Fera Bond

By Amoi Kin

Dominic Santos has been the Alpha for the Affinity Pack for ten years. He has put all his focus into his pack since the death of his parents, until he walked into a diner one day and saw her. Unable to resist the pull, Dominic found himself in that diner watching Oceana, charmed by her every action. His guilty pleasure, however, did not remain a secret for long and soon his pack's biggest enemy was threatening Oceana's life. Now Dominic must figure out how to keep her safe while maintaining his distance from her.

Oceana Williams had the most stupifying crush on her new regular. Stupifying because every time he was around she acted like a klutz. When her sister goes missing a week after meeting him, Dominic tells her she must go with him. Except she's not sure if she can trust his words, especially after he renders her unconscious. Still, Oceana can't seem to turn off her feelings for him as she is swept into his world paranormal and danger. All she can do is trust her instinct and hope she's not making the biggest mistake of her life falling in love with this man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amoi Kin
• Release date: Apr 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370256693

Amoi Kin

Amoi Kin was obsessed with writing from she was a young child, creating stories that didn't always make sense. As she grew older, her love of writing and book grew as well. They were an escape from life and a way to have fun for her. By high school, she finished her first novel and hasn't stopped since. Now in college, she continues to write in her free time and shares her work with others in hopes they enjoyed the worlds she creates as much as she does.

Book preview

A tall man with rich brown skin and waist length, inky black braids stood approximately ten meters from the local favorite diner. He watched through the transparent windows a young woman of ochre brown skin tone, who barely reached his chest in height.

He longed to touch her.

As she moved back and forth between customers and the kitchen, her long ebony coils, caught up in a ponytail, swung gently with her movement. She smiled brightly at those around her with a certain twinkle in her eye.

The petite woman suddenly stopped and glanced his way.

With a simple thought, he willed the surrounding light to hide his body in what would appear to be a glare of light to humans. He continued to study her as she finally turned her attention away and moved to another customer.

Yes. This was her. She was an almost perfect miniature of the strikingly beautiful woman who still owned his heart. His search of nearly twenty-one years now came to end. At last, he had found her. Never again would he lose her.

Chapter One

Oceana had made a connection. In fact, upon first seeing him, she couldn’t take her eyes off him. She followed his every movement, every hand gesture as if hypnotized by a magician. When he spoke, his voice made her heart flutter. Even though he was simply ordering a meal and not speaking to her in any suggestive way, her heart didn’t care for the minor details. And they were very, very minor.

It could be something as simple as lust. Her sister had concluded that. And Oceana could not deny that she felt that way, but there was more to it. But she wasn’t sure she could call it love. She just knew it wasn’t something as simple as lust.

Not that she didn’t think about being in bed with him all day. What she would give to fuck his brains out…

At the moment her fascination sat at his regular table, closest to the windows and front door, completely oblivious of how gorgeous he was.

Oceana couldn’t stop herself from sighing at the sight of him through the kitchen window. His hair was a rich charcoal with loose waves that went no further than the top his ears. Though his hair had a boyish appearance, it didn’t soften the sharp, masculine features of his face. He seemed like the serious type, having no apparent laugh lines around his mouth and eyes. Sexy muscles were covered by bronze skin that had no apparent blemishes.

His eyes… Don’t even get her started on those beauties. They just so happened to be her favorite color and held a mystery in them that had her curious.

And though Oceana hated tall people-after all, they made her feel like an utter midget- she had no problem with the fact that he towered over her. It was one of the things she liked about him.

Hell. She liked everything about him. Who wouldn’t like a guy with a muscular build, broad shoulders, and a deep, sexy voice? No one in their right minds, that’s who. Which was probably why every woman in the diner, and even a few men, looked at him with desire-filled gazes. And though Oceana wasn’t the jealous type, she didn’t approve of them stripping him with their eyes. After all, he was hers, even if it was only true in her little crazy world.

Wait. Had she cursed again? Oh well. At the moment she couldn’t care less.

Stalker, a voice murmured into her ear.

Oceana turned and glared sharply at her coworker. Go away, bimbo.

Chris released a gasp as fake as Oceana’s insult and touched a hand to her heart. You mean skank! How dare you judge me by my perfectly bleached hair! The more she spoke, the more prominent her southern accent became.

Oceana snorted-another thing she did that was not lady-like-but couldn’t stop herself from smiling. Sorry. I’m fucking moody and horny. Definitely not a good combination, she stated with a frustrated breath.

