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  “I refuse to kill Lucien. I will not betray my Alpha or my pack.” Or my mate, he added silently.

  “Your…Ha, ha, ha!” The man laughed. “I am your Alpha. Refusing my direct order is a death sentence.” He nodded and two soldiers attacked Zane.

  Zane fought them, punching, knowing he would probably die, but wanting to cause them as much damage as possible. They held him as the Alpha punched him in the stomach and ribs, breaking another one. Blood poured out of his mouth.

  Jackie saw Zane, heard the crunch of bone, felt his pain, and her anger grew. Before she knew it, her wolf was on the back of the Alpha, biting into his shoulder. He threw her against a tree and she was knocked out cold.

  Zane howled when he saw his mate’s wolf form connect with a tree. Heard the sickening thud as her head connected with the tree trunk. His rage exploded and through a red haze, he saw himself efficiently slashing and killing the two Soldiers. The Alpha ran away, his fear leaving a distinct stench. Zane ran to his mate, picked her up carefully and moved quickly back to the cabin.

  He placed Jackie gently on the bed and searched for the satellite phone. He called Lucien and explained Murdock’s attack and Jackie’s injury. Within the hour, Lucien, two of his soldiers and Dr. Mallory arrived at the cabin. While Dr. Mallory examined Jackie, Lucien and his soldiers stood outside, listening as Zane recounted the fight.

  “I would never betray you, Alpha.” Zane grimaced and held his side.

  “I know you wouldn’t. You fought bravely. Murdock is a coward. Three against one is dishonorable, but injuring a female who tried to protect her mate? Unforgivable. We will bide our time and get our revenge. I cannot do anything that might start a war while my mate is pregnant.”

  “Of course. The Alpha Bitch must be protected at all times,” Zane agreed. Lucien burst out laughing.

  “You better not ever let my mate hear you call her that, or she will have your balls!” Zane looked confused.

  “It is a term of respect for us,” Lucien explained. “But in the human world, it’s a very insulting phrase.” Zane paled. He would never disrespect his Alpha Bi…Alpha’s Mate.

  Dr. Mallory arranged for Jackie to be taken to the hospital. Jackie needed head X-rays. Zane didn’t allow her to examine him, but she was sure he had a broken rib or two. Zane sat down in the back of the ambulance and gently held his mate’s hand, swearing vengeance.

  Chapter Eight

  Lanie shook her head as she looked at Zane on his hospital bed. Lucien had arranged for Zane’s bed to be as close to Jackie’s as possible. He had two broken ribs, several small cuts on his face, a split lip, and bruises all over his body. Yet he reached over and held Jackie’s hand tenderly. Jackie was still unconscious.

  When Lanie entered the room, Zane looked up and forced a smile when he saw her. She went directly to him and hugged him gently, mindful of his broken ribs.

  “Everyone’s talking about how brave you were to stand up to Murdock.”

  “My mate is the brave one, attacking an Alpha.”

  “She was protecting her mate. Did you think she would do nothing?”

  “In our pack, females do not fight, not even to defend themselves. To fight a male…you don’t want to know…,” Zane said sadly.

  Lanie could only imagine. The Lost Souls Pack was becoming notorious for their ill treatment of women. Aside from rape, most of the men didn’t seem to fare much better. It seemed that only Murdock, the Alpha, and a select few enjoyed Werewolf life in their pack.

  Most of the pack must be miserable. She wondered, Why does his pack allow him to mistreat them? Why didn’t they just band together and kill him?

  Zane explained that as an Alpha, Murdock was a strong Werewolf. Aside from his strength, he was a sadistic bastard and cheated when he fought. No one was brave enough to fight him.

  Dr. Mallory insisted that Jackie would be fine. There was no brain damage. But she could not explain why Jackie was still unconscious. Jackie had some ugly bruising on the back of her head, but surprisingly, no lacerations.

  Lanie suggested to Zane that he talk to Jackie. Perhaps his words would bring her around. Maybe she just needed to know her mate was fine and with her. Lanie always felt comforted when Lucien was around. Possibly Jackie would feel the same way.

