Reluctant Mate Read online

  “Quit it, Jimmy. I’m hungry. Let’s get something to eat before our next flight.”

  A connecting flight. I could go from one city to the next. That should buy me some time.

  She purchased her ticket, using cash that Evie had given her. She even bought several tickets for different destinations at different counters, so that if Remington ever made it to the airport, he wouldn’t know where she had gone.

  Twenty four hours after Serena fled her mate, she walked into a small motel room and collapsed on the bed. Mentally and emotionally exhausted, she slept almost twelve hours. When she awoke, she took a long hot shower and dressed in a pair of comfortable jeans.

  She counted her stash.

  This isn’t going to last. I need to find a job.

  Her stomach grumbled, reminding her she needed to eat. She walked to a nearby diner and ordered lunch. On the way back to her motel, she picked up a local newspapers.

  I need a job that will keep me safe. Invisible. Away from chance encounters with a wolf.

  She opened the newspaper and went to the classifieds section.

  Waitress and cashier are out.

  She flipped the page.

  I don’t have any training to be a medical professional.

  Ah, this is perfect. Childcare Assistant at a daycare.

  She scribbled down the information and consulted the map she had picked up at the front desk earlier that day. The daycare center was two blocks away.

  What if someone sees me on the way to and from work?

  She studied the map, searching for other routes to and from the daycare center. Finding alternative routes soothed her wolf and she began to prepare herself for the interview. She called the daycare center and an interview was scheduled for the following day.

  Serena was thrilled when she was hired. Having babysat Pack children in Tarchannen, Serena was comfortable with human toddlers. Her manager told her that as soon as her background check came back, she could start work. Serena thanked her profusely and desperately wished she could call Evie to share her good news. Knowing that she couldn’t risk Remington tracing the call, she decided she would keep a journal instead.

  ***

  With a glance, Robert analyzed the man who had just walked into his office.

  Average height.

  Salt and pepper hair, trimmed and combed neatly.

  Traditional mustache, neatly trimmed.

  This man takes pride in his appearance but only because he wants to project a certain image.

  Clothes clean but wrinkled. Common suit, not too pricey but not cheap either.

  He had money but his vanity lay elsewhere.

  He plastered a professional smile on his face.

  I bet it has something to do with that briefcase he’s carrying.

  He stood, extending his hand.

  “Robert Roland,” he said.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Roland.”

  His grip was surprisingly firm.

  He didn’t introduce himself. Withholding information. Why?

  He waved to one of the vacant chairs in front of his desk.

  The stranger nodded then sat in the other chair.

  “Blue Falcons? What an odd name for a security firm.”

  “Falcons is Trade Marked. Blue Falcons isn’t,” Robert replied.

  He settled back in his leather chair.

  “I need a group of men who can keep their mouths shut.”

  Robert leaned forward.

  “My team is ex military. We’re professionals, Dr.?”

  The stranger’s lips pulled back in a curious smile.

  “How did you know?”

  He tapped the side of his nose.

  “Have a nose for…scientists.”

  Robert leaned back in his chair.

  “My name is Dr. Jessup and I work for a private company. Genesis 23.”

  He withdrew a tablet from his leather briefcase.

  “I need you to protect my team from these…beasts,” Dr. Jessup said.

  Robert took the tablet and watched the grainy video.

  A group of men moved aside to reveal a large man, bound in handcuffs and shackles. His scarred chest was bare and he wore a pair of ugly gray gym shorts.

  “I fucking hate prisons,” he said, banishing the image of his father.

  “Keep watching, Mr. Roland. I think you’re in for a…treat.”

  A grating voice commanded the prisoner to shift. He remained still, eyes focused on the crowd in front of him. A minute later the bound man, screaming in pain, fell to his knees. His skin bulged as bones pushed outward. His body shrunk as fur rapidly covered his bare skin. A large gray and black wolf stood in the captive’s place.

