husky voice.

He reached around her back and undid the hooks to her bra. His large hands skimmed from her shoulders and down her arms, taking the straps with him. Michaela tossed the garment to the floor.

Kye cupped her head and brought her mouth down to his. He thoroughly kissed her until her breath came in short pants. Dragging his lips along her jaw and down the column of her neck, he made a trail to the top of her chest. He licked his way to one of her nipples. He flicked it with the tip of his tongue before circling the whole thing. His breath blew against it, then he sucked it inside his mouth.

Michaela threaded her fingers through his hair and held him to her. The sensation of him sucking her nipple caused a corresponding pull deep inside her pussy. She ached to have him take her with his cock.

He switched to her other one and gave it the same attention. She rocked against him, making her even wetter. As Kye pulled away, Michaela fisted the front of his shirt and lifted it. She needed to feel his skin next to hers.

He yanked it over his head and tossed it to the floor before he leaned back against the couch and spread his muscular arms along the top of it. “How about you do a little touching of your own?”

She didn’t hesitate. All that male bared flesh was too much of a temptation to resist. Her fingers traced his well-defined pecs as she leaned in and nibbled on his chin. Taking the same exploratory path Kye had on her, she trailed her lips along his square jaw and down. She sucked and licked his skin until she reached where his neck and shoulder met. A large hand sank into her hair at the back of her head and held her there as he loudly panted. She bit him gently and dragged her tongue over the same spot.

Kye’s hips bucked as he ground his erection against her. “God, Michaela. I love the feel of your mouth on me.”

And she liked it there as well. Growing bolder at his words, she continued downward. His wide, hairless chest was a whole new terrain for her to explore. She made sure not to leave his flat nipples out, laving them with the flat of her tongue, as she slowly worked her way farther down his body.

Michaela slid off his lap to kneel between his legs. She learned the ridges of his abs with her mouth while her fingers busily undid his jeans. Once she had the zipper down, she reached inside the parted material. A smile spread across her lips when she found Kye had gone commando.

With nothing else to get in the way, she wrapped her fingers around the hot, hard length of his cock and stroked up and down. Kye groaned. Michaela looked up and found he had his eyes closed and his head leaning back against the couch. His features were tight with what she assumed had to be arousal. It gave her a sense of power that she was capable of bringing a man as large as Kye to this state.

Turning her attention back to what she held, she released his cock only long enough to pull his jeans down past his hips. Satisfied that she now had better access to him, she gripped him at the base of his shaft and dragged her tongue up his full length. Another animalistic growl filled the air as Michaela circled the broad head before taking him inside her mouth.

She sucked him in and out, stroking what she couldn’t take with her hand. The taste of pre-cum hit her tongue as Kye groaned, rocking his hips to match the pace she’d set.

He buried his hand in her hair to hold her to him as he fucked her mouth. “Just like that… Christ, I’m going to come soon. Don’t stop,” he said thickly.

She increased the suction, almost taking him to the back of her throat. She felt his cock grow harder, each breath he took harsher than the last. He moaned, his fingers tightening in her hair as he stiffened and came. Michaela took everything he had to give. Her arousal increased and her pussy throbbed in time with her rapidly beating heart.

Releasing his cock, she looked down to find it still hard, even though he’d climaxed. She’d never known a guy who could do that. With no recovery time needed, it meant she didn’t have to wait to have him. Michaela rose to her feet and undid her jeans, then shimmied out of them until she kicked them away. Her panties quickly followed.

Aching with need, Michaela moved to climb up to straddle Kye’s hips. His erect cock stuck out straight from his body, and she intended to ride him until they both reached orgasm. She had one knee on the couch beside his thigh when he caught her around the waist and took her to her back, onto the carpeted floor.

He kissed her, using his teeth and tongue until she clutched at his shoulders. As he shifted down her body, she panted, “Please, Kye. I need…” Her words trailed off in a gasp when Kye sucked a nipple into his mouth.

After he released the taut peak, he said, “I know, babe. I’m going to give you what you desire. But I have to taste you. If I don’t, I think I’ll go crazy.”

Michaela shifted restlessly under Kye as he drove her insane with his lips and tongue. She whimpered when he nibbled on her hipbone before inching down to the top of her thigh. As he settled between her legs, his broad shoulders forcing her to open wider, she raised her hips in offering.

With a low growl, Kye dipped his head and dragged his tongue along her pussy. Michaela’s eyes just about rolled back into her head as he circled her clit with the tip of his tongue before sucking on it. He licked and sucked before he slipped a finger inside her slick opening. She moaned, riding it as he moved it in and out. But when a second joined the first, and Kye laved her clit at the same time, it was all she needed to fall over the edge into climax. With a loud, keening moan, she shattered, her pussy clutching at the fingers that still worked her.

After the last spasm left her, Michaela went limp. She had to give Kye credit, he sure as hell knew how to give a woman an orgasm with just his mouth. She’d never come this hard during oral sex before.

Kye rose between her legs and rolled them until she lay sprawled, completely boneless along his chest. She felt his erection pressed between them against her stomach. Michaela lifted her head to look at him. He had his eyes closed and he breathed hard. He didn’t look like a man who was sated. More than willing to take what they started further, she brushed a hand down his side and over his hip until she reached the top of his jeans. Clutching it, she pushed down, but Kye stopped her before she got too far.

“No, Michaela.”

At the sound of the strain in his voice, she asked, “Why? You’re still hard. Obviously, you’re still worked up. I know I want all of you.”

He opened his eyes and met her gaze. “I want nothing more than to sink my cock into your pussy and ride you until you scream my name, but I think we should wait.”

“Why?”

“Because it will be better that way.”

The arousal that had rebuilt inside her slowly died. What man would refuse sex? Especially one who not only was extremely turned-on—given the hardness of his erection—but had a naked and willing woman on top of him? Maybe one who found himself with said naked woman and had second thoughts about sleeping with her. At least, that was what shot through Michaela’s mind.

Pushing off Kye, she stood. “Okay. I see. Look, you don’t have to feel obligated to stay. We don’t have to make this an uncomfortable situation, any more than it is already. If you don’t want to sleep with me, you just have to say so. You don’t have to make up some silly excuse about it being better if we waited.”

Michaela felt like a fool. It had been too good to be true to have a guy who looked like Kye actually want to be with her. She didn’t think she was bad in the looks department, but she in no way compared to him. Hell, he could leave her apartment right now and get a woman to finish him off in a blink of an eye.

As she avoided looking at him, she collected her clothes off the floor. Kye’s continued silence gave her the impression that her words had rung true. The excitement of what they had just done disappeared, making her feel hollow inside. She was about to head to the bathroom to change when a large hand wrapped around her ankle and stopped her before she could take more than a couple of steps. She looked down to see Kye was still on the floor and twisted in her direction.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“To the bathroom, to get dressed.”

“Shit, I’ve upset you.”

Michaela held her clothes in front of her like a shield. She gave her foot a kick, but Kye didn’t release her. “You think?” she asked sarcastically.

His hand slipped off her ankle and he jumped to his feet so fast she hardly saw him move. Kye cupped her face in his hands and forced her to meet his gaze. “My not wanting to sleep with you right now is not some lame excuse of me changing my mind about how I feel. The problem is I want you too much. I’m not going to rush things, because I want more than a night of sex. Do you understand?”

She stared into his brown eyes and saw longing in their depths—that, and something else. Not just hunger, though that was there as well, but something that made her want to believe what he said.

Michaela swallowed. “What do you mean by more?” she asked in a small voice.

“I mean you’re the woman I’ve waited all of my life for, and I don’t think I can ever let you go.”

She pushed Kye’s hands off her face and took a step back. “Now I know you’re just shooting me a line of crap. We hardly know each other. You can’t possibly think I mean that much to you in such a short amount of time. We just met today.”

Kye ran a hand over his face, his frustration easy to read in the stiff way he held his body. “This is not supposed to be happening like this. Damn it.”

“What isn’t? You’re not getting your jollies from leading me on?”

Michaela found herself trapped against Kye’s hard body, one of his arms wrapped around her waist like a steel band. A large hand sank into her hair, holding her prisoner as he plundered her mouth with his. This kiss wasn’t anything like the others they’d shared. It was more carnal and demanding, his desperation evident in every stroke of his tongue against hers. If Kye hadn’t held her up, she would’ve dropped to the floor at his feet, her legs no longer able to hold herself upright. He didn’t allow her a breath of air until he had her moaning with need once more and pressing as close to him as she could get.

They were both breathing heavy. Michaela thought she saw that strange glow in his eyes again, but it disappeared before it could fully register.

“Now,” he said huskily, “did that feel like a kiss a man would give you if he only wanted to lead you on?”

“N-No,” she croaked.

“Because it wasn’t. I’m going to do this right, which means we’ll wait until we know each other better. You have no idea how hard this is going to be for me. I’ve never wanted another woman like I want you, Michaela. Your looks, gorgeous body and scent just make me want you more.” He took a deep breath. “Go get dressed, then we’ll sit and watch the rest of the movie. Once it’s over, I’ll leave. I don’t want to. I’d rather stay the night just to have you sleep in my arms, but I can’t trust myself not to do more than that.”

Feeling as if she’d just been swept off her feet, Michaela could only nod. Once Kye let her go, she stumbled to the bathroom and shut the door behind her. She held out her hand and found it shaking, not from fear, but from the strong emotions that surged through her. If she hadn’t hoped for this date to be more than one night with Kye before, she sure as hell did now. The man made her feel wanted, needed and protected all in one. None of the other guys she’d dated had managed that feat. In this day and age, some women wouldn’t be thrilled with Kye’s alpha male tactics, but she found them downright sexy. She also hadn’t felt as feminine as she did right now.

Michaela used the toilet, splashed some cool water on her heated cheeks and dressed. Kye had better have told her the truth about everything he’d said, because she wasn’t going to let him just walk out of her life without a fight.

Chapter Four

Kye sat on the couch next to Michaela, trying to appear as if nothing were wrong, but inside him, he fought to keep a tight rein over his mating urge. As he’d predicted, letting her give him a blowjob had made it worse, rather than giving him a bit of respite.

He focused his gaze on the TV. It wasn’t doing much to distract him. Michaela’s scent filled his nose with each breath he took, and her sitting beside him with her back resting against his chest while he had his arm around her, the feel of her body kept his cock hard and aching. He didn’t think the damn thing would ever go down. The taste of her was still in his mouth.

Making her come, hearing the sound of her pleasured cries echoing in his ears, had had both him and his wolf wanting to pounce and claim her as theirs. It had been the hardest thing he’d ever done to stop Michaela when she’d tried to tug his jeans the rest of the way off so they could finish what they had started. What he found in his would-be mate’s arms was beyond better than any other sexual encounter he’d had.

Then he’d gone and almost messed up everything with his comment about her being the only one for him. Of course she’d at first thought he’d fed her a line of bullshit. Not being a werewolf, she hadn’t a clue his mating urge wouldn’t have kicked in if she hadn’t been the right woman for him. From his perspective, there was no question about it, she was his. And there was no question he’d soon fall head over heels for her, and that no other would ever take her place in his heart. Once again, if there were no chance of that, the mating urge would’ve stayed dormant inside him.

At least, he’d been able to convince Michaela he had been dead serious. He’d poured all of the pounding need that rode him into the kiss, not holding anything back. Kye had risked the control over himself, but it had worked in the end. Now he had the job of getting her more comfortable with him before he revealed what he truly was. And since time would be ticking down to the point where he would no longer be able to keep from claiming her, he had to work quickly. The longer he ignored the mating urge the worse it would ride his ass until he would act on blind instinct alone. Michaela snuggled closer and Kye bit back a groan. The next few days weren’t going to be a cake walk.

She turned her head and looked at him. “Are you comfortable with me sitting like this?”

“Of course. Why would you think I wasn’t?”

Michaela looked pointedly down at his crotch where there was no mistaking the large bulge there. “Well, for one thing, that hasn’t settled down the whole time we’ve sat here. I know you want to wait, but I don’t want you to feel tortured with me so close to you.”

“Ignore it. I’ll be fine.” Even if he hadn’t had the mating urge riding his ass, his cock would’ve remained hard after their bout of heavy petting and oral sex. Being a male werewolf had its perks—one being able to keep an erection for hours at a time, even after coming more than once.

“Really, because that looks as if could be painful after a while. Maybe I could help you with it the same way I did before.”

He groaned, loudly. “Believe me that would just make it worse. And you suggesting it isn’t exactly making this any easier.”