Wait, did she just think fu-

Dam- I mean dang it. Have to put another quarter in the jar when I get home.

She always had a problem with cursing and was currently trying to curb the bad habit. Even the cursing in her head she was trying to stop because that usually led to her cursing out loud. She often heard that her mouth was dirtier than a sailor’s, which was not a good thing for ladies. Supposedly.

Chris nodded with understanding. Chris never judged Oceana no matter how many weird things she said or did. Half the time Chris joined in with Oceana’s craziness, which was why Oceana loved her.

By the way, your insults absolutely suck ass now that you stopped cursing, Chris told her.

Oceana had nothing to say to that. It was almost like she lost a limb not being able to cuss every other sentence.

So, are you going to wait on Mr. Fuckable today? Chris asked as she fixed her short, bob-cut hair in the small mirror they had in the kitchen, before turning to grin at Oceana, Or do I get to again?

Mr. Fuckable had been Chris’s coin name for him since he first came into the diner almost a week ago and Oceana had given up trying to get Chris to stop calling him by that name after an hour. After all, how could she argue a fact that was very true? He was definitely fuckable.

Oceana sighed inwardly at her steady failure. Why did she have to promise Star to act like a lady? It was so much work.

She turned her attention back to the man who completely fascinated her before shaking her head. I’m an utter klutz around him. As if I wasn’t already unattractive enough, every time I serve him, I make a fucking fool of myself.

Oops. She cursed again. This was way harder than Star said it would be.

Chris rolled her eyes but still patted her friend’s shoulder with support. How many times do I have to tell you’re beautiful inside and out before you believe me? I would kill to have your boobs.

It’s not that Oceana thought of herself as ugly because she wasn’t. She was simply average. If it wasn’t for her overly-endowed breasts, she was pretty sure most guys who paid any attention to her wouldn’t notice her.

And Oceana did like features on her body. Like her hair. Her eyes. Her calves, weird as that might seem. And, yes, her breasts. Though her girls attracted the wrong kind of attention, from time to time even she had to admire them. But she still wasn’t a supermodel that could easily conquer the world of men and love.

Trying to purge herself of all negative thoughts, Oceana smiled at her bestie. Easy for you to say. You’re drop-dead gorgeous and have no problem getting any freaking guy you want.

Chris was all of five eight and slim. She had long legs, a small waist, and a flat stomach, much like Oceana’s younger sister. Her chest, though on the small side, was perky and full. She also had striking hazel eyes, high cheeks, and plump lips.

Freaking? Really? Are we still in the fifth grade? Chris shook her head, obviously disappointed with Oceana's word choice. Just say fuck. No one will sue you. Promise.

Oceana playfully stuck her tongue out at her friend. Leave me the fuck alone. Someone asked her to say it this time, so it didn’t count.

Chris clapped, causing Oceana to stick her tongue out at her.

Anyways, Chris began, not any guy. Your bae over there is not the least bit interested in me.

If he’s not interested in someone who could be a smexy model, why would he even notice me? Oceana peered at her own reflection in the mirror and brushed aside the curls in her face that managed to escape her ponytail. Let’s face it. My dream is only a dream.

Do I hear a pity party in here? Scarlet, the owner of the restaurant, abruptly appeared in front of the kitchen window.

Yes! Jake, the cook, practically shouted. He pointed his spatula at Oceana and Chris. Get these two out of my kitchen. They are distracting me from my amazing cooking.

Oceana shared a look with Chris before they both rolled their eyes. Jake was overly dramatic and that had nothing to do with his sexual preference.

Scarlet smiled. Come on ladies. There are hungry customers out here waiting to be filled with food and knowledge.

Scarlet was the owner of the fine establishment. She had decided to combine her love for books and food into a bookstore/restaurant. While it seemed like a far-fetched idea, the shop was doing pretty well after being open for over two years with many regulars.

Oceana followed Chris out the kitchen only to find Scarlet waiting for them on the other side with her hands on her curvy hips. Scarlet was the complete opposite of Chris.

Scarlet was close to Oceana's height but that’s where the similarities ended. Scarlet had that much desired hourglass figure and had no problem showing it off. She also had auburn hair that brushed her shoulders and a doll-like baby face.

While Oceana didn’t hate herself, she couldn’t help but envy her two closest friends a little. Not that she blamed them. No. It was all God’s fault.

Stupid shitty creator of all things. She muttered to herself. Dammit, I cursed again. Dammit. She needed to learn to stop thinking. It clearly wasn’t helping her cause.