  “What the fuck?”

  He dropped the tablet.

  Dr. Jessup picked up the tablet and paused the video.

  “They’re real, Mr. Roland. Werewolves. These…beasts are out there. Hunting humans. Preying on innocent women.”

  Dr. Jessup removed a manila folder from his briefcase and set it on Robert’s desk.

  “These newspaper articles show their attacks. Look at this woman. Her face and body were mauled. And this child? Half his body was missing.”

  Robert glanced over the articles.

  A knot formed in his belly.

  “They could have been attacked by real wolves.”

  “In the park? In an apartment? You can’t possibly be that naive, Mr. Roland,” Dr. Jessup sneered.

  “How—Why haven’t we encountered them before?”

  “They live in a secret society.”

  His chair tilted back.

  “Secret society?” he scoffed.

  Dr. Jessup’s lips pressed together.

  The smirk on his face vanished as he leaned forward in his chair.

  “You’re serious.”

  Dr. Jessup merely nodded.

  “Then how can we stop them?”

  “I’ve developed a device. When implanted, it gives us control over these…animals.”

  “Then why do you need my team?”

  “Because we don’t know where they are or how many exist. We have someone who can spot them. When he brings them to me, I need a team who can move quickly and efficiently to secure them.”

  His eyes narrowed.

  “Why not just kill them?” he asked.

  “Kill them? Oh Mr. Roland, this is the discovery of the century. I need to observe them, study their behavior, their anatomy. We need to learn everything we can about our enemy before he discovers his secret is out.”

  Robert took the tablet and resumed the video.

  A large gray and black wolf stood panting, its amber eyes glowing eerily. Its body tensed, its ears flattened against its head and he growled loudly in warning, saliva dripping from its sharp teeth.

  Someone off camera demanded that he change back. The wolf howled in pain as its body contorted on the ground and changed back into the man. The man/wolf grimaced in pain. Naked, he knelt on the floor, bracing his hands to keep himself from falling down. Sweat covered his body, a thin sheen that glistened in the flickering fluorescent light.

  “What do you think, Mr. Roland? Can your team help protect humans from these beasts?”

  He held Dr. Jessup’s gaze.

  “When do we start?”

  Chapter Two

  Over the next few months, Serena gradually dropped her guard.

  Remington must have given up on me, she thought hopefully. After all, I’m not his true mate. Perhaps he decided that he was better off without me. I’m sure he’s had offers from a dozen she-wolves happy to take my place beside him.

  Despite being overjoyed that she had eluded Remington and the Tarchannen Tracker for over six months, her wolf was agitated. Having grown up in Tarchannen, she had always been surrounded by wolves. Her living situation was now in the opposite extreme, surrounded exclusively by humans instead of wolves. Wanting contact with another wolf, needing comfort from her kind, her wolf became restles
s.

  One night, Serena decided that she would let her wolf run free in a nearby park. She waited until midnight, stripped and shifted into her wolf. She leaped out of the motel window and scurried along deserted side streets until she reached the park.

  She sniffed the air, checking for both human and wolf. The mild scent of pine trees enveloped her and she fought the urge to howl.

  The park was deserted.

  She ran through the park, darting around trees, sprinting, barking softly as her wolf enjoyed its freedom. She ran for hours, loping through the park numerous times before reluctantly deciding to return to the motel.

  Every night, Serena returned to the park, allowing her wolf to run free.

  Before she realized it, it was a week before Christmas. Her human coworkers were having a Christmas party after work. To fit in, she dressed in a festive red blouse and neutral black skirt. Their pack did not celebrate Christmas. She thought it odd that humans cut down trees and decorated it. They seemed to enjoy nature by killing it.

  She pulled her hair up into a bun and secured it with some bobby pins. She applied some makeup then put on her shoes, ready for another day with her young charges.

