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  With a gasp, she ran. She dodged left, then right, having scouted her path earlier.

  A shiver wound across her torso to land in her abdomen. She probably had less than a minute until Jordan recovered and came after her. The rain pelted down, soaking her white T-shirt and ripped jeans. Her tennis shoes squished in the mud as she jogged. No sense making this easy on him.

  God, she hoped this wasn’t a huge mistake.

  She yanked the bill of her cap lower to shield her eyes. Thunder complained high and loud. Lightning flashed across the sky, turning the clouds a light gray for the briefest of moments. The ocean churned far below.

  Panting, she leaned against a tree, allowing the boughs to protect her somewhat.

  Jordan’s bellow rose over the storm. Calling her name. Oh yeah. The lion was angry.

  Gingerly, quietly, Katie headed deeper into the forest. This was all or nothing. God, she hoped it was something. Using all the training he’d given her, she tried to avoid leaving signs. Rain dripped off her hat. Wet clothes molded to her skin. Wind smashed into her body. She shivered.

  The hair on the back of her neck prickled. She turned around only to see dark forest. Pivoting, she hurried the other way. Every instinct she owned clamored she was being stalked.

  Several quick turns and she stopped cold. Jordan stood between two trees, clothes plastered to his hard body, his hair long and wild in the wind. But those eyes. Nearly glowing in the dim light, something more than lion.

  She hadn’t thought about the emerging werewolf inside him. The lion would never hurt her. The werewolf... who knew?

  Thunder roared, and she jumped.

  “Why did you kick me?” Low, guttural, the primal tone cut through the storm.

  “Because sniveling, fucking cowards should be put down and out of their misery,” she yelled over the increasing wind.

  The animal shimmered under his skin. Anger, deep and primal, harnessed and rode the breeze.

  She took a step back. Water from her bill dropped onto her nose. This was more than Jordan. Fear caught in her throat. “Jordan, I—”

  “One chance, Kathryn.” His voice didn’t even sound like him. “Turn and go back to headquarters. Now.”

  Doing so would end any chance she had of mating him. Of saving him. But did she have the courage to face whatever he was becoming? Moonlight slithered down, and he bared his teeth. His tight muscles seemed to vibrate in place as he held himself in check. Barely.

  She took a deep breath, fear buzzing in her ears. All or nothing. “Fuck you.” Pivoting, she ran in the opposite direction of headquarters.

  The howl he gave was much more wolf than lion.

  Desperation had her really running, turning, seeking safety. Instinct took over and she forgot her plan. Run, damnit, run.

  He caught her by the nape, sending them both sprawling across the drenched trail. She bit her tongue as she landed, hands sliding in the mud. Pain flared along her skin. Flipping over, she slammed her heels into his hips, sending him flying over her head. Leaping to her feet, she bunched to run.

  A thick hand banded around her ankle, yanking her down, ripping her shoe off. Panting, nearly sobbing, she kicked him in the face with her other foot. That shoe and both socks sailed through the air to join the first one.

  Thick claws shot out of his hands to shred her jeans. She yelped as he nicked her knee. Swinging wildly, she punched him in the nose. He bellowed, grabbing his face.

  Rolling over, she levered to her knees and stood. Claws tore the back of her shirt. Shrugging free, she ran in her bra and underwear, the mud soaking her bare feet.

  Oh God, what had she been thinking? Panting, she dodged left and right, trying to keep trees between her and the lumbering force bearing down on her. Sticks and pebbles cut into her feet. Rain beat at her face. Sure, she’d heard true claimings were bloody and brutal. Those damaged shoulders she’d seen on other mates had seemed romantic. Crazy and romantic.

  This was neither. But it was real. Desire slammed through her along with fear. An odd combination, animalistic and true. They were animals, and this would happen in the wild.

  She ran harder, arms pumping.

  Jordan stepped onto the path before her.

  She halted, sliding two feet before stopping. The rain battered down on her hat. Panting, she put both filthy hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

  “This what you wanted, Katie?” His chest seemed broader, the tight muscles in his arms and legs more powerful. The animal shifted beneath his skin, morphing back and forth from something dark to the lion. But the man remained upright, topaz eyes blazing and a red flush high on his face.