Sorry. Didn’t mean that. Love you, God. She corrected herself. After all, she couldn’t bad mouth the person she was praying to, to get her into medical school, now could she?

This is the third time I’ve caught you hiding out in the kitchen this week. Scarlet's eyes pinned Oceana in place.

Ugh… Oceana quickly tried to think of an excuse. My head hurt?

Bullcrap.

Chris wrapped an arm around Oceana’s waist. Give her a break, Scar. She’s just flustered around her crush.

Scarlet’s eyes lit up at the news, worrying Oceana a little. Crush? Who? Shall I play cupid? I just finished reading another self-help dating book, so I’m your girl.

Scarlet was a hopeless romantic, much like Oceana which was probably why in her world she and Mr. Fuckable would live happily ever after. She blamed romance novels for her hopeful wishes.

Oceana tried to avert any further attention from her love-crazed friend by saying, Oh look, a hungry customer, then swiftly made her escape from Scarlet’s good, but always catastrophic, intentions. Instead of going to her obsession’s table, she took the order of a nearby customer.

Chris passed by her, most likely to take his order. Oceana looked in his direction then inwardly gasped when her eyes clashed with his emeralds. Her heart did that thumping thing again and her palms started to feel clammy. It felt like she had stopped breathing. Had she? Biting her lip, she forced herself to break their brief connection. It took way more willpower than it should have.

Chapter Two

Dominic watched Oceana as she disappeared into the kitchen. On her way, she bumped into the counter and muttered a curse that brought a small smile to his lips.

Even though she wasn’t trying, he found her completely…charming? Yes. Charming described her perfectly.

He didn’t know how to explain his draw to her. Dominic was even too sure how he ended up in the diner the first time. One moment, he was walking by and the next second, he was in a booth, his gaze fixed on one thing. Her. The first time he met her was ever clear in his memory. Never he felt so calm yet so alert to every move she made. Never had his jaguar been so silent in his mind. And he didn’t have the smallest clue as to why he felt that draw.

So, you have a friend. Shocker. For a second, I thought you were, like, the world’s biggest loner.

Dominic looked up at the woman who had been his waitress for the past few days.

Oceana was the first one to serve him but after two days, she never came back to his table, much to his disappointment.

He has tons more. They wait for him on his bed every day until he comes home from work. His Beta grinned flirtatiously at their waitress. I’m his best friend but don’t tell Mr. Bear that. He cupped a hand over his mouth and loudly whispered, He’ll get jealous.

Chris giggled and asked for their orders. Dominic told her his then looked back at the kitchen door, waiting for Oceana to reappear. Shade’s whistle distracted him, causing Dominic to turn back his way.

What?

I have to admit, my friend. You have exquisite taste. I would dine here for the rest of my life if it meant being waited on by that goddess.

Dominic followed Shade’s gaze until his eyes landed on Chris. "She’s all yours.’

Shade glanced at him as if surprised. Really? But your sister said you’ve been coming here for the past week just to see her and you’re giving her up that easily?

The younger Dominic would have released a frustrated sigh at his Beta and maybe even shared a laughed. The Dominic today did not afford such pleasures. He never let his emotions get the best of him. Not anymore. His job didn’t allow it. His personality had taken an abrupt U-turn after seeing how a person letting their emotions control them could get out of hand, especially feras.

Still, he couldn’t understand why his sister would tell his Beta what he told her to keep a secret. Then again, she didn’t fully seem to comprehend the word ‘secret’, just as she didn’t understand the meaning of ‘leave it alone’. Hence how she found out about his secret pleasure.

A pleasure he didn’t deserve

It was a thought that constantly passed through his mind, but it didn’t stick when he was here. And he liked coming here alone. There weren’t too many things that Dominic kept from his Beta, let alone his pack, but he liked having something that was only his.

She was only his. Even if he never claimed her.

He wasn’t the only one intrigued by Oceana. His jaguar was, too. Her scent, a heady mixture of lavender and vanilla, enthralled them both. And she wasn’t even his usual type; she was short and petite with a kind face. A perfect example of what an angel probably looked like. And yet she still managed to bewitch him.

The first time he saw her smile, his heart had stopped. He had decided he would do anything to see that smile again, which probably should have stopped him from coming back. Nonetheless, he couldn’t stop himself from coming any more than he could stop himself from dreaming about running his hands through her hair or over her seemingly soft skin.

And with every new day spent near her, his jaguar’s silence. His jaguar’s demand for her grew until he was fighting Dominic for control.

His jaguar purred in his head as if saying mine.