“Well, the offer remains open.”

“Sure, torture me some more why don’t you,” he said with a chuckle.

“So when will I see you again?”

“Will tomorrow be good?”

“I have to work, but after that I’m free.”

“How about Nevaeh and I come and visit you there during the day, then around the same time as when I arrived tonight, I’ll take you out to eat.”

Michaela smiled. “Sure. Does this mean you’re going to bring the baby to the zoo every day that I’m working?”

“Why not? It’s a public place. Besides, I didn’t get to see all the animals yet.” Kye kissed her forehead, then decided to test the waters a bit. “Too bad the zoo doesn’t have any wolves. I have an affinity for them.”

“I know what you mean. I wish they had some as well. Out of all the species I like the most, wolves come in at a close second to big cats.”

Kye marked that as an invisible point for him. If Michaela already liked wolves, she should really like him in his wolf form. He was slightly bigger than his wild cousins, but other than that he was basically the same. The greatest hurdle he figured he’d have to get over would be getting her to accept the fact he could shape-shift into one.

He glanced over at the TV and saw the end credits of the movie scrolling on the screen. A quick look showed it was only ten o’clock. It was still on the early side, but if Michaela had to start work in the morning, it would be better if he left to let her get some sleep. At least, one of them should. He knew he’d be lucky to get a few hours of solid shuteye. Until he claimed her, every time he slept, he’d have erotic dreams about her, ones that would leave him aching even more.

He brushed his lips across hers. “I should go. You have to work in the morning and I have to be at Roxie’s around ten.”

“Well, if you insist.” Michaela stood when he did. “I’ll keep my eye out for you and Nevaeh tomorrow.”

She walked with him to the apartment entrance. Kye really didn’t want to leave, but he knew it was for the best. He’d already pushed his luck enough for one night. He pulled Michaela into his arms and kissed her, reveling in the feel of her against him. Once their embrace verged on the edge of blazing out of control, he released her and opened the door.

“See you tomorrow, Michaela.”

Without looking back, Kye walked out and shut it between him and the woman who would soon become his heart.

* * *

Kye arrived at the mansion in Marin County where he and his fellow Protectors and their mates lived together, and parked his car in the large detached garage for the night. Much to his surprise, it looked as if the rest of his “family” were at home already, which wasn’t typical. It was too early for no one to be guarding Roxie. Beowulf, who owned a nightclub called Wulf’s Den, wouldn’t be home yet. He usually stayed a couple of hours at the club, but returned to the house before he and Roxie felt separation anxiety.

Walking into the large foyer, Kye closed the mansion door behind him and headed to the living room where he heard voices coming from. He stepped inside and saw Saskia and her mate, Eli, talking with Leif and his mate, Jaden. They fell silent after they saw him.

“Hey, what’s up?” he asked. “I couldn’t help noticing everyone is home. Shouldn’t someone be with Roxie?”

Saskia shook her head. “Beowulf didn’t go to the club tonight, so Roxie sent Roan, Ansley, Jager and Daylen home a couple of hours ago.”

“Oh. Is anything else happening? All of you looked pretty serious about something when I came in.”

Leif was the one who answered. “We’re discussing Miles.”

“Has he found out something he shouldn’t?”

“No, nothing like that.” Leif looked over at Jaden before he turned back to Kye, and said, “He, ah, wants to share some of the duties of guarding the foretold one, since Jaden is his daughter.”

“Shit,” Kye said. “After all he’s done in the past, and the not so distant one at that, Miles can’t expect us to just accept him back with open arms. He walked away from being a Protector.” Even though he balked at the idea, his sister-in-arms had the ultimate say on the matter, since she was the leader of the Protectors, after all.

Saskia sighed. “Leif and the others feel the same way as you do, but Jaden and I are leaning toward allowing him to take on some of it in a small capacity. If we don’t, it could backfire on us. All we need is for him to become suspicious and he might do some digging where we don’t want him to.”

“Okay, say you do let Miles watch over Jaden, where exactly would he be doing it? So far, she’s only been with him in public places. Are you going to want him here in the mansion?”

“Since Jaden has come into his life, Miles hasn’t done anything to harm her,” Saskia said. “It’s been months. I know you don’t want to hear it, but I think knowing he has a daughter has changed him.”

Leif snorted loudly. “You know how I feel about that bullshit. Once an asshole, always an asshole.” He then grunted when his mate dug her elbow into his stomach.

“That asshole also happens to be my father. Your father-in-law. I don’t see him as the evil lone wolf as you do.”

“Of course you don’t. You only want to see the good in him, because of what he is to you.”

The way Jaden scowled at Leif, it didn’t take much deducing to figure out Leif had just waved a red flag in front of his mate’s face.

“Oh, you’ve done it now, Leif,” Eli said with a laugh. “You’d better do some ass kissing right quick.”

As if he just noticed the furious look on Jaden’s face, Leif gave her a sheepish smile. “Now, babe, you know I really didn’t mean anything by that. It’s just that it will be kind of hard for you to be unbiased when it comes to your father.”

Jaden’s eyes seemed to shoot daggers at Leif. “What do you want me to do? Change the blood that runs in my veins? Well, I can’t, any more than you can. And I’m sorry for wanting to see the good in my dad, a man who wasn’t part of my life when I was growing up. I know perfectly well what he’s done, and what he did to you, but I still love him. I just hope your biased opinions don’t make you think any less of our baby.”

“Baby?” Leif echoed, looking for all the world as if his brain had suddenly stopped functioning.

Jaden pushed off the couch to stand and glared down at her mate. “Yes, Leif, a baby. I’d thought to tell you later while we were alone. Surprise, you’re going to be a father.”

With that said, she turned and stomped out of the room. Leif still looked completely stunned before he shot to his feet and went after Jaden. Saskia, Eli and Kye stared at each other. Kye had a feeling he wore the same surprised expression the other two did.

“Did Jaden just say she was pregnant?” Eli asked.

“Yes,” Saskia said. Then a large smile spread across her face. “I’m going to be a great aunt.”

“Ah, hell. That means I’ll be a great uncle,” her mate said. “I’m still having a hard time getting my head around the fact I have a niece who is only six years younger than I am.”

Saskia leaned in and gave Eli a quick kiss on the lips. “Hon, in another few hundred years, that won’t mean anything. Believe me.” She then laughed. “Being pregnant would also explain why Jaden was so quick to fly off the handle. Hormones can be a bitch. And I just love the fact Leif has gone from chasing anything in a skirt to finding his mate, and now, he’s a soon-to-be father.”

Kye thought over what his sister-in-arms said and couldn’t hold back his laughter as well. Eli soon joined in. It looked as if fate were getting back at Leif for fighting the mating urge tooth and nail after he’d first met Jaden. The poor bugger was still adjusting to being a claimed male.

Once his laughter died, Kye said, “I guess I’m going to call it a night. I’ll be up in my room watching TV if you need me.”

“Not so fast,” Saskia said.

Kye had turned to leave, but changed direction at his sister-in-arms’ words. He had a feeling he knew what she was going to say to him. “What?”

“Dirk and Roxie told all of us the good news about you finding your mate. How are you managing?”

“I have a grip on it. Are you thinking of pulling me off rotation?” The mating urge being such a distraction, Saskia had told the others they wouldn’t be any use as Protectors until they had claimed their mates and had been told to take some downtime.

“No, I’m not. It would be different if Roxie hadn’t assigned you as Nevaeh’s personal Protector, though. You might not be totally on your game, but changing diapers and doing bottle feedings shouldn’t be too hard for you.”

He snorted. “True. Actually, I really do have to thank you for putting me on babysitting duty. If Roxie hadn’t had the silly idea of me taking Nevaeh to the zoo today, I never would’ve met Michaela.”

“So I guess that means you’re no longer pissed with me for agreeing with Roxie.”

Kye chuckled. “No, I’m not.” He backed away. “I’m going up to my room. I have another big day planned for tomorrow.”

Spinning on his heel, he left Saskia and Eli alone. He shook his head as he thought about Jaden being pregnant. The dynamics of his “family” were going to change once again when the baby arrived.

Chapter Five

Michaela prepared buckets of fish in a workroom for the penguins near their exhibit. It was late morning and she expected Kye would more than likely arrive soon. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

Ever since he’d left her the night before, she’d done almost nothing but think about him. She couldn’t seem to get him out of her head. And every time the remembrance of what it’d been like to be held in his arms, having him touch her in the most intimate of places played in her head, it made her body heat with desire. It also made her long to have more of Kye.

Michaela had also done a lot of thinking about Kye’s declaration, of him basically wanting a long and lasting relationship with her. She still found it hard to believe he could know his feelings were that solid for her only after a day. Though she had to admit, she had deeper feelings for him than she’d ever experienced with any other man she’d just met.

Finished filling the buckets of fish, Michaela took them outside for another animal keeper to feed the penguins. She ducked back into the workroom and washed her hands.

Outside again, she left the habitat and headed for her next job at the other end of the zoo. At this time of the day it wasn’t too crowded, which made it easier for her to look at all the faces of the people who wandered nearby. So far, she hadn’t found the one she wanted to see.

Arriving at the big cat exhibit, she felt a wide smile spread across her face when she saw Kye standing a little away from the lions’ habitat. She increased her stride until she stood directly behind him.

“So you did come,” she said.

Kye turned to face her. He looked at her, heat seeming to flare in his eyes. “There you are. I wondered if I would have to search the entire zoo to find you. I took a lucky guess that you would be with the big cats.”

“Actually, I just got here. I was over at the penguin exhibit. I helped get their morning meal ready.”

He sniffed the air. “That would explain the faint fish odor surrounding you.”

Michaela lifted her hands to her face and breathed in, but only picked up on the scent of the soap she’d used. “Really? You can smell fish on me? I can’t.”

“It’s not strong or anything. I just have a sensitive nose when it comes to things like that.”

“Just as long as I don’t reek.”

Kye chuckled and stepped closer. Leaning in—leaving some space for Nevaeh, who he carried in her baby sling across his chest—he gave her a kiss that made her wish they were alone. “No, you definitely don’t reek.”

“Good.” Taking a quick look around to see if anyone watched them, she asked, “So how is Nevaeh today? Is she more alert this morning?”

He looked down at the baby. “She’s awake. And so far, she hasn’t decided to make a mess in her drawers for me, thank god.”

Michaela stroked a finger along Nevaeh’s soft cheek. The baby smiled. “She does seem happy. I have to say she has gorgeous blue eyes. I think she’s going to be a heartbreaker when she grows up.”

Kye chuckled. “That’s what her mother thinks. Her father hopes that won’t happen. He’s already not liking the idea of his daughter dating.”

“I don’t think any dad does,” she said with a laugh. “I had to sneak out for dates when I was a teenager. If mine had his way, I still wouldn’t be allowed to go out with a man.”

“From my standpoint, I’m quite happy he isn’t.”

Michaela chuckled. “Yes, I can see that you would.” She stepped closer to the chain-link fence as one of the male lions came pretty close to it. “So have you had a chance to look at the exhibit?”

Kye shook his head. “Not yet. I’d just arrived close to the same time you did.”

“Well, come and take a look. Isn’t he gorgeous?”

“He is a majestic-looking beast. I don’t know if I like you calling another male gorgeous, though.”

“Would you feel better if I said I’m more attracted to you than him?” she asked with a giggle.

Kye shifted closer until he stood at her side. “Most definitely.”

The male lion opened his mouth, showing his sharp teeth, and in an aggressive manner, rushed at the fence directly in front of where Kye stood. His loud growl filled the air. Both of them jumped back and Nevaeh whimpered. Kye took a few more steps away from the fence, and the lion seemed to settle right down.

“I wonder what got into him?” she asked. “Tunya usually doesn’t act like that.”

Kye shrugged. “Maybe he took an instant disliking to me. I think I’ll give him some space and stay back here.”

“Yeah, that might be a good idea. Do you want to go see the tigers?”

“Actually, I think I’d prefer to skip the rest of the big cats today.”

“All right. Sorry to say, but I have some work to do here. If you’re still going to be around in an hour, that’s when I get my lunch break.”

“I’ll be around then. Should I meet you here?”

“I can join up with you at the café, if you want.”

“Sure. I don’t want my presence to piss off any more lions. One of them might try to escape just so he can take a chunk out of me.”

Michaela grinned. “We can’t have that happening. It wouldn’t look very good for the zoo.”

“I guess not. I’ll let you get back to work. I think I’ll go show Nevaeh the penguins.”

“I’ll see you later then.”

