STORY EXCERPT

She took a deep breath. The tone of Roger’s voice intimidated her. Should she lie and pretend she’d seen nothing?

Roger waved his hand in front of her face. “Hello? Was there someone or not?”

Nova stood slack-jawed, unable to speak. She felt a panic attack coming on.

“I’d wager she saw someone.”

Everyone, including Nova, refocused on the new voice coming from the other side of the riverbank. This man looked strikingly similar to her mystery guy, but it wasn’t him. He wore a pair of worn blue jeans and nothing else. He was ripped to fucking perfection, any woman’s wet dream—most definitely hers. Both men effortlessly put the cast of Magic Mike to shame. 

No one spoke. It got unnerving after a couple minutes. 

“Could have been one of my crew. There’re five of us.”

“You don’t live around here, do you?” asked Roger. “I’ve never heard of anyone venturing this far off the grid.”

“This is my land. Why wouldn’t I live on my own land?” He used a fallen log to cross over the small river to their side. He moved with confidence and stealth, the moon highlighting those glistening muscles. As he got closer, she fell spellbound. There was something evil in his eyes, and she couldn’t look away. “My name’s Corbin Rockford.”

“I’m Bethany.” 

The only other woman in their group nearly tripped over her feet to get closer to him. Nova frowned. The fact that Bethany was younger, taller, and prettier suddenly rubbed her wrong. 

But to Nova’s surprise and satisfaction, Corbin ignored her outstretched hand and continued to stroll around them. He kept his hands clasped behind his back, no sense of urgency or unease whatsoever. He certainly didn’t look weathered to shit or exhausted like she felt. Darkness had settled over the forest, leaving everything a mix of shadows from the moonlight and lone lantern.

“Trespassers. What to do, what to do…” He spoke with a mix of humor and threat. She didn’t know what to make of him.

“We’re just passing through,” Roger assured.

“It’s not safe for humans to travel this far north. Aren’t you afraid of wolves?”

Craig spoke up. “The rumors in Climax about man-eaters are ridiculous. Wolves are more afraid of us than we are of them. None of us have anything to worry about.”

The stranger smirked. “Are you so sure about that?”

As if on command two black wolves emerged from the underbrush, teeth bared and hackles up. They moved so silently that the dark shadows nearly hid their presence. 

“Oh my God,” Craig cried. “Nobody move. They smell fear.”

“I–thought you said they were scared of us.” Bethany stuttered her words, arms up at the elbows as if being robbed at gunpoint.

Nova noted movement to her right. Her mystery guy was back, leaning against a nearby tree. At first she felt a little thrill, expecting him to rush over once he recognized her. When he didn’t move, Nova had a sinking feeling they were all in very big trouble.

“Humans are no match for the strength and killing desire of a wolf. Did you know they follow orders from an alpha?” Corbin’s voice was equally sexy and deadly, slow and deliberate. It lulled her into a false sense of security.

How could this guy sound so at ease with those huge animals growling only feet away? Were they circus wolves, trained to obey? Her heart pounded as fear seeped from her pores. They smell fear.

“Anyone?”

“Y–yes, they follow pack order,” Craig answered. “The alpha leads them.”

“Good answer. You’ve surprised me.” He smiled—a ridiculously sexy tilt of the lips as he slowly clapped his hands. “And you’re right, of course. Pack law.” Corbin walked past them, heading in the direction of the deadly animals. That was when she noticed he was massive in size and height compared to the two men in their group, a totally different league of male. Even though he was nice to stare at, she couldn’t help take glances over her shoulder at her mystery man. Part of her hoped he’d save the day, save her, but she knew these two men were up to something together. Shocking news headlines flashed in her head, all including her dying a grizzly death. 

Corbin bent down on one knee and held out his hand to the wolf closest to him. Nova held her breath, cupping her hands over her nose and mouth. “Pack law says they’ll never hurt me.”

To her complete shock the wolf didn’t bite his hand or even lunge at him. This seemed to intrigue the animal behavioral specialist of the group. 

“That’s incredible. It goes against everything I’ve studied. How is that possible?” Craig joined Corbin, squatting down to his level without being invited. He held out his hand in a similar fashion and made a juvenile kissing sound.

“Because I’m the alpha.”

The wolf attacked. 

ADULT EXCERPT

“I want to fuck you.” He awaited her reaction.

“Do you talk to every woman like that?”

“No, just you.” He tilted his head, examining her. She’s just another human, he reminded himself. Then why didn’t she repulse him like all the others? Where was his deep-seated aversion when he needed it?

“Why me?” 

