The Wolf's Mate

By Marie Medina

Hatori’s life changed forever when he discovered that his real father was a lycan, as his frequent illnesses suddenly made sense. After achieving his first shift into wolf form, he hoped the last remaining clan of lycans could offer him some relief after a lifetime of suffering.

Yet nothing goes as planned when he travels east to meet with this clan. Since his first full shift, Hatori’s sensitivity to—and craving for—vampire blood has been a great burden. Surrounded by very tempting vampires and confused by what the lycans have to tell him, Hatori doesn’t know what his next move should be. But when one of the vampires tastes Hatori’s blood, it becomes obvious the fates wanted Hatori to travel east for a very different reason.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Dec 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781771306669

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Published by Evernight Publishing at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2013 Marie Medina

ISBN: 978-1-77130-666-9

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To everyone who’s enjoying the stay in Valladora.

THE WOLF’S MATE

The Year of Stars, 1

Marie Medina

Copyright © 2013

Chapter One

Valladora

3151, The Year of Stars

Hatori walked up the stairs of the temple and sat down between his older brother, Mikimo, and their friend, Satoru. He could tell they had been talking about him. Satoru and his mate, Fredric, had come to Yoshinaga to accompany Hatori on his journey east. There he would finally meet other lycans. Hatori had suffered mysterious ailments all his life, and he had learned the true reason a year earlier. On her deathbed, his mother had confessed that he and Mikimo had different fathers. Hatori’s father had been a lycan. Accomplishing his first shift a few weeks earlier had changed everything for Hatori. Now, he constantly craved vampire blood, and his libido had tripled. Vampire blood had amazing powers, and sometimes it could even heal human illnesses in large enough doses. Still, Hatori could not understand why he craved it so much. Though he had been exchanging blood with a vampire to ease his pain previous to his first shift, he knew addiction was not possible given the small amounts he’d been taking. He couldn’t wait to meet with the lycan shamans to see if they could help him. According to what he’d been told about other half-lycans, he’d been lucky both to make it to adulthood and to be able to shift at all.

Where is Fredric? Hatori asked Satoru. I thought you weren’t allowed out of his sight these days.

Satoru, who had been a priest in Mikimo’s order before discovering he was a vampire’s mate, laughed. I manage to slip away every now and then. Since he turned me, our mental bond keeps us close, even when we have to be apart.

Hatori smiled. Fredric, who was quiet and reserved, had proved hard to get to know. Hatori liked him very much, though, because he could see and feel how happy Satoru was. For years, Satoru had served as a priest and seemed more than content to devote his life to the gods and remain celibate. He’d often ignored and at times even seemed oblivious to all of his admirers, who flocked to every prayer service that he led simply to be near him. Now, Satoru’s countenance practically glowed when he was around Fredric, and he waxed quite poetic when talking about their love. Hatori had always believed that kind of love didn’t exist, but the radical change in the man he’d always admired made him wonder. Mikimo and Satoru both insisted that the gods ordered their fates justly and lovingly. While Hatori did not have their faith in the divine, he had made a point of being more open-minded the past few weeks.

I’m glad you’re coming with me to Lord Kyo’s castle, Hatori said. I’m starting to grow nervous, and I’m a little wary of being around so many vampires.

So many? Satoru asked, looking from Hatori to Mikimo.

Mikimo cleared his throat. Yes, Lord Kyo’s parents died in an avalanche two weeks ago. His brothers and sisters are all with him to observe the solidarity rite. Their parents did not want traditional mourning with all the somber trappings and vigils. They simply requested that their children stay together for three months in the event they perished at the same time.

I’m sorry to hear that, Satoru said. Hatori, you know you can drink from me while we’re there. Fredric won’t mind, honestly. He trusts me. And you as well.

"One of Lord Kyo’s brother has been informed of my problem and has volunteered to, um, meet my needs, Hatori said. I’m simply worried because I get so horny around vampires these days. I don’t wish to embarrass Mikimo or reflect poorly on his temple or the village."

