A Cougar Among Wolves (13 page)

“Just a minute, Klaya.” Seth stroked her hair.

The van halted. Drew opened the door.

“Here we go,” the woman called out.

Klaya propped her heavy head up in time to catch the fantastic blast. Spectacular flames and clouds of smoke rolled up into the sky. More cracks and explosions rocked the vehicle.

“Go,” Drew yelled.

Her vision blurred, her breathing slowed, and the last thing she was able to fix her sight on, was a shadow that filled the back door, and her eyes slammed shut.

“We’re losing her.” The voices around her faded. “Klaya? Hang on, babe, please.”

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Klaya gasped and forced her eyes open. Panic shot through her; the scorch inside her upper body rippled through her veins.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s over. You’re safe now.”

She dropped her throbbing head to the side to find Seth at her bedside. Her heart raced at the sight of him. “You’re home now.”

Shock rolled over her as his words sank in. She scanned the room for anything familiar. White cabinets with glass doors, medical supplies…. “Doc’s office?”

“Yeah, we got you to Los Lobos; you had us pretty scared there. It was close, but he patched you up.”

Klaya patted her chest and discovered thick layers of gauze wrapped around her. She spotted more cotton wrapped around her wrist.

“You spend far too much time in here. I’m beginning to wonder if you’re crushing on Doc.” Seth snickered.

“Our patient is up, I see.” Bastian approached the bed, checked her eyes, and held her good wrist as he glanced at his watch. “I still can’t get over how fast you heal.” He shook his head with a grin.

“She’s okay?” a voice called from the doorway.

“Drew?”

“Hey there.” His smile warmed her heart. “Glad to see you’re doing better.”

“Why don’t we give these two a minute, Doc?” Drew nudged Bastian’s shoulder and the two men left the room.

“Seth?” Her chin quivered and her tears spilled down the sides of her face.

“Shhh, it’s all right.” He stood up and planted a tender kiss on her lips. “They’re all gone. They won’t hurt anyone ever again.”

“They said they were scouting other groups of Cytaana out of the area. What if there are more of the hunters?”

“The threat here is gone. We’ll let Drew and Ryker worry about any future problems.

For now, it’s over.”

Relief shifted to dread. “Rogue?” She shook her head. The vision of him going over 86

the cliff sent a shock wave of grief through her.

“Hey, I wouldn’t miss the party, babe,” another voice rang out.

“Rogue?” Her throat grew thick. There, in the doorway, was the mass of blond curls and incredible green eyes she was convinced she’d never see again. “I thought you were….” She tried to catch her breath.

“Not a chance, we have too much to do together.” He joined his brother at her side.

“Listen, Doc warned us not to overwhelm you, so how about this?” Rogue leaned down and planted a feathery kiss on her lips. “You rest for a bit. We’ll visit in a little while and bring you some food.” He winked.

“And later we can stop by Gee’s for a few tequila sunrises?” Seth smiled.

“With extra cherries.” She giggled but winced when her chest muscles stung from the laughter.

***

It had been a long week, and she didn’t recover as fast this time. Doc said they’d lost her twice, but he was able to save her. The bullet had missed her heart but nicked an artery. She was ordered on bed rest the entire week. The fresh scar on her wrist served as a constant reminder to look before she leaped, but it was also a badge of honor in her mind. This time, she took the fall so the ones she loved didn’t have to. The brothers had lectured her relentlessly about her impulsive suicide mission; Griffith remained a cherished memory for her. She headed down to Gee’s bar, as Drew had requested, and they planned to have a round in his honor.

The clouds rolled over and it began to sprinkle. A chill set in the air. Tonight, would be a great night to cuddle among her wolves. For now, she headed through the doors of the bar to catch up with her new family.

The place was empty, Klaya was surprised she was the first to arrive. She wandered over to the bar and plopped herself onto a stool.

Kayden the bartender peeked out from the kitchen door. “Oh, hey, Klaya, want a drink?”