She lifted her face for the kiss Kye brushed across her lips just before he walked away. Michaela turned to look at Tunya. He’d moved off farther inside the enclosure. She still had no idea what had gotten into him, but whatever it was, it hadn’t lasted very long.

* * *

Kye resisted the urge to adjust himself inside his jeans. Christ, just being beside Michaela gave him a hard-on. And it hadn’t helped any that, as predicted, he’d had one erotic dream after another of her during the night. He’d taken a cold shower this morning, hoping it would cool his libido, but all it did was cause him to break out in goose bumps from the cold water.

Being with Michaela again, all he’d wanted to do was pull her to him and kiss her until neither one of them remembered their name. Of course he couldn’t, given the fact that, one, they were in a public place where she worked, and two, he had a baby strapped across his chest. He didn’t think Roxie or Beowulf would appreciate Kye giving her a lesson in human sexuality, not that Nevaeh would care one way or the other. Nor would she even remember it.

He arrived at the penguin exhibit in time to see them being fed by another animal keeper. It was kind of cute the way the birds clumsily waddled around. But in the water, that was where it ended. They could swim, turning on a dime, not once colliding with the others around them.

Next, Kye went to see the kangaroos and koalas. At least, his presence didn’t seem to disturb them, not like the lion. He had a feeling the male had acted so aggressively because he’d smelled another predator. Kye would’ve been deemed as competition. It didn’t matter that he was in his human form, he still carried a werewolf’s scent.

The hour nearly up, Kye changed Nevaeh’s diaper in the men’s restroom. They had one of those baby changing tables that folded up against the wall when not in use. And lucky for him, Nevaeh was only wet this time.

That chore done, he pulled his cell phone out of his front jeans pocket and saw he’d have just enough time to get to the café to meet Michaela. He put it away as he headed in the direction of the small restaurant.

He walked through the entrance, stopping just inside the door, and searched for Michaela. Spotting her, Kye headed to the table where she sat. Just before he reached her, a woman approached his mate.

“Michaela? Michaela Jones, is that you?” she asked rather loudly.

Kye came to a standstill. Michaela looked none too thrilled to see the other female. In fact, from the slight change in his mate’s scent, she was a little leery of her, even though she had a smile on her face.

“Yes, I’m Michaela Jones.”

“I thought it was you. It’s been years since the last time I saw you. I think it was in high school. Do you remember me? I’m Katy Adams.”

Michaela’s smile shifted partway into a grimace. “Of course I remember you.” Then under her breath, she said sarcastically, “How could I not.” The other woman didn’t seem to hear it.

Seeing the expression on his mate’s face, and hearing her hushed words, it didn’t take Kye long to figure out Michaela hadn’t gotten along with this Katy during high school.

Deciding Michaela needed some rescuing, Kye crossed the rest of the distance to her table, and interrupting what Katy had been about to say, he kissed the top of his would-be mate’s head. “Hi, honey. I brought someone who missed her mama.” He took Nevaeh out of the baby sling and put her in Michaela’s arms. He then pulled a chair next to hers, placing his arm around her shoulders.

Katy’s jaw dropped as she openly stared at him. “Ah, hi,” she said.

“Hi,” he replied. “I couldn’t help overhearing that you’re one of the people my wife knew in high school.”

“You’re Michaela’s husband?” From her tone, he got the impression Katy didn’t think it was possible.

“Yes. My name is Kye. And this,” he nodded toward the baby, “is our daughter, Nevaeh.”

Katy’s gaze went from him to Michaela and back again, as if she couldn’t quite believe he would be with his mate. “Oh, ah, nice to meet you both.” She then focused on Michaela. “So you work here at the zoo?”

Michaela nodded. “Yes. I’m an animal keeper. Last I heard, you had gone away to college.”

“I see. And I did. I’m only back to visit my sister and her brats.” Katy motioned to a table behind her that had a stressed-out looking woman who shared a family resemblance, and had three young boys sitting with her who argued noisily.

“Well, I shouldn’t hold you up then,” Michaela said. “I’m on my lunch break and I’d like to spend some time with Kye and Nevaeh before it’s over.”

“Sure. Hey, I’m going to be here for a few days, how about the three of us go out for dinner tonight? We could catch up on old times, Michaela. That is, if you can get a sitter.”

Thinking a dinner out with Katy to be the perfect time to knock her down a peg or two, before Michaela could answer, Kye quickly said, “We’d love to.”

Michaela reached under the table and dug her nails into his thigh. He pried her hand off his leg and clasped it in his. She turned her head and gave him a stern look.

“Didn’t we already have plans to go out to dinner? Just the two of us?” she asked.

“Then you do have a sitter already,” Katy interjected. “That’s perfect. I can just tag along. It’ll be my treat, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

“See, hon,” Kye said, “Katy is willing to pay and everything. How can we refuse her generous offer?”

Katy’s laugh sounded phony. “Then it’s decided. How about we meet at The Cliff House restaurant? Say around seven-thirty?”

“We’ll be there,” he answered.

“Great. See you then.” Katy paused, then looked him up and down. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Kye.”

With a smile, Katy turned and walked back to the table where her sister sat. The entire group left the restaurant a few seconds later, the kids wailing and complaining as they went.

Once Katy and her crew were gone, Michaela slapped him on the chest. “What the hell was that?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” Kye removed his arm from around her shoulders and placed the diaper bag he carried on top of the table before he took out a bottle of formula.

“You know exactly what I mean. Why would you accept Katy’s offer to go out for dinner tonight? If you couldn’t tell, I’m not comfortable being around her. She was the bane of my existence in high school. One year, I ended up with no friends because of her. She was a mean, spiteful bitch back then and I doubt she’s changed over the years. If anything, she could be worse. Plus, I saw the way she looked at you. That just pissed me off.”

Kye gave Michaela a heated look. “So you don’t like another woman checking me out?”

“Of course not,” she said softly.

He gave her a hard, fast kiss, then took Nevaeh out of her arms. “Good, because you’re the only woman I want groping me with her gaze.” Kye waggled his eyebrows at Michaela.

She shook her head and chuckled. “You are bad.”

“And you like it.” He took the bottle out of the portable warmer and fed Nevaeh.

“True. Even though I don’t like that we now have to go out with Katy, thanks for the other part you did. Pretending to be my husband, and that Nevaeh is our daughter.”

“Thanks aren’t necessary. I couldn’t help noticing you weren’t thrilled to see her. I was able to put two and two together after I heard her say you went to high school together.”

“Well, thanks, anyway.”

Michaela leaned in and kissed him softly, lingering a little longer over him than a short peck would entail. It had Kye fighting his mating urge. God, did he want her. Now that he’d found her, he couldn’t picture a future without her in his life. If only she weren’t mortal, she’d be his already.

He cleared his throat, forcing the instinct to mate aside. “So you really aren’t angry about us seeing Katy later, are you? I have a reason why I accepted her offer, and it’s not because she is going to pick up the bill. I figured at the restaurant I’d bring her down a peg or two.”

“No, not really, but I’m not looking forward to dinner as much as I was when it would’ve been just the two of us. And what exactly do you have planned to accomplish that feat?”

Kye smiled. “Easy. I’m going to show her what a loving and doting husband I am to you while I look down my nose at her. If she thinks I’d give her a second look she’s mistaken. She comes across as having a big ego. My not falling for her charms should be a blow to it.”

Michaela laughed. “Yeah, she does have one. Katy was on the cheerleading squad and was prom queen. You could say her ego is huge. She’d find it inconceivable that a man like you would be more interested in me than her.”

He pulled the nipple to the now empty bottle from between the baby’s lips and put her on his shoulder to burp. His gaze locked on Michaela’s and his voice dropped to a husky timbre with the desire he felt for her. “Remember, I already told you that you are the only woman for me. And I don’t really care if she thinks I should be attracted to her. All that matters is that you know she can try her best to come between us, but it won’t change how I feel about you.”

Kye audibly heard Michaela swallow. Her eyes seemed to grow heavy-looking, and he once again smelled the delicate scent of her arousal in the air around them. His cock jerked, throbbing in time with his accelerated heart rate. The way things were going, he’d end up with blue balls. It also pushed home the fact he’d have to screw up enough courage in the next day or so to tell Michaela his secret. The mating urge tortured him too much as it was.

The spell that took hold of him, making it so everyone else in the café just disappeared, except for his would-be mate, broke when Nevaeh let out a loud burp that would do a beer guzzling truck driver proud. Both he and Michaela laughed.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a baby burp that loud,” Michaela said while chuckling.

“It was a whopper.”

Kye spent the rest of Michaela’s lunch hour with her. Once it was over and they had left the café, he pulled her to a relatively quiet and out of the way place. He took her lips hungrily. Reluctantly, he let her go, promising he’d pick her up at her apartment for dinner.

Chapter Six

Twenty minutes before they were to meet Katy at the restaurant, Kye buzzed up to Michaela’s apartment. After letting him know she’d meet him downstairs, she gave herself a quick check in the bathroom mirror. Even though Kye had reassured her he wanted only her, she felt she still had to do a little something to keep herself in the running with Katy. Not one for wearing any makeup, Michaela had put some on just to accentuate her eyes and lips. She tugged at her blue short-sleeved, silk blouse before running her hands down her black skinny jeans. On her feet, she wore black high-heeled sling backs. Heels were something else she rarely wore, but she had to admit they made her legs look longer. And the extra height wouldn’t hurt, since Kye was so tall.

After picking up her purse on the way out, Michaela stepped into the hallway and locked her apartment door behind her. A short elevator ride down, and she was in the lobby. She saw Kye standing in the vestibule, waiting.

Michaela pulled open the glass door and joined him. She kissed him and stood back to get a good look at him. She ran her gaze over his dark gray button-down shirt and dark blue jeans. The material hugged his broad shoulders and wide chest to perfection, leaving no doubt about his muscular physique. The pants were tight-fitting and outlined him just right.

Kye held out his arms straight from his sides. “Do you want me to spin around, so you can get the full picture?”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t think that’ll be necessary, though you do look very nice this evening.”

He took his turn running his gaze over her. It was so intense it almost felt as if he physically touched her. “Not that there is anything wrong with how you normally dress, but I have to say you’re looking particularly fetching.”

She laughed. “Fetching? I don’t think a man has ever used that term about me before. It sounds kind of old-fashioned.”

Kye stepped closer until there was almost no space between them. “Maybe I’m just an old-fashioned man at heart.” His gaze focused on her mouth. “We’ll get this dinner over and done with, then we can come back here and I can get to the fun stuff. I’m going to enjoy stripping you out of those very tight jeans of yours.”

Michaela felt her face flush with heat. Not from embarrassment, but with the surge of arousal that had shot through her body at Kye’s words. “As long as I get to strip you out of yours,” she said huskily.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the outside door. “Time to leave before I do something stupid like take you right here and now against the wall. I’m sure that would be enough to have one of your neighbors calling the cops.”

She took a deep breath, trying to slow her rapid breathing, and allowed Kye to lead her out to the visitor parking lot at the front of the building. Her steps slowed a bit when he took out his keys and aimed the remote at a blue Jaguar. The two-door car was new-looking, and expensive. All she could think was the protection business must pay well. Very well. On her salary from the zoo, she’d never make enough money to buy a car like that in a million years.

Kye let go of her hand and pulled open the passenger door, holding it for her. Michaela got in and sat on the leather seat. Once he closed her in, he came around the back and climbed into the driver’s side. After turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle came to life, sounding like the expensive sports car it was.

Out on the street, Kye drove in the direction of The Cliff House restaurant. Michaela still dreaded the thought of having to spend any time with Katy. At least, she wasn’t the skinny, ostracized teenager who Katy once took great joy in bullying. And having Kye at her side helped. Michaela turned to look at him. It probably got the bitch’s goat to see him with her. All she could say about that was good. Katy deserved it.

Kye parked in an empty space next to the restaurant and turned off the car. Michaela got out and waited for him to join her before they headed inside. Katy was already there waiting for them. Michaela silently groaned when her nemesis spotted them and animatedly waved them over.

“You made it,” Katy said. “I called earlier and got a reservation.”

“Great,” Michaela said unenthusiastically. She looked the other woman over, noticing she wore something similar to her, only her blouse was much lower cut. And she had on more makeup.

Katy talked to the hostess, and soon after, they were led to their table. It was round with four chairs. They took their seats, but Kye jumped up when Katy made sure to sit next to him. He went and sat on Michaela’s other side and shifted closer to her.

