STORY EXCERPT

The Omega reared back, but sniffed, much to Hayden’s approval. Hayden’s Beta and Gamma kept pushing him to take a mate from the pack or even better, from another pack to seal an alliance. It didn’t hurt to strengthen the pack with the recent rumors about certain hostile animal groups looking for more territories to claim. Too bad no one caught Hayden’s interest. Most men and women, and Hayden always had first choice, were only good for a one-night stand or temporary arrangement. Anything long term, Hayden would reserve for his fated mate.

“What, because you’re an Alpha, you get off on scaring poor defenseless animals?” the Omega demanded, taking a forkful of pie. He closed his eyes, clearly savoring the taste, and even Hayden’s intimidating presence didn’t seem to deter him from his goal. What a strange little cat indeed.

“Do you always speak this rudely to every man who tries to hit on you?” Hayden asked mildly. Finally, the kitten set down his fork and drank his cup of water before answering him.

“Hit on me? Yeah right. In case your sense of smell is impaired, I’m pregnant. The offers aren’t exactly rolling in.”

Hayden snarled at the insult and then culled his temper. Why did this Omega get on his nerves easily? Not in the bad sort of way either because Hayden liked a challenge. Besides, the Omega didn’t look impressed with his snarling.

“You don’t have a bite mark, although I can smell the faint smell of another wolf on you,” Hayden said in a casual tone, watching the stranger’s reaction carefully. The tabby shifter winced, and then went back to his pie, covering up his slip-up. “Any asshole who leaves his unclaimed and pregnant mate alone isn’t worth much in my estimation.”

“You know nothing about me,” the Omega sassed back, furiously chewing. After finishing his pie, he sighed. Hayden didn’t miss the fact he began to reach for his wallet, and then stopped, probably remembering Hayden was still there.

“Andre, give my new tabby friend another slice of pie,” Hayden called. Also a fellow pack member, Andre lifted an eyebrow but obeyed. The Alpha’s orders were absolute after all, and Hayden didn’t need to worry because Andre wouldn’t babble. Other shifters in the bar would talk, but Hayden didn’t give a fuck.

“I’m not a charity case,” the Omega snapped, although Hayden didn’t miss the way his gaze followed the plate of pie.

“Since you’re pregnant, I can’t offer you beer. Consider the pie a gift from a suitor.”

The Omega snorted and began digging in. Damn it. A wave of anger passed through Hayden. The poor shifter looked like he hadn’t eaten a good meal in days and he was eating for two. What kind of bastard was he running away from? Hayden didn’t need to be psychic to know he smelled trouble, but he couldn’t exactly leave one poor kitten out in the cold.

“I’m Hayden Keys, by the way, Alpha of the Blue Moon pack.” The Omega stiffened, but it was an otherwise calm reaction. Hayden’s human half-urged caution, but he started on a path he couldn’t stop. It was Hayden’s nature to see it to the finish. Besides it wouldn’t hurt to show a random act of kindness, but Hayden didn’t fool himself. His interests lay beyond charity.

“Conner O’Brien, pregnant tabby on a pie run,” Conner grumbled, forcing out the words. Hayden noticed the town map on the table near Conner’s arm, already circled with stops he planned to make. Was it a cover story, or did Conner make up that lie? Hayden didn’t push, at least for now.

“Perfect.” Hayden grinned, showing his teeth.

Conner lifted one eyebrow. “Why is that perfect?”

“I’m the perfect guy to show you around. I grew up in Blue Moon, and know where the best pies are, even those not on that map.”

Conner didn’t take the bait. He flashed Hayden a suspicious look. “I’m sure a big shot Alpha like you has plenty of important things to do. You know, intimidate other poor defenseless animals and such.”

Unable to help himself, Hayden burst out laughing. “Believe me, pet. You’re not defenseless, and besides, I am Alpha. I have lackeys to do all the work.”

Hayden placed emphasis on his position, subtly telling Conner he wasn’t making a request. The smart tabby got it.

“Figures. Of course you leave the heavy duty lifting to someone else.”

“Believe me, Conner. I have no intentions of hurting you,” Hayden said. “All I want to do is show you a good time.”

“Not the first time I heard that line,” Conner grumbled, but Hayden detected the hurt in his voice.

Making the first move seemed risky, but Hayden didn’t like seeing Conner hurt. Faint alarm bells rang in Hayden’s head, reminding him he shouldn’t be this protective to a stranger he met. That didn’t stop him from cupping Conner’s chin, angling Conner for a kiss. Hayden closed the distance between them, crushing Conner’s lips with his. If he felt no spark, he’d withdraw and tell Conner he wouldn’t bother him anymore.

Not a spark, but a fire, intense and addictive, leaped from Hayden to Conner. The sweet taste and heat of Conner rammed down his throat. Conner yielded to him, responding to his kiss, making Hayden ache twice as bad, worsening his want. His erection pressed up against his jeans, demanding attention and he could smell Conner’s arousal, needy and fucking delicious.

Conner pulled back, panting, eyes wide. He seemed to look at Hayden differently now and Hayden’s words stopped him cold. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Hayden asked gently.

“Don’t end up hurting me too,” Conner whispered.

Hayden growled, temper flaring. Not at Conner, but at the careless asshole who left a treasure such as Conner in his state. “No one is going to hurt you while I’m here while you’re in my town.”