And I’ve told you not to worry. Lord Kyo is very kind and understanding. Mikimo put his arm around Hatori. And Lord Ryu is good friends with the lycans. They saved him when he was a boy, if I remember correctly. I don’t know much about the other siblings, but I can assure you Kyo and Ryu will take care of you and see to all of your needs.

A vague image of two virile, handsome vampires seeing to his needs assaulted his mind. Hatori shifted positions a little, feeling guilty for his intensely sexual thoughts and the way they had twisted Mikimo’s words. His brother was the perfect priest—in Hatori’s eyes, at least—and Satoru had also been a fine example of everything a holy man should be before renouncing his vows. Hatori loved and admired them both so much that he felt ashamed of what his body was doing to him. Was he naturally lascivious because he’d been conceived in an adulterous affair? He knew some priests would say so, even though Mikimo and Satoru would deny such teachings as unjust. Hatori opened his mouth to speak, but a sharp pain in his chest made him flinch.

Mikimo moved closer, and Satoru put his arm around Hatori as well. What is it? Satoru asked.

Just a pain. It will pass. They usually do. Hatori closed his eyes and tried to steady his breathing. His eyes snapped open when the scent of vampire blood hit him.

Fredric knelt before him, three long gashes across his upheld palm. Hatori licked his lips as he watched the blood pool. Fredric had revived Hatori with his blood twice when they were on a mission to save Satoru’s mother weeks ago. The memories made Hatori both hungry and hard, and he began to tremble, both with need and shame.

Drink, Hatori. Fredric pushed his hand forward. You obviously need it. You’re among those who care about you.

When Mikimo and Satoru pushed him forward, he took Fredric’s wrist in his shaking hand and drank from his palm. After a few moments, his pain eased, as did his arousal. He still felt the need for release, but at least his erection subsided somewhat. He stopped himself just in time and pulled away. A few more seconds, and he’d have crossed the line, inflaming his condition instead of easing it. The delicate balance proved hard to maintain. Hatori took a deep breath and smiled as he relaxed against his brother. Wiping his mouth, he said, Thank you.

Fredric winked at him, a flirtatious habit he’d picked up from Satoru. My pleasure. I needed an excuse to feed from Satoru again before we leave.

Satoru laughed, taking Fredric’s hand and licking it to heal the gashes. You never need an excuse, and you know it. He rubbed Hatori’s back briefly. Are you all right to travel? We can wait.

I’m fine now. I can make it to the inn, Hatori said. I’ll go to bed once we get there.

Satoru stood and helped Fredric up. Then we’ll let you say good-bye. Come down when you’re ready. Satoru leaned over to embrace Mikimo, and then he and Fredric descended the temple steps.

Now, if we could only find a handsome vampire for you, all would be well, Mikimo said teasingly.

Hatori frowned. He knew he would never be as lucky as Satoru. Given his health problems, he thought it best not to hope for more than the brief pleasure he had found with lovers in the past. If he was lucky to have lived this long, as the shamans said, how much longer could he hope to live? He refused to cause more people grief, as it already pained him to think of those he loved mourning him.

Yes, that would solve everything, but life is never that easy, Hatori said. He leaned over and embraced his brother. I have you. It is the only love I intend to count on absolutely.

Mikimo frowned in turn as they parted. Don’t be so negative, Hatori. You are not dying.

How do you know? Hatori whispered.

Mikimo put on a very stern face. Because Satoru and I won’t let you. He kissed Hatori’s forehead. Stop worrying.

I’m trying, Mikimo. I truly am. But the pain, the need for blood … they overwhelm me at times. And I feel ashamed because of my desires. Satoru and Fredric have been so kind since my suffering worsened, and I feel like a leech, quite literally.

Mikimo smirked at that comment, but then he sobered. You can’t help these desires, and you are controlling yourself very well. That is a sign of your character and moral strength. It’s not your fault you’re half-lycan. Satoru is half-demon—do you think less of him? He’s had his own burdens to bear because of it.

No. His blood makes no difference. It’s not the same. His demon half makes him stronger. This part of me has brought only weakness.

Those weaknesses have shown you your strengths. I’m done arguing with you about this. Mikimo stood. "Come. Your friends are waiting to