Michaela looked over at Katy and had to bite the inside of her cheek to stop from laughing. Her nemesis’ smile had slipped a little, and the look in her eyes said she wasn’t too happy about Kye’s change in seating.

A waitress came and took their drink orders before leaving them alone again. Michaela bent her head to the menu, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. She felt Kye’s shoulder brush hers as he opened his to do the same. The waitress returned with their beverages, then left after taking their food orders. Soon after, Katy started—what Michaela decided to call—putting her moves on Kye.

“So, Kye,” Katy said, smiling while she leaned in closer to the table, giving a better view of the cleavage she had showing, “what do you do for a living?”

He placed his arm around Michaela’s shoulders, his fingers stroking along the top of her arm. “I’m in the protection business.”

“What kind? Like security systems and whatnot?”

“No. I’m more of what you would call a personal bodyguard.”

Katy’s gaze blatantly ran over his chest and arms before she licked her lips and looked back up at his face. “I see. I must say, you,” she gave another pointed stare, “have the body for it. Have you been in the business long?”

“It seems as if it’s been forever. Not that I don’t like the job, because I do.”

“And where did you meet Michaela?” Katy took a sip of her white wine.

“At the zoo,” Kye answered, turning his head to meet Michaela’s gaze. “I saw her and instantly knew she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my live with. I fell head over heels at first glance. I’ve waited a very long time to find her. She completes me.”

Michaela felt as if she were falling into Kye’s eyes as he spoke. She couldn’t shake the impression he meant every word he said. That it wasn’t just for Katy’s benefit. And that he was telling her what was truly in his heart. He’d told her more than once she was the woman he wanted, but he’d never said it with such feeling before. She believed him now. Unable to look away from his gaze, what she felt for him deepened a little more. It also made her wish she could drag him out of the restaurant right now, take him to her apartment and make love to him for the rest of the night. The thought had her pussy growing wet.

“Really?” Katy asked. “Not once did you second-guess yourself?”

Kye took a deep breath and his grip tightened on Michaela ever so slightly, pulling her closer. “Really,” he said, his voice sounding a bit strained. “And why would I regret being with Michaela?”

Katy snorted. “Come on, with your looks? No offense to Michaela, but you could get someone prettier with a snap of your fingers.”

Kye’s head whipped around in Katy’s direction. From the deep scowl on his face, there was no missing the fact he had taken offense to what the other woman had said. “Just because you say you didn’t mean any offense to my wife doesn’t mean what you said will be excused.”

Katy was saved from answering as the waitress showed up with their food. But Michaela saw the shocked expression her nemesis wore. She bet no one had talked to Katy like that in a long time, if ever. Kye had definitely brought her down a peg or two with his comment.

Even though some of the company wasn’t her choosing, Michaela enjoyed her meal. And when Kye fed her from his fork, she saw Katy give them a look of disgust.

It was after they had finished eating, but the dishes had yet to be taken away, did Kye stand and say he wanted to use the restroom. The uncomfortable feeling that washed through her at the thought of being left alone with Katy vanished as the other woman stood after Kye had gone and excused herself for the same reason. Michaela breathed a silent sigh of relief. She and Kye could ditch Katy soon and spend the rest of the night enjoying each other’s company.

* * *

After washing his hands, Kye turned off the water in the sink. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror on the wall in front of him. He didn’t see the telltale sign of the arousal coursing through him. He hated leaving Michaela alone with Katy, but he’d needed to use the toilet and put some space between them to get a better grip on his control. Sitting close to her, totally focusing on her alone, confessing his true feelings— even though she probably thought he’d put on a show for their dinner companion—had gotten him all worked up. But at least, the meal was over and he could get away from the self-centered woman and take his soon-to-be mate home.

Michaela had been right about Katy being a bitch. He’d never wanted to slap a female as much as he did her, especially after her rude comment about Michaela. She had some nerve to say he’d basically settled for his mate. As if he’d ever want Katy instead. She wasn’t ugly, by any means, but her personality made her less attractive. At least, for him it did. His Michaela was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. He didn’t think she’d ever say something spiteful to anyone.

After he dried his hands, Kye headed out of the restroom and exited into a short hallway, which was hidden from the main part of the restaurant by a short stretch of wall. Much to his disgust, Katy stood close to the doorway, looking for all the world as if she waited for him.

“I’m glad I caught you alone,” she said.

“Why?” The word came out sounding clipped.

She took a step nearer, giving him what she probably thought was a sultry smile. It did nothing for Kye. If anything, it annoyed the hell out of him.

“Without Michaela around, you can talk more freely. Say how you truly feel without having to worry about the consequences.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Katy came even closer. “There’s no need to play stupid, Kye. It’s just the two of us. I know the things you said about being so in love with Michaela were just for her benefit. She’s a nobody and will always be one. She’s not even that pretty.” Her hand dropped and cupped his cock. Katy licked her lips and smiled. “I know you’re attracted to me. You’re hard.” She moaned. “I’m going to enjoy riding you.”

Completely pissed off, Kye put his hand around her wrist and squeezed, painfully. He also let the anger he felt show in his eyes. The widening of hers told him his mutedly glowed. With a borderline growl lacing his words, he said, “You’ll take your hand off me unless you want it broken.” She released his dick, but he didn’t let go of her wrist. “Just to set things straight, I wouldn’t want you if you were the last woman on Earth. Now you’re going to go back to the table and apologize to my wife for insulting her. I also suggest you leave, never to see Michaela again.”

Kye released her with a shove. Katy stood there, her mouth working as if she tried to say something. To get her moving, he snarled his upper lip and growled softly. With a squeak, she turned and hurried away.

“Now that’s what I call putting a woman in her place,” a man’s voice said from the entrance of the hallway.

Kye looked in that direction and stiffened at the sight of Miles standing there. “What do you want?”

Miles stepped farther into the hall. “I’m not following you, if that’s what you think. I’m here with friends. I happened to need to use the restroom, and here you are.”

“Friends? I didn’t think you had any of those, unless you count all the lone wolves you’ve recruited to your side.”

Miles’ eyes glowed for a split second with anger. “Those days are done. I no longer associate with the likes of them.”

“So you expect me to believe that since finding out your daughter is the foretold one, you’ve turned over a completely new leaf? That one day you won’t up and change your mind about wanting to rule the packs yourself, through Jaden?”

“I have, and I would never do anything like that to her. She’s my flesh and blood.”

“So is Saskia, your own sister, and that didn’t stop you from sending one of your thugs to kill her mate. Eli barely survived.”

Kye just stopped himself from saying that only Eli being turned into a werewolf had saved his life. As far as Miles knew, it wasn’t possible. He had no idea there was a spell only Roxie could use that would change a mortal into one of their kind, since she was the true foretold one.

Miles sighed deeply. “I’ve come to regret that decision. I’ve apologized, even though it doesn’t make up for it. But believe me, those days are behind me. I want to be a better man for my daughter. I want to keep her safe just as much as all of you do. I know you won’t accept me back into the ranks of the Protectors, but I’m willing to take whatever you allow me.”

“Does this newfound sense of duty extend to Saskia? And to Jaden’s unborn child?”

“What?” Miles asked, a shocked expression on his face. “Jaden is pregnant?”

Oh shit. Leif and Jaden obviously hadn’t yet told Miles about their good news. Hopefully, Leif wouldn’t want to kill him for telling his father-in-law about the baby. It didn’t matter, anyway, since Kye couldn’t take it back.

“Ah, yeah, she is,” he said. “We just found out.”

A wide smile broke across Miles’ face, then he hugged Kye, making him feel extremely uncomfortable. Kye had never taken Miles for the type to put on outward displays of emotion like that.

Miles released him. “I’m going to be a grandfather,” he said exuberantly. “I have to call Jaden.”

With another glowing smile, Miles turned on his heel and walked away. Kye hoped to hell he hadn’t messed things up for Jaden and Leif. Taking a big breath, he returned to his table.

Michaela sat there alone with Katy nowhere in sight. She smiled. “There you are. I wondered if everything were all right, especially after Katy came back from the restroom, mumbled an apology and almost ran out of here.”

“Sorry,” he said as he sat next to Michaela. “I was held up by a couple of people.” At that moment, Miles walked by the table with his cell phone held to his ear and gave him the thumbs-up sign.

“Who is that? Was he one of the people you mentioned?”

Kye waited until he saw Miles leave the restaurant. “He’s an old acquaintance. And yeah, he was one of them.”

“And the other person?”

“Let’s just say Katy decided to corner me, but I convinced her she’d made a terrible mistake. I doubt you’ll ever see or hear from her again. I wasn’t exactly nice about it.”

“What did she do?” Michaela asked.

Kye put his arm around her shoulders and brushed a kiss across her lips, quite happy to see the indignant expression on his mate’s face on his behalf. “She basically offered herself to me and got a little grabby.”

Michaela narrowed her eyes. “Grabby how?”

He took a quick look around the restaurant to make sure no one watched, then took Michaela’s hand and placed it on the bulge in the front of his jeans. “She mistakenly thought it was her that has me in this condition. I set her straight, though. It’s all for you.”

Seeing the hungry look in Michaela’s eyes, his cock jerked under her hand. A very quiet, breathy moan pushed past her lips as her grip tightened on him. It took everything Kye had not to shove the dirty plates off the table and strip her naked, so he could finally ease the raging desire she stirred inside him.

His voice rough with need, he moved her hand away, and said, “Let’s get out of here. You’re my dessert and I want it now.”

Michaela silently nodded, but with his acute hearing, he was able to hear how fast her heart beat. He looked around the room, caught sight of their waitress and waved her over to the table.

Once she stood next to him, he asked, “Can we have the bill?”

“That won’t be necessary, sir. The woman who was with your party paid it on her way out.”

“In that case, here’s a tip for you.” Kye took out his wallet and handed her some money.

“Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Oh, we will,” he said as he helped Michaela to her feet before ushering her out of the restaurant.

Chapter Seven

The ride back to her apartment just seemed to blur all together for Michaela. She felt as if Kye had just let her into his car, and then the next thing she knew, he had pulled into a visitor parking spot at her building. Granted, she’d spent the entire trip staring hungrily at Kye. After feeling how hard he was back at the restaurant, all she wanted was his big cock buried deep inside her.

And this time, she wouldn’t be denied. There really wasn’t any reason to wait. She felt as if she knew a fair amount about Kye, and making love would only bring them closer together.

It didn’t take them long to arrive at her apartment door. Michaela unlocked and pushed it open before she strode in ahead of Kye. Once he was inside, she shut it and locked it. They walked into the living room where she threw her purse on the couch. The next thing she knew, Kye pulled her into his embrace and his mouth came down on hers.

Michaela wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with all the held back lust coursing through her body. Her pussy throbbed, aching to be filled, as wetness pooled between her legs. She threaded her fingers through the hair at the back of Kye’s head and angled her mouth over his for a tighter fit. His tongue pushed past her lips and stroked hers, the taste of him making her moan.

Kye’s hand came up and covered one of her breasts, plucking the nipple through the material of her blouse. It grew taut in response. Michaela pushed along him, rubbing against the hard length of his cock. He sucked on her tongue, groaning as his other hand dropped to her ass, hauling her even closer.

The sound of their heavy breathing filled the room. Kye’s kiss turned more demanding, taking her lips like a starving man. Michaela clung to him, becoming more turned-on, wanting what only Kye could give her.

Breaking contact with his mouth, she stepped out of his arms. “I want you naked and on my bed,” she said as she reached for his hand.

“I can’t think of anything else I want more than stripping you out of your clothes,” he huskily replied.

When his fingers closed around hers, Michaela led Kye to her bedroom. Once inside, she headed straight for the bed. Standing at the end of it, she locked gazes with him, reaching for the buttons on his shirt and undoing each one. She then parted the material, slid it over his shoulders and down his arms. She didn’t think she’d ever get enough of looking at his body.

After taking a step forward, she placed kisses across his wide chest. At his flat nipples, she dragged her tongue across each one. They pebbled beneath it. Looking down, she set to work opening his jeans. That job done, she pushed them past his hips until they fell down his legs to pool at his ankles. Kye toed off his shoes, stepped out of his pants and kick them away.

Michaela’s gaze drifted along his body. It became focused on his cock. He was fully erect, his shaft sticking out straight from his body. She licked her lips at the sight of the small bead of pre-cum that appeared at the slit.

“Your turn,” Kye’s voice came across as a sexy rumble.

As she’d done to him, he undid the buttons on her blouse and took it off. The bra she wore soon followed. As he worked on her jeans, she used her toes to push down the straps of her high-heeled shoes and kicked them away. Kye took hold of the now open waistband of her pants and shoved them past her hips. He continued to follow them downward until he knelt at her feet to help her remove it.