Not yours. He corrected, understanding his animal to the fullest.

A growl this time. Ours?

No. She could never be his.

His jaguar's pissed growl no longer surprised Dominic as it had at first.

His jaguar was similar to him and didn’t show much emotion unless his dominance was challenged. Only Oceana stirred him with so little effort.

It’s not her.

Then who? Shade asked. The curvy redhead? Or possibly the hot brunette? It’s definitely not the guy… He paused. Or is it? Half the pack does think you’re gay.

Someone was trying to be a smart-ass. It was honestly no one’s business who he dated or when he dated. But as someone who lived in a pack their whole life, Dominic knew packmates would always feel the need to be in business that didn’t concern them.

Abruptly, there was a loud clatter. Dominic turned to the noise in time to see Oceana bending down to pick up pieces of a shattered plate.

I never took you for a damsel in distress kind of guy, Shade said, glancing down at her.

Dominic ignored Shade and immediately went to Oceana’s side. Together, he helped her pick up the pieces until he scented blood and heard her sharp intake of breath.

Putting down the glass pieces he held, he took Oceana’s hand with the injured finger into his. A single droplet of blood had oozed out of the thin cut.

Are you okay?

Oceana’s brown eyes met his again for the second time today. For the first time, he noticed her eyes were so dark they appeared black, her pupil lost in the color. She nodded, as if not trusting herself to speak. She tried to pull away, but Dominic tightened his grip.

Her hand was softer than he imagined. Would the rest of her skin feel the same if he ran his hands over her naked body?

He chided himself for thinking such thoughts that would only cause him more trouble. But his mind ignored him as his jaguar did when it came to this woman.

By the fire in Oceana’s eyes, she felt the same attraction he did, but Dominic could not act on it. Not now. Probably not ever.

Forcing himself to focus on the situation at hand, he took his handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around her finger before gently pressing on her wound.

Thanks. Her lilted voice affected him more than it should have.

Dominic stood before helping Oceana to her feet. Be more careful from now on.

Oceana bit her lower lip as if embarrassed, but all Dominic could think about was how much he wished it was him doing the biting. Rolling her bottom lip between his teeth before…

Bad thoughts. It was hard enough to know he couldn’t have her. Why did he constantly torment his self by returning here every day?

Because he couldn’t stay away.

So many times, he told himself he wouldn’t come back. One more day and he would never see her again. And yet here he was. Every single day since walking in the door.

Oceana, are you okay? Chris asked stopping next to Oceana, on her way back from the kitchen. She took Oceana's hand into hers and kissed the wrapped finger. I saw everything and was coming to help but my hands were full. She looked up at Dominic.

It’s only a cut, Oceana mumbled and pulled her hand away from Chris.

Thank you. My friend is kind of a ditz. Though Chris was speaking to him, it was Oceana who held his attention. Oceana scowled at her friend but was ignored as she continued on. What’s your name?

Shade decided then to move from his spot at the table and stood beside Dominic. His name is Dominic and I’m Shade. Throwing another dazzling grin in Chris's direction, he held out a hand. Nice to meet you, darling.

Dominic couldn’t resist the urge to roll his eyes. Shade was the biggest flirt he knew. He still didn’t understand how women so easily fell under his spell and it seemed Chris was no exception. She shook his offered hand as a slight blush graced her cheeks.

Taking enough from his pocket to cover both meals and a tip, Dominic threw the cash down on the table before striding out of the establishment, ignoring Shade’s call. Sadly, Shade caught with him at the car. He had every thought to leave him behind.

He climbed into the driver’s seat as Shade got in on the passenger side.

I thought we were going to have lunch. I’m hungry.

Dominic started the car, continuing to ignore his whinny Beta.

She’s cute, maybe I’ll make a move.

Even he wanted to, Dominic couldn’t contain the growl that built up in his chest. The thought of Shade touching Oceana, of any man touching her… He really needed to stop these thoughts. If only his brain would listen to reason.

Kidding. She's not exactly my type. Shade kept speaking without encouragement.

All women are your type.

Nah. Shade strongly disagreed. I like them tall. And curvy.

And the dumber the better. Dominic thought to himself as he pulled onto the road.

So why didn’t you talk to her? Shade questioned.

Dominic didn’t understand why his Beta was bothering him so much. He thought taking him to the restaurant would shut him up. But obviously, that was a mistake. His Beta was probably more curious, which would result in him asking more unwanted questions.

I did.