“I most certainly do.” She smiled.

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“Gee, hurry up,” he called back into the kitchen. “She’s here.” Kayden rushed over to the bar and placed a tall slender glass in front of her. He measured the tequila, poured the juice and grenadine, and topped it with a cherry and a straw. “Here you go, sunshine.”

Crashes and bangs resonated from the kitchen. The muffled sound of Gee’s voice made her chuckle. After a few more bangs and smashes, he let out a series of curse words. “Kayden?”

“I’m on it, boss.” He rushed through the doors, and Gee came out.

“Get over here,” he demanded. Klaya raced over into the warmth of his sensational bear hug.

She gasped at his strength. “Not so tight, big guy,” she huffed with winded laughter.

“If you think I’m letting you go again, you’re wrong.” He kissed her cheek and set her down.

“Where is everyone?”

“I needed a little extra help.” He winked and waved to the kitchen. “Follow me, my dear. I have a table for you.”

Klaya grabbed her drink and traipsed behind the bear. At the far side of the room was a long table with several place settings. “What is this?” Happiness flooded her.

“Your welcome home feast.” Rogue came out carrying a platter of sliced meat. He inched past her as she took a long whiff. Her mouth watered with the delectable smell.

“Venison,” she cooed.

“And all the trimmings.” Seth slipped past her with a bowl of potatoes.

Next Z snuck by with carrots then Allana with buns and gravy.

Klaya’s heart warmed at the sight. “Thank you all…this is beautiful.”

Rogue held out a chair for her then took his place beside her and Seth sat on her other side. Everyone else took their seats. Betty sat at her mate, Drew’s side. Even Ripley joined along with Z, and Allana beside Bastian.

Kayden joined them with a tray of filled wine glasses. He handed everyone a drink, placed the tray down, and took his seat, too.

“It’s been one hell of a month.” Drew raised his glass and everyone did the same. “We lost a beloved comrade but gained a new member.” He glanced to Klaya.

She bit her lips together to fight off the whimper threatening from deep inside.

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“New friendships are forged and we avenged many. The pack is safe and Klaya is home now. Here’s to family.” He toasted with Klaya. Glasses all around clinked and people sipped. Thea heartfelt toast that left her a little shattered inside. She missed her brother, Griffith, but she was thankful to be among the wolves.

After a full meal and a number of rounds, the pack parted ways and Klaya walked down the street, holding hands with the brothers.

“You okay, babe?” Rogue kissed the inside of her wrist.

“More than okay.” She smiled.

“You’ve been so quiet.” Seth massaged her palm with his thumb.

“I have, but I’m happy.”

“You must be worn out?” Rogue grinned. “That’s our place down at the far end.”

Klaya eyed the quaint little bungalow down the way. “It’s cute.” She frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Seth stopped and turned to face her.

“I miss our cave.” She shrugged.

“We can visit there anytime.” Rogue tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.

“I’d like to.”

Seth cupped her cheek. “There’s something else. You seem a little sad.”

“No. It’s just….” Her bottom lip quivered.

“You can tell us?” Seth prompted.

“Back at the cellar….” She shuddered at the mere thought of the dungeon and her time there. “The sadistic pig told me, I’m not the last one.”

“Cougar?” Rogue cocked his head. “There is the Goldspark clan of Shady Hearts?”

“I wondered if he meant the Cytaana.” She frowned. “He said there was a handful he knew of, but I was the last one in this area.”

“Do you want to search for them, babe?” Rogue squeezed her hand.

“Maybe, someday.”

“You okay?” Seth gazed at her with adoring eyes.

She inhaled a sharp breath. “I am, I guess. I’m relieved I’m not the last Cytaana.”

“Anytime you decide you want to, we’ll go with you.” Seth smiled.

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“Thank you, both of you, for everything.”

“We should tuck you in.” Rogue grinned. “No funny business. Doc said you need your rest.”