  Just before she left, Zane moved off his bed to sit on Jackie’s bed. He caressed her face tenderly and spoke to her gently. Lanie left, a sad smile on her face. Zane’s love for Jackie was evident. Lanie sincerely hoped it would be returned.

  Zane wasn’t sure how to comfort his mate. So he just spoke to her. Telling her she was beautiful. That he loved her and wanted to spend his life getting to know her. How, more than anything else, he wanted to have a home with her. Maybe even a few pups, if she wanted to. He promised he would never leave her side, that he would always protect her. He would do anything for her if she would just open her eyes.

  Jackie heard a soft, unfamiliar voice. It was deep and sexy. A familiar scent, something her body responded to. She struggled to pay attention to his words. He sounded so forlorn she had the sudden urge to comfort him.

  Jackie opened her eyes.

  “Zane?”

  Zane stared at her and held his breath.

  She is awake!

  Relief washed over him. He pressed the button to call the nurse and kissed Jackie. Jackie held him tightly. It came back to her. The horrible fight. Zane covered in blood.…

  “Zane, are you all right?” She pushed him away, wanting to see if he was hurt.

  “I have a few broken ribs, that’s all. I’m more worried about you. You’ve been unconscious since last night. How do you feel?”

  Dr. Mallory rushed into the room and took over. After a long but thorough examination, she announced that Jackie was fine. However, Dr. Mallory was still concerned about Jackie’s unexplained unconsciousness and asked Jackie to stay overnight for observation.

  She wanted to go home, to be alone with Zane, but one look at his face and she knew he would protest. It was just for one night, so she agreed.

  Better safe than sorry, right?

  Zane called their Alpha to let him know that Jackie was awake. Then he pulled on his shirt and promised her he would bring her back “real” food for dinner. She had missed dinner the night before, breakfast and lunch. Not wanting her to “waste away to nothing” he was going to a local restaurant to get their dinner.

  His sides ached from carrying two bags full of delicious things for his mate. He had several appetizers, a couple of main courses and desserts. He had spent almost all of his cash, but she was worth it. He would enjoy feeding his mate over the next couple of hours.

  “Zane, please! I’m stuffed. I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, even if it’s a triple chocolate cake.”

  Jackie really was full. Zane had slowly fed her all kinds of things. He seemed perfectly content to sit by her side, giving her samples of everything he brought for her. Her favorite had been the mozzarella cheese fries, followed by shrimp pasta and heavenly garlic bread.

  She lay back contentedly and smiled at him. She loved looking at Zane, seeing the tender look on his face as he smiled back at her. And that was how Lucien found them when he walked into her hospital room.

  “Glad to see you are well, Jackie. Zane, there is something I need to discuss with you.”

  Zane looked uncertain, but stood because this was his Alpha. Lucien smiled and motioned for him to sit.

  “I know you do not wish to be away from your mate. I wouldn’t. We can talk right here.” He sat down on the chair beside her bed.

  “Our current Tracker has decided to move back to his mate’s pack, as her mother is ill and his mate wishes to be close to her. I’m in need of a Tracker, and I hear you are the best. Would you like the job?”

  Zane was stunned. I am being offered a job? A Tracker is the third most respected position in the pack. Only the Alpha and his mate surpass a Tracker in the pack hierarchy. At least I will be able to provide for my mat
e. Zane thought.

  “Of course, the position comes with a home of your own, if you decide you don’t want to live at Jackie’s.”

  “I’ll take it.” Lucien raised an eyebrow.

  “Don’t you want to discuss your salary?”

  Salary? I’m going to get paid too? Zane was elated.

  Lucien wasn’t at all surprised at Zane’s reaction. He heard rumors about the Lost Souls pack. Apparently, their Alpha, Murdock, kept everything for himself, giving his pack barely enough to survive. They lived in squalor, half starved, unable to fight him. Conditioned to respect an Alpha werewolf, none dared challenge him.

  Long after Lucien left, Zane sat, silently contemplating his current position. I am mated to the most beautiful female I have ever seen, I am the Tracker of my new pack. I have been given a home of my own. And my salary! It would be more money than I know what to do with.

