Tall Dark Handsome Lycan, Book 6: Tall Dark Handsome Lycan, #6

By Anastasia Maltezos

James, a two hundred year old lycan, thinks he is losing his mind. He is dreaming about a woman he has never met and he feels someone is watching him. Working undercover for New York’s elite family of lycan warriors who protect the innocent, he is astounded to see the woman from his dream appear before him. Before long, he finds himself working alongside her to complete a vital mission. As they face the perils of going up against the evil warlord, Garos, James battles his inner beast’s mounting need to possess her, even though he discovers she is cursed with a deadly spell that could destroy him.

Bella has secrets, one of which could kill the man destined to love her. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anastasia Maltezos
• Release date: Jan 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524212230

Anastasia Maltezos

Although Anastasia Maltezos loves to read all genres of romance, she does have a particular interest in the paranormal field. When she's not busy writing her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family. You may send Anastasia an email at [e-mail]. She loves to hear from her readers. Other books by Anastasia Maltezos on Smashwords: Lycan Prince, Lycan King, Lycan Warrior, Lycan Mate, Her Vampire Lover, The Lycan and his Witch.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Tall Dark Handsome Lycan, Book 6

Copyright © 2015 Anastasia Maltezos

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Tall Dark Handsome Lycan, Book 6

Author:  Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter One

I’m dead.

Bella stared at the bills on her desk.  How in the world was she going to pay for them this month?  She frowned at the impossible task and grabbed the stack of papers, spending the next five minutes making three piles—urgent, important, and can wait another month.  When she was done, she leaned back in her seat and stared at the urgent pile.  Panic welled in her chest.  This was the biggest stack.

Back to square one, she murmured as she grabbed the urgent pile and sifted through it, hoping she could place some of these bills on the other two piles. 

Rent, electricity, phone, internet.  These cut into a huge chunk of her available money.  Scowling, she continued going through the urgent pile.  Dye, shampoos, marketing, payroll—she tossed the invoices on her desk and groaned.  Dammit!

Her office door swung open and her assistant barged in with a flustered look on her face.  I’m sorry, Bella.  I know you said you didn’t want to be disturbed, but she insisted on seeing you.

Who is it, Nancy?  Bella stiffened as she watched her sister, Cora, saunter into her office. 

She is talking about me, Cora announced.  She paused and gave Nancy a pointed look.  You may go now.

Bella bristled, but she held her tongue.  It’s okay, Nancy.  This is my sister.  Her assistant could not have looked more surprised as her gaze darted from Bella to Cora.  Shut the door behind you, Nancy.  I’ll be out there shortly.

Nancy gave Cora another uneasy look before she shut the door behind her.  Bella stifled a sigh.  Cora made everyone nervous.

Have a seat, she said.  Would you like some coffee?  I’m sorry, but I only have instant.  A flash of self pity coursed through her veins.  She couldn’t even afford her favorite brand of brewed coffee.

Cora eyed the small jar of instant by Bella’s coffee station and pursed her lips.  No, thank you.  As she took the seat across from Bella’s desk, her gaze travelled around the room and settled on the pile of invoices. 

Bella tensed, sliding a surreptitious hand over the offending piles that had given her so much grief this morning.  You look well, she said, voicing the first thing that popped into her mind.  Her nerves were already shot from this morning’s foray into her deteriorating budget, and facing her older sister’s intimidating presence didn’t help.

Yet, Cora did look well.  As usual, she didn’t have a hair out of place, her makeup was immaculate, and her attire was impeccable.  Her long, black hair was clasped behind her head in an elaborate chignon and she wore a crisp, black pants suit that accentuated her long legs and small waist.  And judging by its fine, soft thread, Bella guessed it cost more than her entire payroll.  Bella tried hard not to look down at her own appearance of jeans and a beige top.  She hardly emanated the flawless image her sister radiated.  Slowly, she wrapped her arms over her chest, hiding the coffee stain she knew was just below her left breast.  Damn, she wished she didn’t feel so intimidated by her sister.

The irony was not lost on Bella.  Her sister had so much going for herself.  She was a powerful witch who ran the New York coven division, she was wealthy, and she was beautiful, and yet, all the power, money, and beauty could not bring Cora happiness.  Guilt overwhelmed Bella.  She knew she was the direct cause of Cora’s misery.

I see you changed your hair again, her sister said in a crisp tone of voice.

Bella drew a self-conscious hand up to her long pony tail.  I highlighted it.  Do you like it?  Even though she was a grown woman, she still wanted her older sister’s approval.  More than that, Bella wanted her forgiveness.  For one horrifying moment, the past rushed forth and her gaze wavered under Cora’s stare. 

I prefer your natural black, her sister said.  Your new highlights look almost blue.

Bella dropped her hand.  Oh.

Cora narrowed her eyes.  And you look like you lost some weight since I last saw you.

I...I’ve been under some stress lately.  I guess I haven’t been eating properly.