“I need something else first.” She winked.

“Does it start with cherry stems?” Rogue licked his lips.

“Maybe….” she taunted.

Blondie picked her up. Klaya wrapped her arms around his neck and tucked her legs around his waist. Rogue devoured her lips with a long, intoxicating kiss.

“Don’t be greedy, bro.” Seth brushed her hair to the side and kissed her shoulder.

Klaya twisted sideways and gazed at her brown-eyed wolf with a grin. “I’ve got lots of catching up to do with you both.” She cupped his face and drew him near for a taste of his sweet lips.

“We’d better take this inside before Drew kicks our asses.” Rogue chuckled and set her on her feet. The three of them held hands and bolted toward the house.

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Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make them a match..

With Drew’s reign settling the hills, wolves are returning to the Black Hills. Wolves who need mates. The pack needs to grow, right?

So four of the surviving matrons take it upon themselves to set up couples. Question is, how do these ladies decide who to match? Whichever unattached wolf they see first, from a list, or do they just draw a name from a bag?

Their method doesn’t matter, but you can bet they’ll call in favors, make behind-the-scenes plans, and pull whatever strings or stunts required to put wolves together in the name of furthering the pack. And who knows? They might even set their sights on the cantankerous lone bear, Gee….

Black Hills Wolves Matchmaker Subseries

Coming May 2016

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Also from Decadent Publishing

www.decadentpublishing.com

Dragon’s Bond
by Kali Willows

October 24, 1952

Madame Evangeline,

Only once, have I tasted the sweetness of divine passion, and it cost me my soul and
my brother’s life. That night will haunt me forever. Since devastation struck, by the fate
and shame my selfish desire brought upon my family, I have rejected the love I pine for.

It is with a heavy heart I confess, my will wanes, but I can never have her again. My
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ache for my beloved grows with each day that passes. Although this request will never
diminish my desire for her, it is my hope, to at least alleviate the torment of my lust that
lingers, so that I may move forward and release my sins of the past.

I left China for my job to begin a new life here in San Francisco. Perhaps, if I indulge
in the arms of another woman for a single night, I can at last move on. After great
consideration of a close friend’s suggestion, I seek your help, to be matched for a 1Night
Stand. My only request is for a woman with jade green eyes. It is the one trait of her
eternal beauty I wish I could admire a final time.

Kindest Regards,

Shen Li

“You said you know Madame Eve?”

“I said, she helped me out once.” Gershom winked one ice blue eye. “I think you’re doing the right thing, Shen. It’s time to move forward with your life.” The grizzled man hobbled along, leaning heavily on his cane, as they made their way down the sidewalk.

“Yes, I’ve thought a lot about it.” Shen patted the pocket of his single-breasted jacket that shielded the letter he had procrastinated mailing. “Excuse me for a moment please, Gershom.” Drops of heavy rain beaded down his hat and weighty overcoat as he approached the tall, red metal box.

Paused in front of the mailbox, he closed his eyes and gathered his courage. The distant rumble of thunder filled the air.

“Come on, come on. The builder is waiting for the blueprints,” his impatient colleague prompted.

“Yes, I will be right there.” He opened his eyes and dropped the rain-smudged letter into the mail slot.
I can’t change it now. I hope Gershom knows what he’s talking about.

Embrace your destiny, Shen
.

***

“Okay, doll. I have the design proposal you submitted for the new hotel in Vegas. We have a meeting with the architect next week then we can apply for permits and finally 93

deal with all that other red tape.” Priscilla flipped through her notebook as she spoke.

“Must we discuss business now?” Lien raised her brows in surprise at her friend’s comment.

“Sorry, old habits. You know?”

“Your habits I have become all too familiar with. You work too hard.”

“True.” Priscilla sighed and tucked her book and pencil into her handbag. “My friend and interior designer here has been putting up with my obsession of building my second hotel for too long now, Tiffany.” She winked at the hairdresser.