  Before he left, Lucien told him a joint account had been created for him and his mate. His eyes had grown wide at the balance.

  “Consider it a mating present. My mate likes you, both of you. I do too,” Lucien confided.

  Jackie shook her head and reached over to Zane, pinching him.

  “See, it’s not a dream. You’re wide awake and all of that really did happen. I told you our pack is nothing like them.” She paused. “I know you are living among strangers. Do you think you will like it here?”

  “I would love anything as long as you are by my side,” Zane answered honestly.

  Chapter Nine

  Two weeks later….

  To give them a fresh start, they decided to move into Zane’s house. Zane loved his new home. Jackie made it warm and inviting. Zane carried a large bag up the stairs to their bedroom. Jackie had just finished spreading the bed. She turned as he walked in and gave him a sweet smile.

  “You’re home early. What’s in the bag?” Zane returned her smile and set down the bag. She walked into his arms and kissed him.

  “Dr. Mallory said both of my ribs are completely healed.” He slipped his hands down her back and squeezed her ass.

  “It’s time for me to pay off my I.O.U’s.” Jackie laughed and shook her head.

  “Zane, you don’t have to do anything. I was only kidding about owing me one.” Zane shook his head.

  “I know you were unsatisfied, Jackie. Taking me into your mouth was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. You did it, asking nothing in return. I intend to repay that kindness, Jackie.” His voice had become thick with desire and his wolf eyes shone brightly.

  “Zane, we are mates. There is nothing to repay.” She began to unbutton his shirt and he held her wrists, stopping her.

  “Go take a shower and come to bed. Don’t bother getting dressed.” Jackie raised her eyebrows in surprise then smiled. She walked into their bathroom and began undressing, wondering what Zane had planned. As soon as Jackie left their bedroom, Zane picked up the bag and set it on their bed. He opened the bag and began setting up their room.

  Jackie stepped out of the shower, dried off and excitedly returned to their bedroom.

  “Oh, Zane! It’s so romantic!” Lit candles were everywhere, on the nightstands, their chest and dresser, even scattered on the floor throughout their bedroom. Zane had closed the blinds, so the darkened room was lit by the soft glow of candlelight. Soft music played, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Zane was naked and kneeling on their bed.

  Jackie climbed on their bed, stopping on her knees in front of him.

  “I’m sorry our first time wasn’t like this, Jackie. You deserve romance, not quickies.” Zane was still ashamed of the way he had fucked her their first time together. Jackie shook her head and slid her hands up his chest. One hand caressed his face and she assured him, “You never have to apologize for the way you made love to me, Zane. I’m not complaining.”

  Jackie slipped her hand around his head and pulled him down for a kiss. He leaned down and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her back and waist. Zane kissed his way down her neck, stopping to nibble on her neck.

  “Ohhh,” Jackie moaned as she pressed her body into his and wrapped her hands around his head.

  Zane could scent the strong aroma of her arousal. He bit her neck and her channel flooded with wetness. Jackie pushed him away slightly so she could slip her hand around his erection. She enjoyed fondling his thick cock. He let her stroke him a few times then held her wrist, stopping her. If she continued to stroke him, he would fuck her as quickly as he had the other times. It would ruin his plans to make this a romantic evening for her.

  “Lie down on your front,” Zane commanded. Curious, she lay on her belly. Zane moved closer to the nightstand, picked up a bottle and poured some of the contents onto his hands. He closed the bottle and tossed it onto the bed next to him. He positioned himself so that one knee was between Jackie’s legs. He leaned over and slid his hands up her back and across her shoulders.

  “Ahhhhhh,’ Jackie sighed as she relaxed under his masterful hands. Zane continued to massage her shoulders and back, rubbing and kneading as his hands slid across her body. He slid down to her ass and squeezed her cheeks gently before returning to her back and shoulders. Jackie felt so content and relaxed she could fall asleep.

  “Turn over, Jackie.” Reluctantly she turned over and Zane rewarded her by massaging around her breasts and down her belly. All thoughts of sleep fled her body. Her clit began to tingle as Zane gently caressed her belly and thighs. Her womb tightened and her pussy clenched in anticipation. She spread her legs slightly and he scented her arousal. It was maddening.