The cave was too quiet. He could hear his own blood racing through his veins. Her fingertips traced the shape of his muscles, making a path down his abs. Corbin had always hated being touched. 

“I’m not sure myself. I can only think of one thing,” he said. “I’ve never taken a virgin before.” It was as good a reason as any at this point. He still remembered her scent back by the river, her purity and ripeness making her nearly irresistible. Too bad his pack didn’t have as much self-control. Instead they disappointed him with their lack of loyalty.

But he was alpha, leader of the Rockford Pack, and it would be contrary for him not to take what he wanted. And he wanted Nova.

His decision was made. He cupped her face in his palms, staring at her, trying to unravel her secrets. Would she destroy him, or would he prove she was no different than any other one-night stand? He was about to find out. 

Corbin kissed her lips, a risky move, but he was all in at this point. He’d also promised his brother to give his mating theory a chance. Her desire sang to him, exciting the wolf and the man. She melted against his body, zero resistance. The little human had seen his beast, seen him shift, and yet her need hadn’t diminished. 

Nova mewled, her eyes closed as he trailed kisses down her neck.

“Good girl,” he whispered against her skin. “Now take off your clothes for me.”

She didn’t hesitate, tugging at the collar of her sweater. “Yes,” she murmured. 

He pulled back enough to assist her, lifting her sweater and T-shirt off. Her pale skin broke into gooseflesh, but that wouldn’t last long. Corbin reached behind and unhooked her bra, the last layer before her breasts were bared. He held her waist, leaning back to take a good look at the girl. Her tits were perfect, not too big or small, sloping out into tempting peaks. He leaned down and covered one breast with his mouth, savoring the feel of her pebbled nipple against his tongue. He growled, feeling his humanity rapidly vanishing. At least Ryder was within arm’s length and wouldn’t let him get too out of control. And for the first time in his adult life, he felt he was fucking losing it completely. 

“Do you like that, little one?” 

“Yes,” she said. “Kiss me again. Please.”

In a few swift moves, he had her on her back, under him, his body braced on his forearms. Fuck, he needed to be inside her. All he could think about was sinking in deep and claiming her innocence. 

This time he didn’t hold back, kissing her hard, their tongues intertwining. He’d always avoided kissing, but it felt right with Nova. She wrapped her legs around his waist, his cock brushing her pussy. Her virgin pussy. 

She was soft, her scent sweet and feminine. Addicting. Her essence consumed him, the entire world slowly slipping away. Her kisses felt deeper than lust. They felt like submission of body and soul. 

Corbin moved down her body, tugging off her pants as he went. Once he had her completely naked, he spread her legs. His brother’s interest overwhelmed him, his thoughts and need filling Corbin’s head to the point of distraction. But he’d have to wait. Corbin was going to have his fill of the little brunette. And Ryder needed to learn a lesson in pack order.

He noted Nova tried to shield her nudity. It was perplexing. He shook his head in warning. “Don’t hide yourself from me.”

“She’s shy,” Ryder said. 

Corbin didn’t buy it, not when her hormonal signature and heat were off the fucking charts. “Why do you cover yourself?”

She shrugged. 

He moved her hands to her sides, exposing her stomach and pretty pink pussy. His cock jumped from the sight. She was fucking gorgeous, all those soft curves and milky skin. Her eyes were wide, a note of unease keeping her from letting go completely. Was it her virginity? Was she questioning letting a shifter take her innocence? Or did she prefer Ryder?

Corbin internally laughed, shocked by his own train of thoughts. This human was actually giving him a complex, making him doubt his own instincts. He shouldn’t give a shit one way or another. 

“Are you turned off by my wolf?” Fuck. The vulnerable words spilled from his lips without permission. He’d lived a lifetime of rejection and thought he was past giving a fuck. 

“No, I’m just…I’m just…embarrassed. It would be better if it were darker.”

His nerves settled as realization settled in. She wasn’t just shy. She lacked self-confidence. It boggled his mind because he’d never seen anything so perfect in his life. He’d been with countless women, most flawless by human standards, but they meant nothing. Nova was suddenly becoming everything. 

“Like I said, don’t hide yourself from me.” Then he softened his tone. “There’s no need.” Corbin ran the backs of fingers along the side of her breast, over her stomach, and down her inner thigh. She shivered. “I assure you, I like everything I see.”

She grimaced, clearly not believing him. He’d never been more sincere. Corbin wasn’t used to proving himself or using flowery words to impress a female. Until today, his life was black and white. Now this green-eyed girl was changing everything. It fucking killed him, but his brother had been right from the beginning. He’d just been too close-minded to see what was in front of him.

Nova was their mate. 

“Do I have to show you?” he asked.