His large hands dragged down her panties. Michaela held onto Kye’s shoulders for balance as she stepped out of them. She only had a second to tighten her grip as he nudged her legs farther apart and licked her pussy. He sucked and lapped, sending her body into overdrive. Her legs shook the higher he pushed her arousal. If not for his hands on her hips holding her steady, she wouldn’t have remained upright.

Kye drove her to the very brink of climax before he pulled away. Michaela whimpered, feeling the loss of his tongue. He stood and lifted her off her feet at the same time. He brought her down on the bed and stretched out on his side next to her. He claimed her lips in a heated kiss.

Needing to touch Kye, Michaela trailed her fingers down his chest. His stomach muscles jumped as she caressed his abs. Lower she went until she brushed against the head of his cock. He moaned into her mouth when she wrapped her hand around his shaft and stroked him up and down. The feel of him made her pussy ache to be filled.

Michaela shifted to lie facing Kye. She continued to pump his erection as her wetness leaked onto her inner thighs. She wanted him. Wanted him buried so deeply inside her she wouldn’t be able to tell where she ended and he began. She knew he’d give her a good ride. His cock was big enough he’d fill her all the way up.

Remembering how Kye had liked it the last time they’d been together, when she'd licked where his shoulder and neck met, she broke contact with his mouth. Michaela kissed a trail down to his chin, taking the time to gently nip it before going lower until she reached that particular spot. As he’d done the first time, he buried his fingers in her hair to hold her against him. His whole body stiffened as if in anticipation.

“Michaela, you have no idea what you’re doing to me,” Kye said gruffly. She dragged her teeth along his skin. “Shit,” he hissed. “More. Let me feel more of your teeth.”

Prepared to give him what he wanted, she sucked the area before giving Kye a harder than gentle nip. That one bite seemed to be all that he’d needed to no longer restrain himself.

Michaela found herself flipped onto her back with Kye’s hips wedged between her legs. The tip of his cock brushed against her slick opening. She spread her thighs wider, hoping to urge him to push home. She looked up at him and found he had his eyes closed and the veins in his neck stood out as he held himself rigid.

“I…I can’t,” he said through gritted teeth.

Not about to let things end there, Michaela grabbed his ass and pulled him forward as she pushed down, taking the head of his shaft inside her. With what sounded like a quiet wolf’s howl, Kye sank his entire length into her pussy. She wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her heels at the small of his back as he plunged in and out of her.

Michaela’s eyes drifted shut, so she could better focus on the pleasure she felt from having him take her with his cock. She hadn’t been wrong—he fit perfectly inside her. She squeezed her inner muscles around his pumping shaft and it grew harder.

She lifted her hips, matching each of Kye’s strokes. It wasn’t going to take much to make her come. Already, her orgasm built deep inside her, working its way to the surface. Michaela clutched his biceps, holding on as he lifted to support himself on his hands and angled his cock just where she needed him.

As she came closer to teetering on the edge of finding her release, Michaela felt something else. Something she’d never experienced before during lovemaking. It was almost as if a part of her reached out for Kye. Not in the physical sense, but more essence-like. She gasped in response when it was enclosed and then joined with the same type of thing that had come from Kye.

Whatever it was, the instant the essences became one, her pussy climaxed around his plunging cock. Michaela let out a whimpered moan, riding the waves of intense pleasure that washed over her. Kye stiffened above her and groaned as he too came.

After it was over, he collapsed on top of her. She didn’t mind his heavy weight pushing her farther into the mattress. She wound her arms around his back and shifted under him, feeling the still hard length of his cock buried deep inside her. Just as he had done the night before, Kye kept his erection after orgasm.

Michaela relaxed and kissed his shoulder. Kye propped himself up on his bent arms and brushed his lips across hers before he deepened the contact. He had her breathing hard again once he pulled away.

“Don’t get too comfortable there,” he said. “I haven’t had all of my dessert yet.”

He pulled out of her and shifted them both until they were on their sides with her back pressed against his chest. His erect shaft came to rest between her legs. Kye rocked forward, rubbing the head of it against her clit. She pushed back on him, becoming more aroused.

“Kye,” she panted, “I want you inside me again.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get what you need.”

He lifted her leg and put it on top of his. Kye continued to rub himself along her pussy until he was slickly wet with her juices, then he sheathed himself to the hilt. Michaela moaned at the sensation of his thickness filling her, stretching her. What she thought sounded like a low growl rumbled out of him. It turned her on even more.

His pace became faster and harder as he took her from behind. Michaela gripped his plunging cock with her inner walls, loving the feel of him inside her. Kye reached around and found her clit. He plucked at the small bundle of nerves, and it was enough to send her flying again. Once more, he came the same time she did. His erection pulsed, filling her with his cum.

Michaela was surprised to feel Kye remained hard, even though he’d come twice. He pulled out of her and nestled her closer against him, tucking her head under his chin. An arm settled over her waist and held her tight. His cock pressed along her bottom.

Kye kissed the top of her head. “I think a nap is in order, because I intend to put the rest of the night to good use.”

She smiled. “In other words, I’m not going to get much sleep?”

“It’s underrated when we can use those hours in a more enjoyable way.”

“Mmm, I think I have to agree with you on that. It’s a good thing I don’t have to work tomorrow.”

“Perfect. Now nap, because I’ll be waking you very soon.”

Michaela closed her eyes and relaxed against Kye. Surrounded by him, liking exactly where she was, she drifted off into slumber.

* * *

Kye felt Michaela’s body relax even more as she slept. He held her close, relishing the feel of her in his arms. It hadn’t been his intention, but he’d claimed her as his mate. One little bite from her where his shoulder and neck met, and all his plans had gone totally out the window. He’d played with fire when he’d urged her to use her teeth on that spot. For a male werewolf, it was the biggest turn-on to have his mate bite him there. If a mark was left behind, all the better, because it was a sign to warn off other females, and to show he was taken.

The sensation of Michaela nipping him had wreaked havoc on his control over the mating urge. It had amped it up to the point where he’d barely hung on by the skin of his teeth. Then having her take the head of his cock inside her pussy, it had been too much. There had been no stopping what had happened next. Not that he regretted it. He’d just hoped to have gotten over the sticky part of explaining about his being a werewolf first.

Be that as it may, Kye couldn’t get around it. Plus, there was the added bonus of the mating urge no longer riding his ass, since he’d made Michaela his. The only drawback was he had to make sure he stayed near her at all times. At this stage, having to go through separation anxiety would not be something he’d want his mate to experience. She wouldn’t have a clue what was happening to her.

But with her not having to go to work in the morning, Kye decided he’d wait to tell her his secret for at least a day. He was going to have the job of convincing Michaela that his feelings for her were true, and that he wanted her to move into the Protectors’ mansion with him. He loved her, and even without the threat of what would happen to them if they were apart, he didn’t want to be away from her. With the mating bond in place, how he felt about her had solidified even more.

Kissing the top of Michaela’s head again, and taking a deep breath of her scent, Kye settled more comfortably behind her. He’d sleep, then make love to her again. Each time he did, it would only make the bond between them stronger. And hopefully, when the time came for him to reveal what he truly was, his mate would be more inclined to accept him.

Chapter Eight

“You’re completely serious, aren’t you?” Michaela asked, unable to keep some of the skepticism she felt out of her voice. “You really want me to move in with you?”

Kye nodded. “Of course I am. I know you might think I’m hurrying our relationship, but I’ve never had such strong feelings for a woman as I do for you. I just know that giving it a few months, a few weeks, hell, even a few days, isn’t going to change how I feel for you.”

They sat at her kitchen table, eating the late breakfast she’d cooked for them when Kye had dropped that bombshell on her about wanting her to live with him. It wasn’t as though she found the proposal unappealing, because it wasn’t, and he had told her before how he felt for her, but she knew this was a big step. One that if it didn’t work out, could have an adverse effect on her. Apartments she could afford, and as nice as the one she now had, were kind of hard to come by.

After their marathon of sex during the night, she felt closer to Kye. More so than she’d ever for any other man. Quite a few times during the long hours he’d made love to her, it had been on the tip of her tongue to tell him she loved him.

Kye reached over and took her hand in his. “You’re awfully quiet, Michaela. I hope I didn’t spook you.”

“Not really. As you said, it does seem as if you’re rushing things. This would be a huge step for us, and only after knowing each other for three days at that. I’d have to give up my apartment. Where would I go if we ever break up?”

He locked gazes with her. “Trust me on this, I know that won’t happen. I want you by my side—always.”

“So does that mean you’ll be getting down on one knee now and asking me to marry you?”

Kye gave her a crooked grin. “If you want me to I will.”

She shook her head. “I wasn’t joking, Kye.”

His expression grew serious. “And I’m not.”

Michaela didn’t know what to say to that. A marriage proposal at this stage in the game definitely wasn’t something she was ready for. She’d heard about too many divorces caused by the couple jumping into the “death do us part” thing too quickly. If she said “I do” to any man, she wanted to be sure she’d want to stick it out for the long haul.

Seeing the expectant look on Kye’s face, Michaela finally said, “Don’t, okay?” When he opened his mouth to say something in return, she quickly cut him off. “I’m not saying it isn’t an option in the future, but not right now. I don’t feel ready to be discussing marriage at this point in time with you.”

Kye nodded, then gave the hand he still held a squeeze. “It’s all right, Michaela. Truly. But I still want you to move in with me. I’d feel better if we lived in the same place. I don’t like the thought of you being alone.”

“I have been for some years now, Kye. I’m twenty-nine years old.”

“That’s not exactly what I mean. You know I’m like a bodyguard, a protector, right?”

“Yeah,” she said, not sure where he was going with this.

“Well, the people who I have to guard against, let’s just say they would use any means at their disposal with the hopes of removing me.”

Michaela felt her eyes widen. “Are you saying I could be in danger because you’re my boyfriend?”

“Not right now, but there is always the possibility.”

He had her going there for a bit, thinking she’d have to start looking over her shoulder for bad guys. “If I were to say yes—I’m still not ready to agree just yet—I would want to see your place first before I make any decisions.”

Kye smiled. “That’s fair. And I think you should meet my family as well.”

“Your family? Don’t you think that might be a little soon?”

“Yeah, I guess I forgot mention that we all live together. We also work in the same business.”

“You live with your entire family?” Kye still couldn’t be living with his parents at his age. He looked to be at least thirty.

“Actually, we’re really not related, well, except for Roan, Jager and Skylar. They are true brothers. We just like to think of ourselves as one big family.”

“How many of you are there?”

“In total, including myself, ten of us. Sorry, make that almost eleven, since Leif’s wife, Jaden, just recently found out she’s pregnant.”

“So married couples live with you as well?”

“They’re the majority. It’s just Dirk…and me, but now that I’ve met you, I don’t consider myself single.”

That last part made Michaela feel good, she wasn’t going to deny it. Hearing a man like Kye say he was no longer up for grabs, and that basically he was hers, sent a thrill through her.

Michaela leaned over and kissed Kye. She brushed her tongue along the seam of his lips, and when he opened, she pushed inside. She took his mouth, loving the taste of him. After a few more seconds, she pulled back.

“What was that for?” Kye asked huskily.

“I just wanted to. If I’m near you, I don’t think I can go for too long without touching you in some way.”

The sexy smile he shot her had her pussy clenching. “I feel the same. And just another reason why I want you living with me. I want you in my bed every night, and to wake up holding you in my arms each morning.”

That was something Michaela wanted as well—to be able to sleep next to Kye all the time. Waking up this morning surrounded by his heat and snuggled in his embrace, she could get used to that pretty quickly.

“All right,” she said. “Take me to your house and let me meet your family.”

Kye gave her a short, hard kiss. “You know I’m going to do my best to make you say yes.”

She chuckled. “I figured you would.” Then she thought of something. “Shouldn’t you be looking after Nevaeh right now?”

“Roxie gave me a few days off. She said she wanted to give me time to spend with you. One of my family members will pick up the slack for me, so it isn’t a problem. And Roxie wants to meet you.”

“Okay, but let’s get the family introductions over with first.”

“Sounds good. I’ll call home and let them know we’ll be coming. That way, at least one of them will wait for us.”

Michaela followed Kye with her gaze as he stood and walked into the living room. He pulled his cell phone out of his jeans pocket and flipped it open. She cleaned up their dirty plates, only listening to what he said with half an ear. The thought of meeting his family made her feel a little nervous, but she wouldn’t back out.