  Unable to resist his mate, Zane spread her legs and lowered his head. He spread her and licked her greedily.

  “Oh, Zane! Please. Please....” She lifted her hips and he slipped his tongue inside of her.

  “Mmmm...” Zane purred, as he enjoyed tasting his mate. I could lick her for hours.

  He plunged his tongue into her and Jackie’s breathing came in short pants. His thumb found her clit and he rubbed it in slow circles as his tongue penetrated her. When he needed air, he would raise his head to suck on her clit while his fingers slid fully into her sleek channel.

  “Oh, God!” Jackie exclaimed as her body began to tense and clench around him. His tongue returned to her channel and his fingers found her clit.

  “Zane, I...OH!” Jackie’s orgasm crashed over her and she rocked her hips against his tongue as her fists clawed the sheets. Zane kept his tongue buried inside of her slick sheath until she pulled his head up. Zane enjoyed the satisfied look on his mate’s face.

  One I.O.U. down, four to go....

  Two weeks later….

  Zane hurried home to Jackie, as he always did. He found her in the kitchen, making dinner.

  Standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck. He began sucking on her neck and she groaned, grinding her ass into him. He reached over and shut off the burner. Dinner could wait, his desire for his mate couldn’t. He pulled her towards the kitchen table and began kissing her. One hand began unbuttoning her shirt.

  “Zane….dinner.…” She forgot what she was going to say as his mouth found her nipple. He sucked on it, hard enough to make her gasp and grab his head. He rubbed his stubble on it and moved to the other one, licking then sucking gently. His hands reached under her skirt and pulled down her panties. He picked her up and turned, placing her on the table behind him. She reached down and unzipped him, pushed down his pants and held his cock in her hands. She was amazed at the way it felt- soft and hard, long and thick. She stroked him and watched him grow bigger. She growled in satisfaction.

  His fingers trailed up her inner thigh, higher and higher until he found her clit. He rubbed slowly and then pushed his finger inside of her, feeling her wetness. He continued fucking her with his finger, adding a second one while his thumb rubbed against her clit in small circles. Her mouth found his nipple. She sucked on one, while pinching his other nipple gently. Her other hand continued to stroke him,
stopping occasionally to caress his sac. Zane groaned.

  “Turn over,” he demanded. She slid off the table and leaned over it, exposing her ass to him. He moved closer and she rubbed against him. He spread her legs and entered her slowly. She moaned, loving the way her mate’s cock filled and stretched her. He held her hips as he moved out, then back in, harder. Out and in, harder, faster and faster until he hit a spot that had her crying out.

  “Right there! Right there! Ohhhh. Don’t stop, Zane. Please…,” she begged him.

  He fucked her faster and harder and they both climaxed. Her body convulsed, racked with spasms from her powerful orgasms. She felt herself clenching around him as his seed filled her. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her shoulder. He stood and withdrew.

  “That was a hell of an appetizer. Can we eat now?” She laughed and stood up.

  “I guess that depends on what you want to eat,” she replied suggestively. He smiled at her wickedly and his stomach grumbled loudly.

  “No. Dinner first!” She said, stepping around him. “Can’t have you fainting on me.”

  After dinner and a shower, they decided to go to bed and have dessert.

  Chapter Ten

  Zane’s phone went off before his alarm did. It was Lucien. The Rogue wolf he had been hunting was seen in a town a few hours away. He dressed quickly and left, kissing his mate gently on the cheek.

  Wondering Werewolves were possible Alphas, but they did not have a pack to lead. Staying in a pack would cause friction with the existing Alpha, so they were encouraged to leave. Most Wondering Alphas only visited packs during certain important ceremonies, to reconnect, hunt and fraternize with their own kind. When Wondering Werewolves withdrew from their own kind, they became Rogue werewolves. They were dangerous because they were reckless in their hunting. Sometimes they hunted humans. Their carelessness could expose all werewolves to humans, which would put them in grave danger. So Rogues were hunted if an Alpha felt they were becoming a threat to werewolf life.