Cora’s gaze dropped to the pile of bills littering Bella’s desk.  With grim determination on her face, she opened her purse and pulled out her check book.  How much do you need?

Mortified, Bella shook her head.  I don’t want your money.  I’m...I’m fine. 

Cora’s mouth thinned as she grabbed a pen from Bella’s desk.  She filled out a check and ripped it from its leather bound sheath.  Here.  Take it.  This should cover your expenses for the next couple of months.  If you are not on your feet by then, call me and I will wire you more money.

Bella didn’t know what to say as she took the check and stared at the amount.  Even though she really needed the money, she couldn’t take it.  Not after what she’d taken from Cora.  I appreciate your help, but I’ll be fine, Bella said.

Do not be a fool.  Take the money.  Whatever has transpired between us, Cora said, her face darkening, "as the mistress, I take care of all my witches."

I’m not exactly a witch, am I?

Cora’s expression hardened.  You may have been born human, but you still come from a long line of powerful witches and their blood runs through your veins.

Bella couldn’t help feeling disappointed.  So you don’t want to help me because I’m your sister.  You want to help me because technically, I’m a witch.

Cora’s face worked with emotion, but the look in her eyes was bitter.  For one moment, put your guilt aside and take the money.

Slowly, Bella reached across the desk and placed the check in front of Cora.  Under normal circumstances, I would, but our circumstances aren’t normal, are they?  You didn’t come here to tell me you forgive me, so why are you here?  She watched her sister take the check and slip it into her purse.  For one brief moment, Bella regretted giving it back.

Cora sat erect in her chair, her face hard and uncompromising.  I am here because I need you to do something for me.  More specific, I need you to do something for the coven.

Bella frowned.  What can I possibly do?  I’m not a witch.  Your magic can service all your needs.

Not this time.  Cora’s mouth thinned.  "It’s Garos.  The coven can longer stand by while Leo’s family fights their war against Garos.  I have come to the decision we must get involved."

"The witches have never interfered with the war between Garos and the families."

Yes, well, the witches have never been Garos’s target until now.  She clasped her hands on her lap and drew in a long breath.  Have you heard of Madison O’Reilly?

No.

She recently discovered she has the power of a white witch.

Bella’s brows rose.  A witch who can cast spells without the use of a wand?  I never knew one existed.

She is the first in one hundred years.  In any case, Garos tried to kidnap her recently to have her operate Catherine’s crystal ball.

Bella’s mood darkened at the mention of Catherine and she made a face.  Don’t mention that woman’s name to me.  That witch ruined my life.  She caught Cora’s odd look of relief and Bella bristled.  Why do you look so satisfied?

I look satisfied because she is dead.  For good, this time.

Bella was both surprised and relieved at the news.  Well, I won’t say I’m saddened by the news.  When did she die?

A few weeks ago.  Leo vanquished her.

"What did you mean for good this time?  How many times can someone die?"

If you practice black magic, twice, apparently, Cora remarked in a dry tone.  At some point in her life, she cast a dark spell on herself.  Upon her death, her soul went into limbo where she had until the rise of the next full moon to possess a soul and return to the living.  After Leo originally killed her, her soul discovered Maddy was a white witch and Catherine attempted to possess her.  To make a long story short, I performed an exorcism with the help of Matthew Walker and James Foster.  We vanquished Catherine to hell for good this time.

Bella’s head spun and she raised a hand.  "Hold on.  It’s been ten years since I’ve been out of the loop.  I already know Leo is the leader of the lycan family in New York, but who are Matthew and James?" 

"Matt is Maddy’s one and Leo’s second in command."

"One, as in her soul mate, her true love?  The lycan legend," Bella murmured as a blanket of gloom surrounded her.  Years ago, before Catherine had ruined her life, Bella had been a romantic.  She had believed in happily ever afters and had yearned to meet her one true love.  This was never going to happen to her now.

Who is James?  Bella asked.  For a moment, she thought she detected a flash of resentment on her sister’s face.

James is Leo’s spy who has worked alongside Garos the past year.  He has become Garos’s second in command.

Bella was still confused.  What does any of this have to do with you requiring my help?

"Catherine’s crystal ball is still in Garos’s possession.  He wants a witch to operate it in order to spy on the families’ activities.  Her mouth firmed.  Since he wants a witch, I will give him one.  You."

Had her sister lost her mind?  First of all, bloodline or not, I am not a witch.  Only a witch can operate a crystal ball.  Since I cannot, I don’t know how I can help you.  Second, what exactly do you expect me to do?

I want you to kiss Garos.

Bella froze.  The last time she had kissed a man was ten years ago and it had destroyed her relationship with her sister.  What you mean is you want me to kill him.

Yes.  The coven is in jeopardy now because Garos is on a hunt for a witch and all the sisters are in danger.  The small problem of you being unable to operate a ball can be temporarily fixed with a little magic.  I will cast a spell, enabling you to operate any ball until this mission is over.

"This is too much to take in.  I wouldn’t know where to start.  What makes you think I can simply walk up to a man and plant a kiss on him?