After he finished his call, Kye helped her wash the dishes. Once they were done, he soon ushered her out of the apartment and down to visitor parking. Seated inside his expensive car, Michaela wondered what type of house Kye and his family lived in. It obviously had to be large, with that many people residing under one roof. It had to be.

As they drove, she looked out at the passing scenery. Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge coming into view, she had a suspicion as to where they were going. “You live in Marin County, don’t you?”

Kye shot her a quick look before he turned his gaze back on the road. “How did you know?”

“It was a lucky guess. The car you drive, and the direction we’re headed, it wasn’t too hard to figure out. You and your family are rich, right?” Gazing at Kye’s profile, she saw him smile.

“You could say that.”

Michaela turned her head to look out the side window again. Silence stretched between her and Kye, but it wasn’t, by any means, uncomfortable. Arriving at Marin County, she watched as the houses got progressively bigger and grander. She sat up straighter when the car turned onto a long drive for one of the mansions. Her first sight of where Kye lived, she found herself speechless. She took in the well-maintained grounds and gardens that had brightly colored flowers artistically planted. The house was large, way bigger than she’d expected it to be.

She kept staring at the huge edifice the closer they came to it. Kye drove past it and parked in front of a big detached garage. Michaela scrambled out once he shut off the ignition and opened his door. She walked around the back of the car to join him.

“Well,” he said, “what do you think? Can you picture yourself living in a place like this?”

Michaela looked from the house to Kye. “You’re kidding me, right? You live in a freaking mansion.”

He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her close. He grinned. “So does that mean you’re swaying more toward saying yes?”

“It does put my dumpy little apartment to shame.”

“Come on, I’ll take you inside.”

Kye kissed her forehead, then released her. Michaela took the hand he held out to her and they walked toward the front door. They stepped inside a large foyer that had a black and white checkered marble floor. Her gaze lifted to the fair-sized crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the cathedral ceiling. She swallowed as she next took in the blond wood banister that lined the outside of the staircase that curved up to the floor above. Of what she’d seen so far, the place smacked of extremely well-to-do.

Michaela hadn’t realized she had her mouth hanging open until Kye used a finger under her chin to close it. He quietly chuckled when she met his gaze. “You look as if you don’t know quite what to say.”

“I don’t. You really want me to live here, with you?”

“Of course I want that.”

“You want me to live in your mansion? A place I never thought I’d ever be able to step foot in, much less call home in my lifetime?”

“Yes. You might not have as much privacy as you would at your apartment, but we do have a lot of space.”

Hell, the issue of lack of privacy hadn’t even crossed her mind. Moving in with Kye would be as if she’d found her dream home and prince charming all rolled into one. And from the look of the place, he wasn’t just loaded, he was filthy rich.

“Show me more,” she said.

Linking their hands, Kye took her to the spacious living room that had a big widescreen television and black leather couches and armchairs. No one was in the room, but she could picture Kye’s family sitting around watching TV. Next, he showed her the kitchen with its stainless steel appliances and grand table. There were ten chairs around it. If she hadn’t already known how large his family was, that would’ve given it away.

Kye let go of her hand and crossed over to the window that was above the sink, and looked out. “That’s where they are.”

He motioned for her to follow him as he went to the single door that led outside to the backyard. The first thing she heard was the sound of metal hitting metal. The next was a woman’s voice yelling, “Come on, Roan. You’re not going to let your brother whoop your ass, are you?”

After a quick grin aimed her way, Kye took her hand again and hurriedly pulled her around the corner of the house in the direction the sounds had come from. “You have to see this,” he said.

Michaela’s steps faltered slightly when they came into view of two very large men going at each other with swords. She had to blink just to make sure she truly saw what she thought she had seen. She had. Those were real weapons, and they were swinging them as if it were something they did every day.

Walking closer with Kye, Michaela noticed the two men had strikingly similar features, and they were extremely good-looking. They had to be two of the three true brothers Kye had told her about. The only difference was that one wore his hair longer, pulled into a ponytail that ended at the middle of his back. She then noticed the two women who stood on the sidelines cheering them on.

Just before they reached the small group who stood in the middle of the lawn, Kye said, “Roan is going to lose. Jager, his brother and the one with the long ponytail, usually does beat him, and the rest of us, on a regular basis. His sword is such a part of him that when he was single, he used to sleep with it in his bed.”

Before Michaela could get a chance to ask if by “the rest of us” Kye meant he knew how to sword fight as well, he brought them over to the two women and introduced her. “Ladies, this is Michaela. Michaela this is Ansley, Roan’s wife.” He nodded to the woman with long, straight, dark brown hair. “And next to her is Daylen, who is Jager’s.” Daylen had shoulder-length hair as well, but hers was reddish brown.

Michaela smiled at the two women. “Hi.”

Before she could say anything more, Kye said, “Now that the three of you have been introduced, I’ll be right back.”

“Wait. Where are you…” her words trailed off once Kye left at a run.

“He won’t be gone long,” Daylen said with a chuckle. “Kye has more than likely gone into the house to get his sword.”

“Do they do this a lot?” she asked. “Fight in the middle of the backyard with replica swords? I at first thought they were real, but they can’t be. Can they?”

“Yes, and those aren’t replicas. They’re the real deal.”

“You mean the blades are sharp enough to cut?” Michaela’s gaze swung toward Roan and Jager. Watching them cross blades took on a whole new meaning, now that she knew they weren’t blunted.

“It’s all right,” Ansley said. “They rarely hurt each other. They’re what you would call experts, and have done this for years.”

Michaela turned around at the sound of Kye returning. Sure enough, he carried a sword that appeared to be a match to the ones Jager and Roan had. He’d also changed his button-down shirt for a black t-shirt. He met her gaze. “You look a little worried about something.”

Ansley answered before she could. “Daylen just told Michaela you guys don’t use blunted replicas.”

He smiled at Michaela. “You have nothing to worry about, babe. This is just practice, so we’re always careful.”

At that moment, there was the sound of something heavy hitting the ground, accompanied by a loud groan. Michaela sucked in a breath when she saw Jager standing over the fallen Roan with the point of his sword leveled at his brother’s throat.

“Damn, Jager,” Roan said. “When the hell did you learn that move?”

His brother stepped back and held out his hand to help Roan to his feet. Jager grinned. “Daylen has taught me some karate moves. Having a wife who has a black belt in martial arts does have its advantages.”

“Well, shit, now you’re going to be even harder to beat.”

“Now it’s my turn,” Kye said as he walked toward the two men. “Which one of you wants to take me on?”

Jager pointed at Roan. “Since he was the loser, you can fight him.”

“Hey,” Roan said, “shouldn’t it be the winner who accepts the challenge of any and all contenders?”

“Not today it isn’t.” Jager went to his wife and put his free arm around her shoulders. “I promised Daylen I’d take her out for lunch, since we have the evening shift over at Roxie’s.” He then turned Michaela’s way. “And you must be Michaela. Kye has talked about you.”

“I am,” she said. “I’d offer to shake your hand, but I don’t want to end up on the business end of your sword.”

Jager looked down at where he held it, then back up at her with a chuckle. “I usually take it wherever I go, so I sometimes forget I have it.” He squeezed his wife closer. “When Daylen and I first met, she tried to arrest me for carrying it. She used to be a cop.”

Michaela took in Daylen’s slim, toned body and could easily picture her as a police officer. And that would explain why she had a black belt in karate. “So you aren’t a cop anymore, Daylen?”

The woman shook her head. “No, I gave it up. I enjoy being a Protector better. Plus, that way, I don’t have to worry about being apart from Jager. As a police officer, I worked long shifts, mostly nights.”

“I see.”

“All right, enough standing around talking,” Kye said. “I guess it’s you and me, Roan.”

As Kye and Roan crossed swords, Michaela vaguely saw Jager and Daylen walk away from the corner of her eye. She was too focused on the two men who were a little ways away as they blocked each other’s hits with the edges of their blades. She’d seen a lot of movies where the actors were sword fighters, but their steps were all choreographed. Such wasn’t the case with Kye and Roan. A single misstep and one of them could become seriously hurt. She couldn’t stop the shiver that ran through her at the thought.

“Don’t worry so much, Michaela,” Ansley said. “If you watch closely, you’ll be able to see they really aren’t trying to do any damage. I think of it as a kind of dance the guys do.”

Doing as Ansley suggested, she paid closer attention to each strike Kye and Roan made. It looked as if each man held back some of his strength, though it didn’t mean they would stop from trying to find an opening to disarm their opponent.

In the end, they called the match a draw, neither man able to get the advantage, since they were so evenly matched. Both Kye and Roan breathed heavily as they crossed the short distance to Michaela and Ansley.

Kye pulled his shirt off over his head. “Now I need a shower.”

Michaela saw the sweat that beaded his forehead and made his wide chest sheen. The muscles on his arms appeared to be pumped up. If Kye practiced with a sword on a regular basis, it was no wonder he was ripped. Even though the men swung them as if they weighed nothing, she had a feeling she’d hardly be able to lift one.

“Where is everyone else?” he asked Roan, which caused her to stop ogling Kye’s chest and pay attention to the others around her.

“Saskia and Eli are over at Roxie and Beowulf’s place. Skylar and Braelyn left early this morning to catch a flight to Paris. Braelyn had a photo shoot. Dirk is off doing who knows what, since Saskia ordered him to take some time off. And Leif and Jaden are holed up in their room. From what I understand, Leif is doing his best to make her forget she got angry at him for what he’d said about her dad.”

“Hmm,” Ansely said to Roan. “Maybe I should get mad at you and have you make it up to me in the same way.”

In a sudden move, Roan slung his wife over his shoulder. “You don’t need to pick a fight to get that.” With sword in hand, he walked toward the house and disappeared around the corner.

Michaela looked at Kye to see him shaking his head. “Does he do that to Ansley often? Just throw her over his shoulder and go?”

“Actually, no. Only once in a while. Anyway, those are a few members of my family. You can meet the others later, though not Skylar and Braelyn, since they probably won’t be home for a couple of days.”

“Braelyn is a model?”

“Yeah. Does the name Braelyn Whitmore mean anything to you?”

Michaela nodded. “She’s a Victoria’s Secret model. You mean to say she’s married to Skylar?”

Kye grinned. “She is. They haven’t been together for very long, though.”

“I do have to say your family isn’t exactly like everyone else’s, with sword practice in the backyard and famous models in residence.”

“No, we aren’t the conventional family, by any means. Let’s go inside and I’ll show you my room, which will also be yours.”

“Only if I agree to move in.”

Kye leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m going to work on that right after I have my shower.”

With his t-shirt draped over his shoulder, he put his arm around her waist and guided her toward the mansion. Michaela’s heart sped up just thinking of the ways Kye would try to persuade her to say yes.

Chapter Nine

Kye didn’t let Michaela go until he’d taken her upstairs and had both of them locked behind his bedroom door. He crossed over to his walk-in closet and threw his sweaty t-shirt into the laundry hamper inside. He also sheathed his sword in the scabbard hanging up among his clothes. That done, he turned back to Michaela. She stood in the middle of the room.

“So?” he asked. “What do you think?”

She looked around, her gaze seeming to linger a bit longer on the king-sized bed than the rest of the furniture. If he had his way, and he figured he would, Kye would have her spread out naked on the thick mattress in the next little while.

Michaela closed most of the distance between them and began staring at him. “Well, it looks as if you have lots of extra space for two people to share the room comfortably. Even the bed.”

Kye focused on her mouth. “It really does. After my shower, how about we test it to see just how well the two of us will fit on it together?”

She placed a hand on his chest and stroked her thumb back and forth. “Better yet, why don’t I join you, then we can move to the bed. I could use a good wash.”

His cock twitched, hardening at Michaela’s offer. “Really now? I happen to be the perfect man for the job. I’ll make sure no part of you gets missed.”

Michaela gave him a sexy smile. “I had a feeling you wouldn’t turn it down.”

Kye took her hand and led her into the en suite bathroom. Even though they’d made love numerous times during the night, he still wanted her as desperately as he had then. The desire to possess his mate, it was almost a living, breathing thing that would always remain a part of him. With the mating bond firmly in place, there would never be anyone else for him. He was as much Michaela’s as she was his. He loved her with his whole heart and soul. He would do anything to keep her happy and safe, to the point of sacrificing his own life if need be. Mated male werewolves were noted for being overprotective of their claimed females at times. It was how they were wired.