  Deep inside her, a lioness stretched awake again. Katie stood to her full height, forcing a sneer. Her knees trembled with the instinctive need to flee. Her heart pounded with the storm. But this was their only chance. She wanted all of him, even if some of that was now werewolf. “Is this all you’ve got?”

  “You’re about to see what I’ve got.” Silky, low, the husky threat shot straight to her clit.

  She edged to the side of the path, her breath panting out.

  He stalked nearer, his eyes unblinking and focused solely on her face. Primitive and deadly, hunger shone in his gaze. The edge of darkness that had been shadowing him curled his lip in a snarl of determination. A preternatural stillness surrounded him, screaming predator.

  Katie trembled. She might only be half a lion, but she deserved it all. “You want me, you take me, Jordan. You fucking earn me.” Feinting, she lunged the other direction, pivoting to run.

  He caught her by the arm, jerking her off her feet. A smack had the hat falling to the ground. Her hair tumbled down around her wet shoulders. He sucked in air. “Stop this.”

  She truly had no clue which one of them he was talking to. “No.”

  His mouth slammed down. Hard—forceful—desperate. As if he could kiss the defiance, the challenge out of her. His tongue penetrated her mouth, all male, accepting no resistance. He controlled his fangs, but their sharp points, their deadly ability remained right there.

  She groaned, fire boiling through her blood. Locking her hands into his hair, she met his kiss, slamming up against his hard body. His fully clothed body. Decadence and the sense of vulnerability had her head swimming.

  Then she bit his bottom lip until she tasted blood.

  He shoved her away. Wiping his lip, his eyes morphed to gold. The animal inside him took precedence, rising to the surface. A casual observer wouldn’t have noticed the change.

  Katie was anything but casual.

  She turned and ran, knowing there was no way she was getting out of the forest. Heart racing, adrenaline zipping through her blood, she fled like her life depended on it. Which it probably did. The inevitable sound of him pursuing spurred her to flee faster.

  He took her down hard.

  The breath whooshed from her lungs. She stilled, hands sliding, mud splattering her neck. Sucking in air, she tried to lever up on hands and knees just as her bra went flying into the trees. Her underwear followed. Panicking, bucking against him, she fought with the intense training she’d learned over the years.

  Countering every move, keeping her on her hands and knees, somehow his pants and shirt flew over her head.

  A whisper of warning sounded before he grabbed her hips. His hands were rough, his hold unbreakable, his intention absolute. She struggled, fighting him, fighting the future ... fighting herself. Tightening his hold, he roughly plunged inside her and yanked her back. Shock filled her at not only the sudden pain, but with awareness that she had been wet and ready. The lioness within roared.

  The man behind her slammed into her hard, fast, and relentless. Nothing could stop him. The knowledge, the certainty of that fact had her screaming through an orgasm so powerful her heart may have stopped for a moment. Yet he continued to pound, his hands digging into her hips, his body strong and full. The storm, the pelting rain, all ceased to exist.

  Leaning
over, his lips enclosed her shoulder.

  She tensed, closing her eyes, heart galloping. Finally. Jordan was finally going to mark her.

  He struck fast, fangs digging past muscle and tendons to embed in bone.

  Agony consumed her. Her cry echoed through the storm. She bowed her back, struggling, fighting against the incredible pain. He held on tighter, pounding harder.

  Oh God. The shared, secret, twisted smiles of the female felines who had mated became clear to her. It wasn’t the fact that they’d found their mates—it was the fact that they’d survived the damn mating that they wore like a badge of honor. Katie coughed out a sob.

  Jordan released her hips, sliding both hands beneath her to cup her breasts. Fire flashed past the pain to her core. She moaned.

  He tweaked her nipples, shooting electricity to her sex, his pumping somehow increasing in force. Then he pinched. She exploded. The forest receded as waves of raw pleasure shot through every nerve in her body.

  Inside her, he swelled even more. The hold on her shoulder tightened. She closed her eyes, unable to fight the whimper that escaped.