‘Be careful from now on’. Shade mimicked his voice almost perfectly. I would like to think my Alpha is not such a lame person. That was not what you should have said if you’re expecting to rail her in. You need something more charming, like ‘You are the sun in my galaxy that brightens my days’.

So, her getting hurt brightens my day? Dominic asked, raising an eyebrow.

No… That’s not what… Shade sighed. Forget it. You’re a hopeless cause. You’ll never learn how to pick up women.

Dominic shook his head, slightly amused with his Beta. Though Shade could be the most bloodthirsty fera on the battlefield and even more ruthless when it came to winning bids for their company, he never failed to amaze Dominic with how silly he could get when relaxed.

You should have at least asked for her number. Or on a date.

The amusement faded. Like I told my sister, leave it alone.

Isaac hasn’t bothered us in almost a year. The last battle probably scared him off officially, so I say it’s safe to start dating. Shade stated. Unless it’s because she’s human.

Dominic didn’t believe for one second that Isaac had given up. Ten years is too long a time for someone to give up their grudge without achievement. And Dominic didn’t mind humans as most of the feras did, not for a long time. He had three mated into his pack, but the fact that he was an Alpha made a dangerous difference if he was ever to start a relationship with one. There were too many extremist groups like Isaac out there. People who would hurt her just to get at Dominic and she would have no defense against shifters like him. Feras. Being who could not only take on the form of an animal but were also infinitely stronger than humans in every possible sense.

Dominic decided the conversation was over and turned up the radio.

Not cool, man. Shade shook his head but didn’t pester Dominic any further.

Chapter Three

A woman with silver-blonde hair and striking features continued to watch Oceana as she worked her shift. So, this was the woman the Affinity Pack’s Alpha was interested in. A mere human. This was very useful information. Something her mate would kill to find out.

Do you need anything else, ma’am? Chris asked, stopping by her table.

The woman smiled and put on her shades. No. Taking out a generous amount of money from her wallet, she placed it in the other woman’s hand. I’ve got everything I need. She bid the girl farewell before leaving the diner.

Chapter Four

Dominic. His name is Dominic.

Oceana loved it. It fit him perfectly. She couldn’t stop thinking it. She decided it was strong and sexy. Very sexy. She wouldn’t be surprised if she was now attracted to other guys simply because their name was Dominic.

It was official. She was coo-coo for coco puffs over him. She couldn’t even concentrate on the paper that was due on Monday and could affect the chance of her acceptance medical school as failing the class would seriously hurt her GPA, and the paper was worth more than half her grade.

Oceana majored in psychology at Western Washington University. She chose the school since it was only an hour away from Seattle, the city her and Star had loved the most during all the moving they did as children. The medical school she received acceptance to was actually in Seattle and was the main campus of the university she currently attended.

Sighing, she rolled over in her bed so that she was lying on her back and closed her eyes. She could still feel his touch on her hand. It was another thing that was continuously plaguing her mind. And she wasn’t ashamed even if it made her seem like a lovesick teenage girl. It was her little secret anyway. It’s not like anyone would care that she was daydreaming about her delicious customer.

Except, of course, her literary arts professor, who would fail her for the semester without this paper. Sighing again, she kissed the handkerchief that was still wrapped around her finger before trying to finish her assignment.

Oceana! Oceana!

Oceana barely had time to react before her little sister jumped on top of her.

Ow! Oceana rolled, trying to dislodge her sister from her back, but her sister held on tight and the two ended up falling off the bed. But did that discourage her sister from trying to straddle her? No.

Oceana wrestled her until she ended up on top. They always did this. Star would always attack Oceana, most times unexpected. They would wrestle for control and Oceana would always end up the victor. Even though Star was taller, Oceana was the stronger of the two. She didn’t understand why Star didn’t just stop trying. Their struggles were pretty pointless.

In the process, their necklaces got tangled. After pinning her sister to the ground, Oceana unraveled her moon pendant from her sister’s star very gently.

The necklace was the only thing Oceana had received from her mother. While she hated the woman, she still loved her and cherished the necklace. The moon pendant that changed shape, as the actual moon did, based on the lighting. It was the most enchanting piece of jewelry Oceana had ever encountered.

Why did you jump me this time? Oceana questioned.

Star didn’t even seem to mind the fact, at least for the moment. I got it. I got the part!

The part? Wait, in the TV show you auditioned for?

Star nodded feverously. It’s happening, big sis. I’m going to be a movie star.

Oceana pulled Star up so she could give her a hug. "I’m so fu—freaking happy for you, lil’ sis.