After taking two towels from the shelf on the wall and putting them on the counter of the vanity, Kye turned back around to find Michaela already stripping out of her clothes. God, she was gorgeous. He’d never get sick of looking at her. Once she was down to her bra and panties, he brushed her hands away to remove the last articles of clothing himself.

He kissed her leisurely before he nibbled a path down the side of her neck. All the while, he worked on unhooking her bra. “Have I told you how much your body turns me on?” he asked against her skin.

Michaela chuckled, the sound low and husky. “Maybe a few times last night, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”

“Good, because I’ll probably say it a lot, especially when I have you almost naked in my arms like this.”

Kye straightened and skimmed Michaela’s bra straps down her arms and then off. His gaze latched onto her more than a handful breasts with their taut, rosy nipples. He bent and sucked one into his mouth, loving the feel of his mate’s fingers sinking into his hair to hold him exactly where she wanted him.

Switching to the other breast, he hooked his fingers into the sides of her panties and pushed them down until they fell to pool at her feet. Michaela stepped out of them and kicked the silky material away.

Once he had her moaning, Kye released her nipple, straightening to his full height. Michaela’s cheeks were already blushed with arousal and her eyes were heavy-looking. “I’ll turn on the water to get it warm,” he said.

He turned his back to her, pulled his cell phone out of his pants pocket and placed it on the counter near the towels. He then opened the door of the glass enclosed shower. He stepped inside and turned the single knob on the faucet. Kye fiddled with it until the water was the correct temperature. Before he faced in the other direction to step out, Michaela’s arms came around him from behind. Her hands skimmed down his abs to the top of his jeans.

“I figured since you’re already in here, and you’ll probably want to change your jeans anyway, I’d just take them off for you now,” she said while pressing kisses to his back.

Kye sucked in a breath when she opened his pants and reached inside for his cock. Her fingers wrapped around it and stroked up and down his shaft. While she worked him, her other hand shoved down the back of his jeans and grabbed his ass. A low growl rumbled out of him.

She continued to fondle him until he rocked his hips forward in time with her strokes, pushing himself harder into her hand. He groaned, growing even harder. Michaela released him and tugged at his jeans, which were now soaking wet. It took her a couple of tries, since at first the material wouldn’t cooperate. With a flick of his foot, he kicked the garment in the corner. Michaela once again took hold of his cock. He let her pump it a few times before he pulled her hand away.

“Not that what you’re doing doesn’t feel good, because it does, but I think we’d better get to the washing first before I want to skip it entirely,” he said.

Michaela’s arms slipped from around him and she shifted to stand at his front. “Oh, I don’t want that to happen. You’re not going to deprive me of getting to soap up that hard body of yours.”

After taking hold of his arms, she turned him around so he was directly under the spray of warm water. She released him and grabbed the bottle of shampoo that sat on a recessed corner shelf. Kye wet his hair before slicking it back. Michaela motioned for him to lean down, then proceeded to wash and condition it. He did the same for her, relishing the feel of running his fingers through her silky locks.

He would’ve reached for the soap first, but Michaela beat him to it. She shook her finger at him while a playful grin spread across her face. Kye watched her hold the bar under the water before she worked up a lather.

Michaela’s soapy hands glided along the top of his chest, then worked their way lower, without missing any part of him. He moaned when she stopped just short of his cock and reached for one of his arms. She took her time running the soap along it, doing the same to the other.

Kye hadn’t thought his cock could get any harder until Michaela went down on her knees in front of him. She looked up while she rolled the bar between her hands. He closed his eyes to a squint, knowing they had to be mutedly glowing by now. She had him too worked up for them not to be. Watching her lick her lips, his erection bobbed in front of her. But instead of taking him into her mouth as he wished, she lowered her gaze and soaped his leg.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had such a torturous shower in my entire life,” he said in a gruff voice.

“You’re tough. I’m sure you can handle a little torture,” she replied with a small laugh.

“If you tease me too much, don’t be surprised to find yourself pressed against the wall while I take you from behind.”

“Who says I wouldn’t want that?”

Kye groaned as Michaela continued to wash his other leg. Once she was done, she rose to her feet. She lathered her hands again before she reached for his cock. He closed his eyes, holding back the loud growl that built inside him. The feel of her slippery hands surrounding him, stroking, had him fighting to hold back from coming.

All too soon, her fingers disappeared from his shaft and Michaela turned him around so his front faced the water. He then felt her hands sliding over his back, inching their way lower and lower. Kye fisted his hands at his sides to stop himself from pulling her to him. He’d let her finish, then it was his turn.

At his ass, she pressed closer and the tips of her breasts brushed against his skin. Michaela kneaded and squeezed each of his butt cheeks until he couldn’t take any more. Kye spun around and took the bar of soap from her.

“I think I’m clean enough,” he said huskily. “Now I get to do everything you did to me.”

He positioned her under the water before he lathered his hands. Kye took the same path she had taken on him, starting at her breasts and working his way down to her legs. He skimmed up the inside of her thighs, but avoided touching her pussy. Even through the water, he was able to smell the scent of her arousal. She whimpered when one of his knuckles accidentally brushed against her.

That one sound seemed to wrap around his cock and squeeze. Faster than he had intended, Kye turned Michaela and finished washing her, saving her pussy for last. He slipped a soapy finger between her nether lips and stroked. She panted and moaned, her bottom pushing back against his hard-on.

“Kye. Now who’s teasing whom?” Michaela reached around him and grabbed his ass.

That was it, he couldn’t take any more. He needed to be inside her right now. Holding her under the spray, he rinsed her off before turning Michaela so she faced one of the walls. Kye ran his hands down her arms until he reached hers. Those, he placed flat on the glass in front of her. He next took hold of her hips and pulled them toward him so she was slightly bent forward. With a knee between her legs, he spread them farther apart.

Keeping his grip on her, Kye angled his cock and slowly sank his length inside Michaela’s pussy. The sensation of her silken walls closing around him, gripping him tight, had him moaning. Rearing back, he pulled almost all the way out before sliding back in so he was balls deep. She fit him perfectly, sheathing him like a glove. Sex had been good before he’d found Michaela, but now, with her, it was even better. He was addicted to her, as if she were his drug of choice. He’d never get enough of her, and would do anything to get his next fix.

He pistoned his hips, taking her harder and faster. Their breathy gasps and moans rose in volume until they were louder than the sound of the running water. Michaela pushed back, matching each of his strokes, her pussy squeezing tighter around his plunging cock.

All too soon, Kye felt the point of no return rushing up to meet him. He skimmed a hand from her hip to her front and between her legs. Finding her clit, he stroked it in time with his thrusts. “Come for me, Michaela. I can’t hold back much longer.”

She moaned. “I’m there. Oh god, don’t stop.”

He felt her inner walls rhythmically clutch his shaft, milking him to his own orgasm. He pushed inside her one final time and held her tightly to him as his cock pulsed deep inside her pussy, his release tearing through him.

After the last tremor took him, Kye pulled out of Michaela, turned her and wrapped her in his embrace. “I think it’s time to test out the bed.”

She nipped his chin and smiled. “You won’t find me arguing, though I do have to say your shower passed with flying colors.”

Kye turned off the water and carried Michaela out through the glass door. He dried them both and took his mate to bed. He then proceeded to show her exactly what he could do with the extra room on the mattress.

* * *

Michaela awoke to the sensation of her stomach growling. She wasn’t sure what time it was, but she just knew it had been hours since she’d last had anything to eat. And with the amount of calories Kye and she had burned in his bed, there wasn’t any wonder she felt starved. At the rate they were going, she’d never have to worry about getting fat.

A quiet snore in her ear told her Kye still slept. She smiled. She’d probably worn him out, not that it was entirely her fault. The man kept an erection for so long he just seemed to keep going and going. He’d definitely ruined her for other men. But to be honest, she didn’t want another. She hadn’t told Kye yet, but she’d already made up her mind about moving in with him. He’d won her over to that idea. She’d move in with him tomorrow, if he wanted. The only drawback would be her commute to work, but she was sure she’d get used to it. After all, she’d come home every day to a mansion and the man she loved.

Michaela lifted Kye’s arm where it was draped over her waist and rolled toward him. He let out a loud snort, but didn’t awaken. She kissed him. “Kye, wake up.” He mumbled something she couldn’t understand, still mostly asleep. “Come on, sleepy head. I’m hungry. Are you going to let me starve?”

His brown eyes blinked open. “What time is it?” he asked groggily.

“I have no idea, but I know we’ve been in your room for hours.”

He gave her a crooked smile. “True. So what’s the final verdict? Was I able to have you side in my favor?”

She couldn’t help but grin at the playful look on Kye’s face. “Hmm, let me think.” She brushed her lips against his. “I don’t know if you did enough convincing or not.”

Kye rolled her to her back, landing on top of her. “Woman, we’ll never leave this room if you want me to give you more reasons as to why you should say yes.”

Michaela giggled. “Did you just call me woman?”

“Yes, because you’re mine. So, woman, are you going to put me out of my misery? Or do I have to kill myself pleasuring you for hours on end, since you’re so demanding.”

“As if you would find that a hardship. And I’m not demanding. If I recall correctly, it was you who kept things going, if you know what I mean?”

“Well, are you going to answer my question or not?”

With a dramatic sigh, she said, “If you insist. I have reached a decision.” She paused for effect. “I think my dresser is going to clash horribly with yours, unless you want to buy me a new one.”

Kye dropped his head and took her lips in a long, hot kiss that had her wanting him all over again. He finally pulled away and locked gazes with her. “I’ll buy you one and anything else you want. I’ll make sure you never regret moving in with me.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and played with the back of his hair. “How could I when I’ll be with the man who somehow won my heart in a matter of days?”

“And I promise to keep you safe.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Just so you know—you won mine the first time I saw you. I love you, Michaela. Don’t ever doubt it.”

“I love you too, Kye. And I won’t.”

Hoping he’d do more than kiss her after they’d just confessed their feelings for one another, Michaela groaned when Kye pulled out of her embrace and slipped off the bed. She ran her gaze over his body, lingering on his once again hard cock.

“Forget it,” he said. “We’re going to get dressed and find something to eat downstairs. Then once you’re fed, we’re off to your apartment to pack your clothes.”

She sat up. “You want to start moving me in today?”

Kye walked over to the closet and disappeared for a few seconds. He came back out with a fresh pair of jeans. “Damn right I do. I can’t sleep without you now. I’d probably lose my mind if I did.” He pulled on his pants, but left it undone.

He sounded so serious she had to laugh. “Well, I guess that’s a good thing, being wanted and needed that much.”

“Good, because I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.” Kye leaned over and caressed her cheek. “Where you go, I go.” He then straightened and went to his dresser.

Michaela watched him take out a gray t-shirt and tug it on. “Okay, but how are you going to manage that while I’m at work?” she asked with humor in her voice. “Are you going to follow me around the zoo all day?”

Kye turned in her direction and Michaela felt her smile disappear by degrees at the serious expression he wore. “Quit,” he said simply.

“Quit?”

“Yes.”

“You want me to leave the zoo and do what?” She’d just come to terms with moving in with Kye, and now, he dropped another bombshell on her.

He crossed to the bed and sat on the mattress beside her. He cupped her face and stroked his thumb along her cheek. “And do nothing, if that’s what you want. I’m not exactly hard up for money, as you know. I want to look after you. Let me. Please.”

“I don’t know if I like the idea of having to depend totally on you financially. Plus, there’s the fact that I love my job. I love working with the animals. I’d miss it, and I’d hate to quit, then later on down the road regret that decision.”

“What if I were to come up with some kind of alternative? Something that would allow you to do what you’re doing now, but only here at the mansion?”

She looked at Kye as if to say she didn’t think that would be possible. “What would that be? Unless you’re willing to open some kind of wild animal rescue or something.”

He smiled. “We’ll figure something out, but I want you to seriously consider quitting.”

“All right.”

“Good.” He released her and stood. “Get dressed, then we’ll go see what I can whip up for us in the kitchen.”

Michaela slipped off the bed and headed for the bathroom. If Kye didn’t stop throwing life-altering offers at her, she’d be a basket case in no time.

Chapter Ten

After they’d eaten, Kye had driven them back to her apartment. Surprisingly, it didn’t take too long for Michaela to pack the two large suitcases she owned with her clothes. What didn’t fit, she’d put in black garbage bags. The things hanging in her closet, Kye just took out in bundles and placed them on the backseat of his car. She’d also packed a few other necessities. The rest of her things could stay in her apartment for now until she figured out what she wanted to do with them. She’d have to give the landlord her one month’s notice as well.

