Alpha Instinct: A Moon Shifter Novel (39 page)

“Any regrets?” he whispered, not wanting to break the intimacy of the moment.

“No way.” Her voice was just as quiet as his. “I do need to tell you something, though. It’s not a big deal, but …”

“What is it?”

“I was never mated. When you first came to the ranch you said you’d heard about my pack and mate dying, and I never corrected you. I … I don’t know that I’d have ever gone through with it either.”

Something warm constricted in his chest. He’d tucked away the knowledge that she’d been mated before him and forced himself to bury it. To know she hadn’t been set something free inside him. Something he didn’t know had been captive. Connor pushed out a deep breath. “In the interest of full disclosure, I bought your pack’s old land in upstate New York. After your father moved it changed hands a couple times, but once I had the money and it was available I purchased it about a decade ago.” It wasn’t exactly a dark secret but he didn’t want to keep anything from her.

She shifted in his arms. “Why?” There was only curiosity in her voice.

“It’s where I met you. Since I couldn’t have you, being in a place that reminded me of our time together was second best.” Living there had occasionally been torture because of that fact.

“What does
mo chridhe
mean? You said it before.”

He paused, despite the fact that they’d just bonded and she’d admitted she loved him. Clearing his throat, he forced the words out. “It’s Gaelic and it means ‘my heart.’ ” She’d stolen a piece of him from the first moment he’d met the she-wolf.

He could feel her smile against him. “I like it,” she whispered.

The animal inside him sighed in acute relief. There was still a lot to deal with in the near future, but he had her by his side. Ana was stronger than even she realized and she was the perfect mate. Perfect for him.

Epilogue

One Week Later

A
na nudged open the front door to the main house with her foot. As she stepped inside, Noel immediately grabbed one of her boxes.

“You guys didn’t have to move back, you know,” her sister said as they headed up the stairs together.

“Someone’s gotta make sure you’re eating right.” All week they’d been slowly moving everything back. Not that she or Connor had much stuff; they’d just been busy getting the ranch back in order and dealing with mourning pack members. In addition to their own sorrow. Some days it was all Ana could do to get out of bed. She didn’t know if moving back into the house she’d shared with Carmen would be better or worse. Probably a little of both.

Ana, can you meet me in the barn?
Connor’s voice sounded loudly in her head. Now that they’d officially bonded they could communicate telepathically.

“Yeah,” she said out loud before she could stop herself.

Noel frowned at her as she set the box on top of two others. “What?”

“Uh, nothing.”

“Is Connor talking to you again?”

She grinned and nodded. “Yeah.”

Noel mock shuddered. “And that doesn’t freak you out?”

“I’m still getting used to it.” Somehow Connor could carry on a conversation aloud
and
in his head, but she couldn’t do both.
Should I bring Noel with me?

Come alone if you can.

“I’ll be back, okay?” she said to her sister.

Noel nodded. “I’ll start going through your clothes.”

“Just make sure they end up in
my
closet.”

“No promises.” Her sister grinned as she lifted a few coats lying across Ana and Connor’s bed. It was the first time Ana had seen her smile since Carmen’s death.

When she reached the barn she found Connor, Liam and Erin and the rest of the males waiting. Erin was obviously ignoring Noah, the dark-haired wolf who couldn’t wipe the scowl off his face. Liam looked just as grim. But Connor … when he looked at her, her insides heated up instantly.

Something was on his mind or he wouldn’t have called the meeting, but he looked as if he could jump her right then. And she just might let him. Ever since they’d bonded and completely opened up to one another, it was like an invisible wall had crumbled between them. Now that she knew he loved her and didn’t have to hide herself, she felt free.

He didn’t bother to hide his love for her either. As she approached the small circle, he covered the distance and wrapped his arms around her. When he pulled her into a tight embrace, a low growl escaped his throat, causing her to smile. She could scent his desire and no doubt every shifter in a fifty-mile radius could too.

“Didn’t you call this meeting for a reason?” she whispered, mindful of their audience.

He loosened his grasp but there was a promise in his eyes that later they’d be tangled between the sheets—or in the shower. Or on the kitchen table.