ADULT EXCERPT

Setting his empty beer bottle down on the kitchen counter, Hayden walked up to him. God, the guy was walking perfection. Watching him, Conner’s gaze dropped from his handsome face and down to the hard planes of his body. Damn clothes got in the way. He reached the ridge pressing up against Hayden’s jeans and groaned, imagining how it looked like.

“I can smell your arousal, kitty,” Hayden said in a hoarse voice.

Wrapping one arm around Conner’s waist, he brought Conner close for a kiss. All but helpless to receive it, Conner yielded to the crush of Hayden’s lips. Heat leaped from Hayden’s mouth to his and they ground their bodies against each other. Conner was all but ready to rip Hayden’s clothes off him.

The Alpha seemed to harbor the same thoughts because he whispered in Conner’s ear, “I want to see you, pet. All of you.”

Hayden’s hand slipped to the hem of his shirt. Remembering the ugly scar and not wanting Hayden to see it, Conner gripped his hands. Frowning, Hayden looked at him, relaxing when Conner reached for his belt buckle.

“Let me. Please.”

“Since you beg nicely, go ahead, pet,” Hayden said in a husky voice. Conner became aware of Hayden’s gaze on him as he unbuckled the belt, undid the button, and unzipped his jeans. Drawing out his cock, Conner’s mouth watered. Long, thick, and massive, Hayden’s dick practically begged for his attention.

“On your knees, kitten,” Hayden said, firm command in his voice.

Dropping to his knees, Conner stole a kiss on Hayden’s prick, making the Alpha laugh.

“Baby, you’re one of a kind,” Hayden said, voice full of approval. Threading his fingers into Conner’s hand, Hayden positioned his dick to Conner’s lips. “Suck me, pet. Show me how badly you want my cock.”

Happy to oblige, Conner tongued the pre-cum on Hayden’s slit, relishing the musky taste of the Alpha. Groaning above him, Hayden tugged at his hair. “No games.”

Conner opened his mouth and took Hayden in. Unused to having such a large prick in his mouth, Conner gagged at first, but soon got used to Hayden’s size. Bobbing his head up and down, Conner sucked hard, liking Hayden’s groan.

“Fuck, pet. Your mouth feels damn good,” Hayden murmured. He growled, letting Conner know he was close to exploding. “Swallow, pet, and don’t spill a drop.”

Conner let Hayden fuck his mouth a couple of times before hearing Hayden’s shuddering groan. Ropes of hot cum slid down his throat and Conner swallowed obediently, licking his lips after.

“Where the fuck have you been all my life, kitten?” Hayden said in a hoarse voice after.

He offered Conner a hand up, hauling Conner to his feet. Conner wondered at the same question. Once again, he couldn’t help imagine how it would be like having a fierce, protective, and caring mate like Hayden. No, Conner shouldn’t go there, shouldn’t long for the things he couldn’t have. He had Hayden all to himself. At least for one night, and that was enough.

“Let’s get those fucking clothes off you.” Before Conner could react, Hayden went for his shirt again. Beginning to lift it over his head, Hayden paused, hissing, probably catching sight of the claw mark. Hayden tossed the shirt away, examining the old wound. Conner tried batting his hand away, but Hayden traced the ragged three diagonal lines.

“Who the fuck did this to you?” Hayden demanded. His pupils turned completely golden. Anger rolled off him in waves and Conner could see his wolf, monstrous and powerful. Conner let out a breath, about to back away, to run for the front door, but Hayden gripped his wrist.

“Who?” Hayden repeated.

“My ex,” Conner replied tartly. “Let go of me.”

“Not until you start talking.” Hayden’s gaze narrowed at his silence. “Before you said I’ll end up hurting you too. Someone hurt you before.”

“I—” Conner hesitated. “You remembered that?”

Hayden’s gaze shifted to his still-flat belly, trying to connect the dots. “Is he the same fucker who knocked you up? Is that why you ran to Blue Moon?”

Unable to lie and knowing Hayden would know if he did, Conner guiltily looked away. “I didn’t mean to deceive you or your wolves. I planned on stopping here for a while, then move on. Then you came along and I didn’t know how to handle you. It’s all your damn fault.”

To his surprise, Hayden didn’t snap back or use his fists to teach Conner a lesson like Randy would. Raising his brows, Hayden asked, “My fault?”

Unexpected tears gathered on the corners of Conner’s eyes. “You came barging into my life, offering things I never expected to have again, and igniting certain feelings. All I wanted was to stuff myself with pie and leave town. Figure out tomorrow another time.”

Amusement replaced Hayden’s curiosity and distrust. “There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to me, kitten.”

“Of course it is. All I am to you is a one-time fuck. I don’t mind. Hell, I want you badly it’s driving me insane. Please, stop, teasing me,” Conner uttered, surprised Hayden came close, kissing away his tears.

“I’m touched you feel that way about me, pet, but you’ve made one grievous mistake.”

“What’s that?” Conner demanded, refusing to look shaken. Hayden had seen plenty of his vulnerable side enough.

“You’re not a fling. Can’t you sense my wolf and your cat? They know the truth.”

“What truth?” Conner whispered. Some part of him understood what Hayden implied, but he refused to say the words out loud because it wasn’t true. Hayden wasn’t his mate. No one wanted a tabby shifter carrying the pup of another wolf. It wasn’t done.

“You want me to tell you?” Hayden asked.

“No. Please. Not tonight. I want—” Conner hesitated.

Hayden kissed him, slow and tender. “What do you want, baby?”

“You. Us. Please.” Conner was certain he wasn’t making any sense, but it seemed Hayden understood.

“Good answer, baby, because I intend to claim you tonight.”