  Once the children were gone, she joined her coworkers in their small lounge. Her stomach grumbled loudly when she caught the scent of a honey baked ham. Taking a small sample of everything, she sat with her new friends.

  “I can’t believe that little brat Tommy,” Beatrice said.

  “What did he do?” Janet asked.

  “He told several kids that Santa isn’t real.”

  “No. A week before Christmas?” Janet shook her head disapprovingly. “No wonder they were bawling.”

  “I was ready to hit the eggnog after that meltdown.” Beatrice took a sip of eggnog. “Thank goodness Serena managed to calm them down.”

  “Serena, you’re a natural with kids. You’ll make a great mom one day.”

  Her chest ached.

  Forcing a smile, she replied, “Thanks, Janet.”

  She toyed with her food, her appetite suddenly gone.

  “You know, my nephew is coming to town for the holidays,” Beatrice said. “He’s handsome. And single,” she added with a wink.

  She shifted uncomfortably.

  “Serena?”

  “Sorry, Beatrice. I’m just not ready for—”

  “Oh, Dear, you don’t have to marry him. Just go out and have a good time,” she said kindly.

  “I’ll…think about it, Beatrice,” she promised with a forced smile.

  Stifling a yawn, Serena prepared to leave.

  “I’ll walk with you,” Janet said. Beatrice gathered her things and followed them out. Serena walked with her friends for half a block then crossed the street.

  Footsteps echoed on the pavement behind her.

  Her pulse raced as her pace quickened.

  Her wolf sensed danger.

  Oh no, he’s found me. He’s found me.

  Her heart pounded uncontrollably in her chest. Breathing became difficult.

  She sprinted along the street.

  Where to go? Where to go?

  She faltered for a second. His body smashed into hers from behind and the ground raced up to meet her.

  A primal scream built in her chest.

  His hot breath against the side of her face made her skin crawl.

  She struggled under him, her fingers digging into the gritty concrete.

  A sharp prick in her leg made her gasp. Her body went limp, her vision faltering.

  Who…are…you?

  ***

  Robert drummed his fingers against his metal desk. The last wolf had been sold. There was nothing for him to do but wait until the Trapper’s next delivery.

  He stared at the bare white walls of his office.

  Zzzt. Zzzt. Zzzt.

  His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. Puzzled, he reached in and checked the number.

  State Penit—

  His finger hesitated over ‘Answer’ then he pressed the button that sent the call straight to voice mail. Tossing the phone on his desk, he pulled open the bottom drawer sharply. He removed the bottle and held it up to the window.

  Enough for one good drink.

  Twisting open the cap, he tossed it into the garbage can then took a satisfying swig of Scotch Whiskey.

  Licking his lips, he tasted its faint sweetness then closed his eyes, savoring the mild burn as it raced down his throat.

  His eyes were drawn to the blinking light on his cell.

  May as well listen to the fucking message before it drains my fucking battery.

  Reaching for the phone with his empty hand, he pressed the button to retrieve his voice mail.

  “Good Morning, Mr. Roland. This is Corrections Commissioner Dieter from State Penitentiary—”

  He raised the bottle to his lips.

  “—Regretfully, I must inform you about the passing of your father. He was stab—”

  And tipped it all the way back, swallowing the precious liquid.

  “—you have twenty four hours to claim his body or the state will bury him in a pauper’s grave. No headstone. Plain pine cask—”

  He deleted the call before it was finished.

  Fucking fantastic. Now if only his memory could be erased as easily.

  Robert stared at the empty bottle in his hands, fighting the growing need to hurl it against the wall.

  “Sir,” called a voice over the intercom. “A package has been delivered.”

  His lips curved into a mirthless smile.

  Time to have some fun. I can’t wait to see who they brought me this time.

  He marched out of his office, heading down the stairs, taking two at a time. When he reached the basement, he typed in the code and pulled open the door.

  A strong odor of bleach assailed his nostrils. Breathing through his mouth to acclimate himself to the scent, he marched into the room, ready to tackle his next assignment.