“The sheriff called me a few minutes ago.” His words had a silencing effect on the small group.

“What did he say?” Liam demanded.

It surprised Ana that Connor had waited until she was present to tell everyone, but it also pleased her.

“They arrested Dr. Graham on suspicion of multiple murders. The murders were going to be charged as hate crimes.”

“Were?”
Ana asked.

He nodded, his expression grim. “He killed himself in holding.”

Ana didn’t know whether to feel relieved that her sister’s murderer was dead or not. Right now all her emotions were so screwed up. “So what does this mean?”

“Technically the case is closed, but we still have a problem. The doctor was well liked in the community. It doesn’t matter that he was guilty of killing twenty-three innocent shifters; some people will consider his death a tragedy. Sheriff McIntyre made it clear he was going to keep this whole thing as quiet as possible, but people will find out why a prominent doctor killed himself.”

“
We
did nothing wrong,” Liam spat.

Connor nodded. “Sometimes that doesn’t matter. In addition to that we have another problem. After Liam’s conversation with that man who tried to attack December, we know the guy is working for someone in that Antiparanormal League. He was just following orders. Just like the two men who went after Ana and kidnapped that woman connected to the enforcer. There will likely be more of these people out there, and it’s apparent they have no problem going after innocent humans connected to our kind.” He cut a sharp look at Liam and cleared his throat. “December isn’t even connected to us but someone knows she means something to my brother. That’s dangerous for everyone we know.”

“We need to make a list of all humans we’re friends with or associated with and let them know what’s going on.” Ana spoke before she could censor herself. Erin and the group of males stared at her, but she continued. “I know
I’d
prefer to keep humans out of our business, but thanks to the Council the world knows about us. We just have to deal with it, and we can’t let the people who are actually our friends be blindsided by some hate group.”

Connor’s grip on her tightened and she wondered if maybe she should have kept her mouth shut, until he spoke. “Ana’s right. We don’t live in a vacuum anymore. All of you need to list every single human you know who supports our kind. I’ll let the rest of the pack know, but I want that list by tonight.”

Ana let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. His support meant more to her than she wanted to admit. Okay, maybe she didn’t have much of a problem admitting it anymore. Depending on him was something she could get used to in a big way.

“What about Taggart’s pack? Do we want a bunch of new males around here who just a couple weeks ago hated us? Everyone is still reeling from Alicia and Carmen’s …” Erin’s voice cracked.

In the past couple weeks the redhead had undergone a transformation. She wasn’t as meek or timid anymore. Decked out in cargo pants, a tight black sweater, and a dagger strapped to her hip, she looked like a warrior. Well, a petite, very pretty warrior. And she was royally pissed off about Carmen’s death. Ana saw it every time she looked at the she-wolf.

“I’ve already spoken to the Council and to Taggart’s pack. Vince—his second-in-command—has been unhappy for a long time. They all have, but were too afraid to get help. Taggart was growing mentally unstable and most of them want to get as far away from here as possible. The warriors and alphas will be dispersed to various packs across the country. There are a few betas who want to stay and we have no reason not to take them in. It’s not their fault they had a shitty Alpha. Most of his pack will be leaving with the alphas and his land is now ours.”

Once the meeting wound down, everyone started to quietly disperse, with the exception of Erin and Noah, who began arguing almost immediately. Connor stiffened beside Ana. “Looks like I get to play referee again. I’ll meet you at the house,” he muttered.

Grinning, she nodded. Those two had some serious issues to work through and she was glad she wasn’t in the middle of them. She fell into step with Liam as they headed back to the main house.

“Noel said something about cooking for everyone tonight but I can’t make it. Let her know, okay?” Liam said.

It would be dark soon so Ana knew exactly where he was going. “Going to spy on December again?”

“I wouldn’t have to spy on her if she’d accept my protection.” His voice was testy and tired.

“Give her time,” Ana murmured.

Liam muttered something inaudible but he scowled darkly, possessively. He got the same determined look on his face as his brother did when he wanted something. Ana smiled to herself. December might not realize it yet but she belonged to Liam.