  Jordan paid no heed, a lion claiming his mate unequivocally. No mercy, no second thoughts ... no turning back. Ever.

  With his jaw only, he shoved her upper body down on her hands, those sharp fangs remaining locked in place. His strong legs braced hers, keeping her open to him as he gave her everything.

  Katie’s heart swelled. Humans would never understand it, but the harder he thrust, the more he cemented his claim, the more she loved him. He’d do everything in his power to stay with her, to protect her, to kill and even die for her. A lion mating was absolute.

  Harsh pants heated the skin at her shoulder. The hands still on her breasts tweaked, then one slid down to tap her clit.

  No way could she come again.

  He pinched.

  Her scream rivaled the lightning flashing across the sky. The orgasm tore through her more dangerous than any tornado, sending pleasure so intense ecstasy flashed to pain and beyond. Her sex tightened around his shaft. With a howl, he held tight against her, coming hard, his entire body shuddering.

  He slowed and then stopped, still inside her, fangs embedded deep. The storm returned, whipping rain into her face. She blinked, dazed and seeking reality.

  Jordan didn’t move.

  The pain in her shoulder screamed for relief. At least she still had a shoulder.

  She slowly turned her head to see just his eyes. Hard, determined, lacking any leniency. The vow shone deep and bright. He’d stay there forever.

  With a shudder, she gave him what he silently demanded. Her heart beat wild and true. For him. “I love you, Jordan.”

  He blinked, triumph filling his gaze. The fangs slowly retracted, and he licked the wound, sealing the mark forever.

  Her shoulder was on fire. She protested when he withdrew from her body. Grabbing her around the waist, he shot to his feet to cradle her in his arms. Without a word, he headed back toward headquarters.

  Chapter 20

  Maggie ventured into the storm, wandering toward the edge of the cliff. The almost full moon tried to cut through clouds without much success, every once in a while succeeding enough to pierce the churning gray sea. She’d heard Jordan and Katie return to Jordan’s quarters. Had they finally mated? Hopefully they knew what they were doing. As much as she wanted her best friend to be happy, she sure didn’t want the virus to kill them both.

  Rain cut into her face, matting her hair. Man, she loved a good storm.

  “Go back inside.” Dark, stealthy, Terrent Vilks appeared at her side.

  “Don’t make me kick you again.” She kept her gaze on the ocean, trying to refrain from smiling.

  His chuckle cut through the storm. “Don’t worry. I’ll know to be on guard next time.”

  The tone held humor and warning. She responded to both, her smile widening and her shoulders going back. “I have the feeling most people just follow your orders.”

  “All people follow my orders—even pack Alphas.” He yanked a Dodgers hat off his head and plunked the cap over her wet hair. “At least protect your head.”

  The hat covered her eyes. Reaching for the fastener in the back, she tightened it and tucked her hair behind her ears. Living in a world where everyone did as you ordered? How could you ever know who to trust? “You seem like an Alpha.”

  “Yes. But as a member of the Bane’s, I don’t have my own pack. There isn’t time to hunt and also protect a pack.” While his tone stayed matter-of-fact, there was an underlying tenor of ... what was that? Loneliness? “We’re honorary members of all packs.”

  “What about when you retire?”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “Well, theoretically, I’d form my own pack.”

  “Theoretically?”

  “Ah, yeah. Members of the Bane’s Council don’t usually reach retirement.” Amusement wrinkled his brow.

  Something warmed inside of her. The guy embodied danger, yet once again the humor lurking within his huge form surged forward. A big guy who could laugh—even at death. Intriguing.

  Her mind tried to understand the concept of his life. “So, as a roaming Alpha, everyone follows your orders. That must get so boring for you.”

  “Actually, order makes life smooth.” The rain smashed down, turning his hair all wild and dark. Sexy and dangerous.

  Maggie had the oddest urge to run her fingers through the thick strands, seeing how long it would take to get entangled. “Smooth is boring.”