  The sound of his heavy boots against bare concrete echoed in the large basement. He slowed down, his excitement waning when he spotted the three new ‘packages’ that had been delivered.

  He ground his teeth as he surveyed the three new wolves standing in the middle of the basement. As head of security for Genesis 23’s newest project, it was his responsibility to ensure the wolves were secure. Lowering his gaze, he focused on the small woman standing before him.

  She’s barely five feet tall.

  Her brown hair was pulled up in a disheveled bun. Small wisps of hair curled around her bruised face.

  He assessed the rest of her body.

  Her red blouse was missing a few buttons, exposing her flat stomach. Her hands were handcuffed behind her. Her black knee length skirt was dirty, stockings torn in several places and her shoes were missing.

  He didn’t pay attention to either of the two male wolves standing next to her, also handcuffed.

  “What the fuck is she doing here? You are under strict orders to obtain males, not females!” he shouted at the four men who stood guard.

  “The Doctor wanted a female,” one guard answered. “He wants to see how they fuck. Think he’ll let us have a go at her?”

  His fist connected with the guard’s face, breaking his nose. The guard screamed, grabbing his nose as he fell.

  “Take them to their cells. Put the female in by herself,” he commanded the three other guards.

  “And keep your fucking hands off the female.”

  Without a backward glance, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. He ran up the stairs, determined to find Doctor Jessup.

  That motherfucker lied to me. Lied. To me.

  He pushed open the door to Doctor Jessup’s office and found him at his desk, focused on the report in his hand. Dr. Jessup looked up at him then dropped the report onto his desk.

  “What can I do for you—”

  He leaned over, planting his palms on Dr. Jessup’s desk.

  “—You perverted son of a bitch. W
hat are you planning on doing with the female wolf?” he demanded.

  “Research of course. We are going to see how they copulate,” replied Dr. Jessup.

  He pulled back with a jerk.

  “Copulate? You mean fuck, don’t you?”

  Dr. Jessup nodded.

  “Tell me, is she going to have a say in this?”

  Dr. Jessup stared at him blankly.

  “I didn’t think so. I want no part of this, Jessup. You told me we were protecting innocent civilians from those animals. What you’re planning on doing….this isn’t what I signed up for.”

  “What are you going to do, Robert? Go to the police?” Dr. Jessup leaned back in his chair, smirking. “In case you’ve forgotten, you work for me. And I have plenty of evidence of the things you’ve done.”

  Jessup leaned forward.

  “Things you’ve enjoyed doing.”

  Chapter Three

  The guards pushed her and the other two wolves towards their cells. They locked up the two males in one cell and guided her into the neighboring cell.

  “Maybe we should strip her, to make sure she doesn’t have any weapons,” one guard suggested.

  “Evans, are you out of your fucking mind? Didn’t you hear Roland? He said don’t touch her.”

  “What are you, Thompson? A sissy? This is primo pussy we got here. A female wolf! When else are you ever gonna get a chance to fuck one? If you don’t want this bitch, fuck off, because I do. Maybe your precious Roland wants to fuck her first.”

  Evans turned to the second guard.

  “Bixby—you in or what?” he asked.

  Bixby shrugged and replied, “Yeah, I’ll do the bitch.”

  Thompson swore and walked back into the cell, determined to stop them. Evans clocked him with the butt of his gun and he fell onto the floor, unconscious. They turned to her, grinning evilly.

  She rubbed her arms, her gaze darting around the small cell.

  Not enough room to rush past them.

  She backed up. Her legs hit the small cot and she stood frozen, staring at the advancing males.

  Her stomach churned.

  The male wolves growled when they scented her fear. Still bound and imprisoned, they could do nothing to help her. Their howls echoed in the empty basement.

  Evans grabbed her shirt with both hands and pulled. Her remaining buttons flew off, exposing her bra and belly.