As Ana entered the main house, Noel and Vivian were leaving. “What are you two doing?”

“Taking a break. Vivian wants to ride your horse, and I got tired of unpacking
your
clothes,” Noel softly teased.

“I can ride your horse, right?” Vivian jumped from foot to foot as she stared at her expectantly.

Smiling, Ana placed a quick kiss on the top of Vivian’s head. “Of course. Just don’t go too far.” There might be warriors patrolling the land, but she still worried all the time.

Once inside the house she immediately headed upstairs. If she knew Noel, half of her clothes hadn’t been put up or even made it into her room. When she passed her sister’s room, she saw she was right. A few pairs of Ana’s shoes were strewn across the floor.

Sighing, she picked them up and headed to her room—her and Connor’s room. As she opened her closet door a strong arm wrapped around her waist. The man was so stealthy sometimes it scared her. She hadn’t even heard him come up the stairs. But his spicy scent twined around her now.

Connor nuzzled the side of her neck before he gently raked his teeth over her skin.

She shuddered lightly. Inhaling deeply, she leaned back against him. “Referee time over?” she murmured.

“They can work out their own problems,” he growled next to her ear before turning her around to face him.

Immediately she draped her arms around his neck. “Is that right?”

“Mm-hm. There’s something else I’d much rather be doing.” He reached down and grabbed her behind, hoisting her up so that she wrapped her legs around him.

“Me too.” Almost before the words were out of her mouth, he’d crushed his lips over hers.

They met each other with the same urgent kisses. Hungry and insatiable yet sweet and gentle, Connor was everything she’d ever wanted in a bondmate. She knew their pack would be facing problems in the near future, but she also knew there was nothing they couldn’t handle as long as they stood together.

Acknowledgments

First I have to start off by thanking God for listening to all my fears and for giving me so many wonderful opportunities. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Many thanks go to my dedicated agent, Jill Marsal, for having faith in me even when I didn’t. So much gratitude goes to my amazing editor, Danielle Perez, for all her guidance and help in bringing this world to life.

Working as a writer is often a solitary profession, but I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of some wonderful people. Kari Walker, you are my voice of reason and keep me sane when I need it most. Thank you for always being my biggest cheerleader. I’m so thankful to have a friend like you and mere words can never express how much. Dara Edmondson, I will always be thankful for all our coffee dates, plotting sessions and long distance phone calls. Having a friend like you is priceless. Cindy Roussos, your kind nature never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for freely giving of your knowledge and experience and for just being an amazing friend. So many thanks go to Chudney Defreitas-Thomas, Jax Cassidy and Tracy Truman for being so forgiving of my silence when I’m working on deadlines and for helping me brainstorm anytime I need help. Uncle Carl, thank you for always being available to answer random police procedural questions, and Aunt Selina, thank you for your love and support.

Last, but definitely not least, thanks to my very supportive parents and beautiful sister. I’m so blessed to have such an encouraging family who always fostered creativity. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.

Don’t miss the next Moon Shifter Novel by Katie Reus,

PRIMAL POSSESSION

Coming in September 2012 from Signet Eclipse

D
ecember McIntyre managed to smile at her date as he pulled out her chair for her. Her cheeks hurt from all the fake smiles and forced laughter. She should never have agreed to this date as she’d rather be anywhere else. With
someone
else. But she and Liam had no future, and going out with a random guy was the only way to show Liam
and
herself that she was serious about that.

“Have you been here before?” her date—Mike something—asked. As a tourist from the nearby ski lodge, he wasn’t a local of her small mountain community, so it made sense that he’d never eaten at the cozy Italian restaurant.

She nodded. “The
bucatini puttanesca
is really good. So is the
pollo caprese
. Actually, everything on the menu is good.” The Russo family had settled in Fontana, North Carolina, decades ago, many years before she’d been born, and Russo Ristorante had become a staple in the mountain town. The locals loved it and so did the tourists. Occasionally they even got visitors from not just Fontana Mountain but from their neighbors, Beech and Sugar mountains.