  “No. I insist on smooth.” He shook his head, sending droplets spraying. “Females infected with the virus show a more volatile temperament. I’m willing to allow some leeway for your actions the other day.”

  “That’s kind of you,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “I’m thinking I should’ve kicked you harder.”

  “I’m glad you said that.” He grasped both her hands and pivoted her to face him. “Why don’t you try kicking me now?”

  Even the storm seemed to rage around him, leaving him solid and alone. He loomed over her, curiosity and challenge on his hard face. But something else lingered in those too dark eyes. Interest.

  Great. Kicking the wolf leader in the sack had gleaned his interest. Just what she needed. “I figure once a week is enough.”

  “You’re awfully brave now that I’m ready for you.”

  “I bet most people are scared of you.” She tilted her head back, allowing the rain to coat her neck in order to see him better.

  “They are.” He frowned. “You don’t seem to be.” Puzzlement twisted his lips. “Interesting.”

  Fantastic. The guy was probably chalking up her lack of fear to her viral infection and ensuing craziness. She sighed, her gaze holding his. The storm stopped raging, mellowing to a soft rainfall. “Believe it or not, you’re not the scariest thing I’ve seen.” In fact, after spending who knows how much time in a Kurjan research facility, her anxiety attacks came from the past, not the present. Her nightmares were scary and grounded in reality.

  “Well”—he released one arm to run a finger down her wet neck—“you haven’t really seen me in action, now have you?”

  Desire slid from his finger down to her abdomen as if he’d traced her naked body. Fire flashed hot and bright inside her. “No.” Man, she bet he was magnificent in wolf form. “I guess if you try to kill Jordan, I’ll see you, huh?” She’d meant what she’d said—if standing in front of the lion would help, she’d do it. Though the idea of actually hurting Terrent, maybe killing him, made something around her heart hurt.

  Irritation flashed across Terrent’s face. Fire burned deep in his eyes. “If you think I want to kill one of my oldest friends, you haven’t read me right, Olathe.”

  She sighed. “You don’t have to kill him. We can find a cure.”

  “No. There’s no cure once someone turns into a werewolf.” Absolute conviction lifted his chin.

  “Well. We’re at opposing ends, then.” Too bad. Sh
e would’ve liked to get to know the wolf better. “What does Olathe mean?”

  “Beautiful. In the language of your people.” Apology filtered along his slight smile. “I’m trying to be accommodating, but you need to understand when the Bane’s Council requests your presence, you make yourself available. Whether or not I have to kill my oldest friend tomorrow night.”

  “You don’t want me for an enemy, Terrent.” Somehow, she didn’t figure the guy would care who his enemies were—he’d just cut them down and move on.

  “You’re far from my enemy.” His hands framed her face, smoothing the rain away. “I appreciate Jordan offering you sanctuary and protection, but you’re one of my people and you belong with wolves—especially now that the demons want you dead. I can protect you. Life will be much easier if you come to that conclusion on your own, Maggie.”

  Tingles set up in her skin from his warm touch. Irritation battled down her spine from the threatening words. Instinct kicked in. Pivoting her hips, she shot a knee up.

  And found herself plastered up against an incredibly hard body two feet off the ground. Man, he had fast reflexes.

  His smile lacked warmth. “Wolves don’t play like kittens, sweetheart.” With a dip of his shoulder, she was upside down looking at his ankles as he stalked toward headquarters. “It’s been a long night. Get your stuff packed, and we can head out after the full moon tomorrow.”

  Whistling a cheerful tune, the prolific werewolf killer headed into headquarters with her ass over teakettle.

  Katie woke up alone in the big bed, her shoulder a dull ache. She stretched her legs, wincing as bruises flared to life. Jordan had quickly washed them both off in the shower upon returning to headquarters before meeting Emma in the lab. The queen had taken blood, and Jordan had squired Katie to bed.

  All in silence.

  She’d slept for several hours. The masculine scent of cinnamon and oak filled the room, for once not providing comfort. Scooting over, she wearily yanked on sweats and a T-shirt, searching for socks. Not finding any of hers, she tugged a pair of Jordan’s on, rolling the tops over several times.