With her suitcases loaded into his trunk, they made the drive back to Marin County and the mansion. Kye parked closer to the front door and Michaela got out. She gathered some of her clothes from the backseat while he went around to the trunk and took out one of her suitcases.

They’d just made it through the door when a woman with blonde hair so light it was almost white, stepped into the foyer. She smiled as she came closer. “You must be Michaela.” Her gaze skipped over the things Michaela and Kye held. “And it looks as if you’re making a good start of moving in. I’m Saskia.”

“Nice to finally meet you,” Michaela said. “And yes, but it’s just my clothes for now.”

“It’s something.” Saskia’s gaze skipped over to Kye. “Just to give you the heads up, Miles is here, so behave yourself.”

Kye groaned. “Saskia, are you sure this is really wise?”

“Yes, I do. He’s my brother, Kye. If being with Jaden like this will help keep him on our side, I’m not going to deny him.”

Michaela looked from Saskia to Kye. She had no idea what this “on our side” meant, but from the expressions on their faces, it had to be something pretty serious.

“I know,” Kye said. “But we can’t let our guard down. For me, the bastard has to prove himself—that he’s no longer what he used to be—before I even think of welcoming him back.”

“I never said we shouldn’t stay vigilant. I know exactly what Miles is capable of as much as the rest of you. I just want this to work, so in other words, no going out of your way to fuck things up. Got it?”

“Yes, boss. I guess when Michaela and I finish unloading my car, then we’ll come down and join everyone else.”

Saskia nodded. “When you’re ready, were sitting outside on the patio.” She then turned and walked toward the back of the house.

“Are you going to tell me what that was all about?” Michaela asked as she and Kye walked up the stairs to his bedroom.

“Ha…not right now.”

Hearing the hesitancy in Kye’s voice, Michaela put the clothes she held on the bed and turned to face him. “Does it have something to do with your protecting Roxie and her family?”

Kye closed the distance between them and put a hand over her mouth. “Shh. We don’t need Miles to overhear you talking about Roxie, all right?”

She nodded, even though the chance of anyone hearing what she’d said was impossible. Kye and she were alone in his room and the others were outside. And even if someone were downstairs, they still wouldn’t have been able to hear her.

He took his hand away. “There are some things I have to explain to you, but not while Miles is here.” Kye took a deep breath and let it out on a long sigh. “Once he’s gone, we’re going to have a little chat, you and I.”

“Okay. And I promise I won’t say anything about…you know who.”

Kye smiled. “Good. You’ll understand more once I tell you everything.”

They finished taking the rest of her clothes up to Kye’s room. Until she picked out a new dresser—Kye insisted she get one—she’d be living out of her suitcases. The things that could be hung up were now in his walk-in closet along with his stuff. It was a start to making Michaela feel as if it were her room too.

After Kye moved his car to the garage, they headed for the backyard patio. It was later in the day, but darkness hadn’t yet descended. There were five people sitting around the wrought-iron table, talking. Saskia was there, but the others, Michaela hadn’t met yet. Her gaze landed on the man who she recognized from the restaurant the night before. He had the same light blond hair and similar features as Saskia. Michaela assumed the man had to be Miles, Saskia’s brother.

Once they reached the table, Kye introduced her to Eli, Saskia’s husband, then to Leif and Jaden, leaving Miles for last. Kye and she took the two remaining empty chairs, which had Michaela sitting next to Eli.

After the introductions were over, Leif turned to Kye, and said, “I guess I should thank you for telling Miles about Jaden being pregnant.”

She saw Kye cringe. “I wasn’t thinking, all right. I was a bit…distracted trying to handle something else at the time. I didn’t mean to ruin the surprise.”

“From the looks of you and Michaela, I’d say you two worked through your distraction,” Miles said with a laugh. “I assume congr—” He stopped talking and reached down to rub his leg under the table and looked over at Jaden. “What did you kick me for?”

Jaden glared at him, giving an almost infinitesimal nod in Michaela’s direction. “Dad, you don’t want to say something that will embarrass Kye’s girlfriend, do you?”

Michaela’s gaze shot over to Miles. There was no way he could be Jaden’s father. He didn’t look much older than her. And the way Jaden had stressed the word “girlfriend,” Michaela thought it a bit strange.

“Oh, sorry,” Miles quickly said in return. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

Jaden nodded, then looked at Kye. “It’s okay about you telling my dad about me being pregnant. I wasn’t upset by it.” She glared at her husband. “Not like someone else.”

Leif held up his hands in surrender. “Hey, don’t look at me like that. I only thought you might want to wait until you were a little bit further along. You’re only four weeks pregnant.”

“So? I might not go around telling the whole world, but I had planned to tell my dad.”

Leif ran a hand over his face. “I think I’m just going to shut my mouth now, since every time I open it, I seem to bury myself in deeper shit.”

One minute they were all chuckling over what Leif had said, and the next, everyone, except for Michaela, instantly quieted. They appeared to sniff the air, and a low animalistic growl rumbled out of them, except for Jaden and her. Michaela couldn’t overlook the sound this time, as she’d managed to do every time Kye had done it.

She stiffened when a group of men suddenly arrived on the lawn a short distance away. They moved so fast Michaela had a hard time tracking them. It definitely wasn’t normal.

All the men and Saskia shot to their feet as one man from the other group stepped forward and spoke. “Did you think you could just drop us like we were crap on your shoe, Miles, and think we would just walk away?”

“Leave, Curtis, or this is not going to end well for you and the others,” Miles snapped back.

Curtis laughed. “You think we’re afraid of you and a few Protectors? You promised us that once you had the foretold one in your possession things would be different in the packs. That we, the lone wolves, would have all the control. Just because it’s your daughter doesn’t mean we don’t want what you’d said we’d get if we joined you.”

Miles snarled his lip and snapped his teeth. “The foretold one being my daughter does change everything. She has also opened my eyes to the path my life had taken—one that would’ve ended in my destruction.”

Curtis slowly clapped his hands. “Ah, isn’t that sweet. But that doesn’t get me the status or money you promised us.”

Michaela felt a scream lock in her throat as Curtis and the men behind him turned into wolves. At the scrape of chairs being violently pushed away, she looked at the others around her as they too, one by one, became wolves. She couldn’t pull her gaze away as Kye’s eyes glowed mutedly just before his body shimmered and blurred, taking on the form of a wolf with very light brown fur.

The two groups of wolves launched themselves at each other. Michaela found herself unable to move, her mind having a hard time processing what she actually saw. A large hand wrapped around her arm and pulled her away from the table.

“Get back,” Leif shouted. She turned to find him and Jaden close by. He let go of her and cupped his wife’s face in his hands. “Promise me you won’t shift.”

Jaden shook her head. “It’s still early enough in the pregnancy that I can without hurting the baby.”

“I don’t care, Jaden. I don’t want you in the fight. You’ve never had to face anything like this before. Just do as I ask. Please.”

Jaden closed her eyes for a few seconds and nodded. “All right. Just be careful.”

Michaela couldn’t hold back a startled yelp as Leif too became a wolf in a matter of seconds, then ran off to join the fray. “What…what are you people?”

“I’m sure this isn’t how Kye wanted you to find out, Michaela, but we’re all werewolves,” Jaden said.

“You’re one too?”

“Yes.” Jaden looked toward the battle that took place on the lawn. “God, they’re outnumbered. If anything happens to Leif or my dad, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Seeing how upset Jaden was, it helped to bring Michaela out of some of the numbness that had descended over her. They were two women with no way to protect themselves as a group of wolves tore into each other with teeth and claws.

She looked around for something that could be used as a weapon, or at least as a deterrent. They might be werewolves, but they were still just wolves with the same weakness as the wild variety from the looks of it, though they were slightly bigger. Relying on her training from the zoo, she knew she should never confront an aggressive animal empty-handed. It was too bad there wasn’t a tranquilizer gun nearby.

Michaela spotted the metal straight-edged rake that leaned against the brick wall of the house. She ran over to it and snatched it up. It wasn’t much, but its points would hurt. She’d just turned around to go back to Jaden when the other woman screamed.

“Dad! No!”

Looking in the direction Jaden stared, Michaela saw a white wolf being pinned by a darker one who had his jaws around the back of his neck. Now that she’d convinced herself to think of them as just normal wolves, her fear evaporated. Having dealt with larger and potentially more dangerous animals at the zoo, she had no qualms about going in to help the white wolf she’d seen Miles shift into.

Running up to the pair, she swung the rake at the darker wolf’s head, knocking him away from the white one. He turned and snapped at her, but she shoved her makeshift weapon in his face. “Don’t even try it. I’ve faced down a pissed off tiger before, and you’re nothing compared to that.”

Michaela hovered over the white wolf as he slowly got up on his feet. His assailant looked as if he wanted to try and come at her again, but a loud howl preceded a form covered in light brown fur launching itself at him. The fight between them was vicious and over quickly with the second wolf being the victor. After that the battle wound down.

“Thanks.”

Michaela turned her head to see Miles once again human and standing where the white wolf had been. He bled from a number of places. “You’re welcome.”

“Weren’t you afraid? Most mortals would think twice before wading into the middle of a werewolf fight.”

She shrugged. “I’m an animal keeper at the zoo. I deal with wild animals every day.”

Miles threw back his head and laughed. “I have to say you’re the perfect mate for a werewolf.”

At the sound of her name being called, Michaela looked over to see Kye standing over the defeated wolf in human form. He had a few bite and claw marks on him, but he looked relatively unharmed. Dropping the rake, she ran into his open arms.

“It’s okay,” he said as he held her close. “It’s over.”

“I should be losing my mind right now, but during the fight, all I could think about was what I would do if something like this ever happened at the zoo. And that I needed a tranquilizer gun.”

Kye laughed. “I hope you didn’t want to tranq my ass.”

She leaned back in his arms and looked at him. “Werewolf, huh?”

“I had planned to tell you later tonight.”

“Too late for that.”

“Come on, let’s go talk.” He looked around them. “The others seem to have everything under control here.”

Seeing what was left of Curtis’ men and him being tied up, she nodded and let Kye lead her away. She didn’t say anything as he brought her into the house and up to his room. Nor did she speak as he continued on into the bathroom and shut them in.

“I’m going to make this short, since Miles is still here and I don’t want him to learn some of what I’m about to tell you. Besides being a werewolf, I’m over a thousand years old. I’ve waited a long time for you, my mate.”

He then proceeded to tell her what it meant to be his, how the mating bond formed between them the first time they’d made love, and how with it in place, they wouldn’t be able to bear being apart.

“Now this is the part Miles can’t ever know,” Kye said. “As far as he knows, Jaden is the foretold one. She isn’t. Roxie is. That’s why we’re her Protectors. Miles at one time wanted to control the foretold one to rule over all the werewolf packs himself, using her as a figurehead. The way it has worked out with Jaden taking on the role for his benefit, he no longer wants that. But it doesn’t mean we can’t be any less vigilant when it comes to Roxie.” He paused. “Being what she is, she can do things others of our kind can’t. One of them being, she can use a spell to turn a mortal into a werewolf.” His gaze locked on Michaela’s. “Do you know what I’m saying?”

She blinked a few times as understanding settled over her. “You want Roxie to use the spell on me, so we can be mates in every sense of the word.”

“Yes, but I won’t push you. But just let me tell you that Eli, Ansley, Jaden and Braelyn already made the choice to be like their mates.”

Michaela searched Kye’s eyes, seeing the hope there that she would agree to the spell. Did she want to become a werewolf? Looking at the man who had come to mean so much to her, the thought of having a couple of thousand years with him instead of what she’d have as a mortal, was more than she could’ve ever imagined.

Somehow, all she’d learned wasn’t freaking her out. She wanted to accept it. Slowly, she nodded. “I’ll do it. As long as I have you at my side, I can accept this new way of life.”

He dragged her into his arms and crushed her against him. Kye kissed the top of her head. “You are my heart, Michaela. I’ll make sure you never regret this for the rest of our days.”

With all her heart and soul, she believed him. “And you’re mine, Kye.”

About the Author:

Marisa Chenery was always a lover of books, but after reading her first historical romance novel she found herself hooked. Having inherited a love for the written word, she soon started writing her own novels.

After trying her hand at writing historicals, she now writes paranormals.

Marisa lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four children.

Check out Marisa’s website at www.marisachenery.com. She would love to hear from you, so drop her an email while you’re there.

Content

Kye's Heart
Roxie's Protectors - 5
by
Marisa Chenery

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

About the Author: