Winter Fire

By Christy Poff

Martin Wolfe had always lived like a lone wolf, although he and his best friend knew their duty remained true to those who depended on them. Malin Scout was one of the RCMP's best investigators until she met a case that bettered her—that, and the gorgeous blue-eyed goalie who caught her eye one cold afternoon. Working on the same case, they are forced to spend time with each other, only to discover that destiny may have played a part in bringing them together. But someone wants to make sure they don't enjoy what they've found.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Mar 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781603139557

Book preview

The Legend of the Blue-Eyed Wolf

It is written that a great warrior will rise when the time comes and the need great. Strong yet easy-going while used to being a lone wolf, he will take on any challenge facing him and succeed.

He is one-of-a-kind in our world having extremely bright, piercing blue eyes—the type to intimidate any enemy—but only because his birth will have taken place on the rare occurrence of the blue moon. It is said that his first sight after birth had been the blue moon, the reason for his eyes’ brilliance.

His entire life will follow destiny once he closes the distance between himself and his destined mate—a union going against the path he’s chosen to take with his life. Changes will occur making him stronger in most ways yet more vulnerable in others—a double-edged sword for those needing him at some point.

Though it may not be immediate, once his mate becomes trapped in his eyes, the mating process will take over. If, for some reason, she has not openly made her change—or, for some related cause, has no clue as to her true destiny—the first encounter will trigger events in her life thereby bringing her to her true self in her own life and that of her mate’s pack.

The Legend of the Sleeping Wolf

It is said that there is a wolf that runs but doesn’t realize what it does when human.

A sleeping wolf will shift while the host is in a deep sleep—one that will not allow them to feel the pain of shifting or anything that happens while in lupine form. Their destiny lies in what is known as a sleeping gene as these wolves are the ones that do not change fully until they gain the first recognition of their destined mate—this time preordained years before their natural birth. Immediate mating is not needed as the effects of this will become more noticeable with time.

After the first change, the sleeping wolf may find it has innate knowledge while unable to tell how. Some have healing powers or can pass healing to their mate through a blood bond while others may show quiet strength yet remaining in the shadows where they feel safety. Sensing future events may come as one talent or may join others making the sleeper a special being in the lupine world.

The sleeping wolf has remained indigenous to the northern lands where the cold chills them though they have been known to, on occasion, look for warmer areas in which to settle.

Prologue

On his way back to Wolf Creek, Alberta, Martin Wolfe thought about everything he’d been involved in between helping to stop Atticus and his men’s attempted coup of Perino Hunter’s pack in Montecito as well as what he’d learned during his time at The Chateau. When he arrived home, he found an envelope sitting between the doors.

Unlocking the inside door and letting himself in, he grabbed it before it fell to the ground. Inside, he put it on his desk with his keys and sunglasses then took his bags upstairs. Unpacking, he put everything away then took a shower. God, how I hate flying…

Martin Wolfe had served in the Canadian Air Forces Command (AIRCOM) and loved being a pilot but flying commercially in cabins where one sat on top of the person next to them so the airlines could garner as much money as they could drove him crazy. Wolves may naturally be pack animals but there had been good reasons for the term lone wolf which described him to a tee.

After drying off then wrapping the towel around his waist, he went back downstairs and walked over to the desk. Picking up the envelope, he felt misgivings as he rarely had any visitors who wanted to venture literally into uncharted woodlands to see him. He’d designed the house to be totally self-sufficient for any utilities he needed though he’d paid extra for phone lines to be installed.

Opening it, he pulled out a sheet of paper and unfolded it.

I’d like to see you as soon as possible—it’s important.

He looked at the signature and groaned. Why me? Pulling out his cell phone, he called a number on his contact list and waited.

Yes?

I’ll be by later this afternoon.

Dinner is at five. I expect you to stay.

Yes, sir.

Hanging up, he cursed to himself. The last thing he wanted—a command performance with the head of the regional pack. Shit! Why now?

* * * *

As Wolfe fixed his tie, he groaned. He’d bought several expensive suits, one a designer, for just such occasions—rare though they did occur.

In the local hierarchy, Wolfe had made sure to stay in the background but, as a favor, he’d traveled to California to learn what he could in all aspects of how a successful pack should operate. Now, he had to sit through questions and answers when he didn’t want to be with anyone—not yet. I need some serious downtime…

Martin Wolfe came out of the military holding the rank of flight lieutenant with several commendations for actions during night maneuvers. One advantage to his life had been amazing night vision and the military appreciated it but he’d had enough and asked to be discharged. After several months of negotiations, as he called it—they didn’t want him to leave and kept sweetening the pot—he finally walked away as a retired officer and headed back to Wolf Creek. The military had added a twist requesting that he return at least twice a year to conduct Night Ops training concentrating on developing night vision. If they only knew the truth…

Now, he mentally prepared himself for dinner with the regional pack leader—the one who’d sent him to California in the first place. Give me strength…

Slipping behind the wheel of his black Land Rover, he settled in for the drive then started it. Every so many years, he traded in his four-wheel drive vehicle for a new one and this year he went for the Land Rover. So far he’d been impressed with it and sat back to drive to Fort Serenity—one that would take the better part of an hour.

Once he pulled up to the gates, a huge guard approached the car, his gun ready.

Wolfe lowered his window, prepared for a confrontation. Since unrest had been threatening the pack then the events in California, several alphas had been placed on the gates as a precaution though this one he knew had taken his job to the extreme.

Wolfe?

Branford.

Why are you here?

Dinner.

I’ll have to check.

Knock yourself out.

The other man went back to his guardhouse picking up a landline as Wolfe watched. When he got the answer he didn’t want, he slammed the phone down then approached the car.

I’m supposed to let you through.

Look, I don’t want to be here anymore than you want me here but the Brigadier called and I came. Now, buck it up and make the best of it.

Go to hell, Wolfe. You’ll get yours and I’ll be there laughing.

You keep telling yourself that, Wolfe said as he drove through the gates and up the long drive to the huge estate that gave sanctuary to all wolves—local or visiting. Why don’t I feel comfortable here? Parking to the side, he got out of the Land Rover and walked to the front door—one that opened mysteriously without him ringing the chimes. That unnerved him, too.

Wolfe wanted to be in control of his life at all times but when he couldn’t do something simple like announcing his own arrival, he felt uncomfortable—as if he’d lost something he might never regain though to others, his feelings seemed idiotic.

The Brigadier is in the library waiting for you. Dinner will be served in thirty minutes. Can I get you a drink?

Jack Daniels, straight up and bring me several—I may need them.

Yes, sir, the butler said as he went to get the drinks.

Martin Wolfe took a deep breath then headed to the library. As he entered through the double doors, a voice from above him asked him to close them. Once he did, Wolfe looked up seeing the Brigadier on the overhead walkway which went around the center of the tall room—the library two stories in height. He had several books in his hands, Martin watching him as he carried them down the spiral staircase in one corner.

Martin, my dear boy, how are you?

Very well, sir, thank you. I see you’re doing well, too.

Achy but what does one expect from this weather?

Putting the books down on his desk, the Brigadier went to greet Wolfe, the two men shaking hands.

Do you need a drink?

He’s getting me several, Wolfe said, referring to the butler.

Good…good…

Sir, what is wrong? Wolfe asked, noticing the unease of the man who controlled one of the largest regions in the Alberta/Saskatchewan provinces. What the hell is going on?

We’ll discuss that later. How did your trip go?

Very well and a little busy.

Hunter tells me you played a huge part in what happened.

Forgive me, sir, for getting involved but one doesn’t refuse Perino Hunter. I could no more refuse his request than I can yours.

I wish they all felt as you do, the Brigadier said. The ones guarding the gates and perimeters are more than likely going to get us in trouble instead of out. They’re so damned gung ho and uncaring. Try to give them a simple order and…

It’s like pulling teeth for them to do it without an argument. I’ve seen that, too, Wolfe stated as he thought about Branford. Should I tell him or let it go? Let it go—for now…

You understand command structure where they do not. They’ve had no experience and as such, they believe they know everything.

I believe what concerns you is that you need discipline at all times, not when it suits them to behave.

Exactly, the Brigadier agreed. If they can’t behave now when we seem to be at peace, how can I rely on them to obey when the situation calls for it?

I don’t believe you can. There is no such thing as selective obedience.

Wolfe wondered where the conversation seemed to be leading realizing the Brigadier would get to his point in his own time.

Brigadier Collier Hawthorne had been pack leader for the region for as long as Wolfe could remember. Being part of military intelligence in England before coming to Canada, he’d seen a lot and retired the first chance he got. Moving to Cold Lake had given him a relatively stress-free retirement—at least until a few months before.

Tell me about your trip.

Before I tell you about California, I believe you should know about the stops I made on the way home. Hunter and Ryman King introduced me to Julian Hawthorne in Aspen. Your brother has an amazing setup and I believe we could put a lot of what he’s done into practice here. Once I left there, I visited Valeria and Gabriel Holt in North Carolina. She allowed me the privilege of reading some of the original legends as written in the old text and wants me to tell you to call her any time you might need her help.

Excellent, Hawthorne said. My brother’s well?

Very, sir. He sends his best and wishes you’d call him as soon as you can.

Hawthorne nodded, urging Wolfe to go on.

Wolfe explained what happened in California, refusing to leave out any details.

"Between Hunter and your brother, we could make Fort Serenity into the true sanctuary you’d like it to be."

Interesting, Hawthorne said.

We have a huge property here and enough room for a medical wing. If the coming conflict you’re expecting comes about, we’ll need somewhere to treat them immediately without risking being outed. I don’t trust the local doctors considering the way they always believe the worst about any of us. If we can bring in a doctor who specializes in lupine medicine, we’ll be so much more efficient and self-sufficient. Also, we cannot afford to be outed as our neighbors have been.

I agree, the Brigadier said.

Everyone I’ve spoken with has offered their help. I came away with good impressions from all of them.

Wolfe watched the Brigadier sit in deep thought considering what he’d been told.

Let’s enjoy dinner, he finally said.

Wolfe sighed. It will be a long night.

* * * *

After a delicious meal, they adjourned to the living room where they enjoyed after-dinner drinks—the Brigadier a traditional host.

You mentioned before about joining in on some covert operations?

Wolfe explained how he’d become involved in helping Ardalyn Hunter go after her mate who’d been kidnapped by a young alpha bent on taking over all the packs and bringing them in under one government. Using Ryman King as a lure, Atticus expected to easily take her then use them both as leverage against her grandfather only Ardalyn and those following her outsmarted him and they successfully rescued King while stopping Atticus—the only problem being he had a devotee who escaped and abducted Ardalyn, the pack’s huntress.

Because of Wolfe’s role in his rescue, King asked him to assist on the second mission and again, they overcame the enemy to taste success. Why are we always acting with military strategy?

Do the American packs have armies or…

Not in the defined sense of the word but when needed, they come together with a command structure and precision only known in the military services. If you look into the backgrounds of the key alphas in various regions, they all have covert ops of some kind in their background.

Like you…

Yes, sir, Wolfe answered, suddenly uncomfortable. Where is this going?

Do you believe we should do the same?

We have been under attack which is why you sent me to California. As long as you do not have something in place, you are viewed as weak and easily taken over. I know you aren’t but there are those who…

I’ve heard the rumors—the real reason why you went on your trip and I’ve considered regrouping, shall we say?

If you intend to form an army, you really need to talk with the other leaders one-on-one. I know they didn’t tell me everything but they would answer any questions you might come up with that I didn’t think of.

I will make the calls in the morning. I’m sure you’re right, I just needed to hear it firsthand.

May I ask a question, sir?

Go ahead.

Are you one of the Elite?

Hawthorne momentarily froze, his reaction speaking volumes.

Excuse me? Tell me how you’ve come to hear that term.

I only know about the group because your brother, Hunter and Banks from back East acted in the decision-making process on some things though they told me that no one knows all of the other members.

Yes, I am one and it only takes a few of us to make a decision which allows the rest of the group to remain secreted for safety reasons.

"Then would you not have to discuss this with some of the others so none of the other packs would take your actions as being aggressive in nature? Atticus put one hell of a scare into them as well as the reason why I went to The Chateau in the first place."

I see what you mean.

I don’t understand all the intricacies of pack politics but it would probably bode well for you in the future if you have need of their help.

Martin, you are a very perceptive man and I value the counsel you’ve given me. Because of that, I’d like you to help me mount an army and get them the training they need in order to be successful while staying alive.

Brigadier, I…

Then it’s settled, the Brigadier said before Wolfe had time to decline the offer. Now, you mentioned a Huntress?

Perino’s granddaughter and, before you attempt to recruit her, I can guarantee she won’t leave her mate or her grandfather. They are very tight-knit and after what happened, she swore she wouldn’t leave their pack.

I see, Hawthorne said, shaking his head.

What’s wrong, sir?

Not a thing. I am proud to say that I have chosen the perfect man to work beside me. You understand my thought processes like no other and that is a talent I need.

I hope you’re sure about this.

Positive, Martin—trust me.

* * * *

Malin Scout had been a detective in the region for several years. After training with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she received her orders and went to the post assigned to her. Working a missing persons case, Malin showed her unique skills in investigation and her commander began training her to become a detective. Her tenacity and determination built her reputation to where departments requested her though an accident sidelined this until she healed enough to return to work.

During her recovery, she read every book on investigation and evidence she could. Taking several investigative courses during that time helped her, as well. Once she returned to duty, her commander literally did the unheard of and had her fast-tracked to the detective bureau. Fortunately for him, she didn’t let him down—her unique talents showing quickly and advantageously. Now, she sat in her office going over some notes about the latest case she’d been assigned.

Malin dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt over a cami, carefully hiding her very curvaceous body. The last thing she needed—the guys saying she slept her way into the position though she knew some of them had been saying just that anyway. Sighing, she felt grateful the ones doing this would probably remain as troopers for the remainder of their careers. Smiling to herself, she made some notes then turned the page.

Trouble northwest of Cold Lake had turned a simple robbery into a conspiracy. As she read further, she discovered the underlying factors and shook her head. There is no way…

According to the report, one of the thieves had been left behind with his throat ripped out as if done by a wolf. She hated when analogies like that appeared in official documents. Bad enough the local wolf packs took the blame for livestock being killed but to make references when speaking about humans angered her though this particular one made her madder than usual. Why?

Logic told her that no animal had committed the attack considering the body had been left behind in the office of the store manager. Had a wolf been involved that openly, witnesses would have come out of the woodwork just to say they saw it—anything for a simple attack on an innocent wolf.

Malin sat back. Why all of a sudden am I feeling as if I need to champion wolves? Shrugging, she made some more notes and closed the file. Time to see her first witness, Malin left the office and headed out.

Chapter 1

Are you ready? Pierce McNally called.

Bring it on, Wolfe answered as he pulled his helmet down.

Getting together with their team, they played ice hockey as much as they could while the pond on the outskirts of town remained frozen. Considering the amount of cold weather they had, they enjoyed a good amount of Canada’s national sport.

Wolfe had known McNally since childhood. They served together in the military but while Wolfe flew, McNally worked on the aircraft making sure they experienced as little downtime as possible. A First Native, he’d lived in Wolf Creek his entire life, the same as Wolfe.

McNally played forward while Wolfe tended goal. Agile, he usually stopped a huge amount of shots having an extremely low goals against average—great but not good enough for professional hockey. The others on the team played for the love of the game, not caring that they had been overlooked.

Wolfe deflected several early shots before most of the game went down the ice into the other team’s zone. He watched the action but every once in a while, he scanned the crowd that had gathered though unsure why. Naturally on guard—what werewolf in his right mind wouldn’t be?—he’d become even more so since the problems in a neighboring pack sent him to California. His conversation with the Brigadier had not helped either. I’ll have to bring Pierce up-to-date on this…

The whistle blew for an icing call bringing Wolfe back to the game. After the faceoff, the game went back to the other end where his team scored. Now, for the faceoff at center ice which the other team won handily giving Wolfe some action between the pipes. One of the other