Shadow of the Summer Moon: Sakana Series, #2

By Amanda LeMay

Branded by my pack Alpha.

Betrayed by my mother.

Raised on lies and falsehoods.

The betrayal just as twisted and hideous as the deep scars I now carry.

My one chance for freedom is to run to the only other wolf who escaped the San Francisco pack.

I leave my past behind, hoping for protection, a new home, a new pack and a chance to live free. The last thing I ever dream of finding is a mate.

But falling into Gunner Bodolf's arms is as simple as breathing in his irresistible scent. And once he kisses me, I can't walk away.

I ran from hell and ended up in heaven. Unfortunately, the deadly danger I left behind tracks me across the country to the middle of nowhere, Texas.

My past will never let me go without a challenge, but I refuse to run ever again. To protect my new life, my new pack, my new mate, I will stand and fight.

Shadow of the Summer Moon is a dark paranormal romance with explicit language, wolf-shifter violence and possible triggers. Age 18+ readers only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda LeMay
• Release date: Jun 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386092513

Amanda LeMay

Indie author Amanda LeMay grew up on a small farm in Southern California reading every sci-fi book her dad passed on to her and watching every classic horror movie her mom shared with her. Her love for paranormal romance was an easy leap. Amanda published her first paranormal romance – full of dark sexy wolf-shifters called KISS OF THE WINTER MOON - in February 2018. Her wolf-shifters share a rare and special bond with their mates: the sakana bond, a rare and ancient bond that links their minds, bodies, and souls. Amanda still lives in Southern California with her own Alpha-male husband and two grumpy cats and dreams of living on the beach in Texas. When she isn't writing, or thinking about writing, (or plotting, or characters, or dialogue, or world building), she's probably working on any number of crafts, sewing, gardening, or lost in another authors' wonderful dream world. She plots most of her novels while walking, or driving, or while on long Texas beach vacations sitting outside listening to the waves. She loves reading paranormal romance, fantasy romance, sci-fi romance, contemporary romance...well, just romance in general. Visit Amanda’s website at www.amandalemay.com. Make friends with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/amanda.lemay.18041 And follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/AmandaLeMaybks.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

WHO ARE YOU?

The words came out tight and raspy. The stranger in the bathroom mirror stared back at me through wild, bloodshot eyes, a sad, hollow shadow of who I used to be.

What had been a shiny black sheet of silken hair falling softly past my waist was now ragged and clumpy, and looked as though I’d taken a straight-edged razor and carved out uneven chunks from the ends. My nails were broken, cracked, and torn. Every trace of pale pink nail polish scuffed away by the hundreds of miles of dirt and rocks I had traveled over to get here.

I traced my tongue along lips that were wind-chapped and split. Teeth that had ripped into fur and raw flesh were in sore need of a toothbrush, or blow torch, and a gallon of mouthwash.

My body ached in ways I never thought possible.

And I was hungry. So hungry. The few rabbits and squirrels I’d managed to hunt down and catch didn’t come close to filling the hole that seven days of hard running had left in my stomach.

My oddly two-toned blue eyes were the only feature about me that held any life—but what I saw in them frightened me.

Whoever I’d been before had disappeared like a shadow.

The years I’d spent holding a tight rein on the savage, primitive animal inside me had been for nothing.

I’d let it loose. I had run.

What I saw staring back at me now was feral. Untamed.

Free.

Not beaten. Not broken.

I glanced around the long, granite countertop, at the small cardboard box labeled Jess—bathroom. There were two other similarly labeled boxes stacked in the corner. I wasn’t sure if they had been packed to leave, or had been left there in the process of unpacking to stay. Makeup tubes and compacts lay scattered near the sink along with hair products, brushes, and a blow dryer.

It seemed strange to stand in the middle of such a normal place while my entire world fell apart.

The thumping bass from the speakers outside pounded against the house and drowned out the sounds of the wedding party, which, in itself, I found odd. A wedding? Our kind, married? Like humans?

How much of our world had Rule kept from his pack?

One thing I’d come to believe, that in keeping his pack like pampered pets on a tight-fisted leash, Rule had robbed us of our true nature. Everything I’d learned about who I truly was inside, behind my human mask, I had learned through trial and error. Over the last week, I’d learned how to move with stealth. How to track. How to kill. How to survive.

How to trust my instincts.

And so, I’d ended up in the middle of nowhere: Comfort, Texas.

While the wedding party went on outside, I had slipped into the house, taking the chance my unwashed odor would be lost or mingled in with the smell of the pack, of roasting meat over a smoky barbeque, over horses and cows and the fragrant, green brush.

Here, in this room, a scent I recognized from the past surrounded me, comforted me, helped me focus on my purpose—and not the stink of my own filthy body.

The familiar scent of fresh flowers and green fields belonged to Jessica Maccon.

Not that Jessica was my friend. I didn’t have friends. And the blame was all mine. Even though my mother had controlled so much of my life, I could’ve made the effort. I could’ve been...nice. Friendly. I never believed I needed friends before, especially a transplant female from Albuquerque who stayed only a couple of years and then left. She was an outsider. Not a true member of Rule’s pack. And that made her untrustworthy.

That is my mother talking.

Jessica was honest and honorable.

There was not one member of my own pack I could trust to help me do what I was about to do. I wouldn’t blame Jessica if she flat refused, or called for her pack Alpha to have me escorted off and banned from their territory.

But...that wasn’t Jessica’s way.

No matter how busy she was, she had always greeted everyone with a smile. Even me. Every day had seemed a fresh start to her. She seemed to have the ability to look past my awful behavior. I could only hope she would do so again.

She’d been kind to me. To everyone. Always.

And I’d been horrible to her. To everyone. Always.

Jessica wouldn’t turn me away without letting me explain. She’d consider it, weigh the pros and cons and even if the cons outweighed the pros, she’d offer some good, honest advice before sending me on my way.

Advice was the best I could hope for.

Hope. What a seriously foolish notion.

If this pack refused my plea for help, I’d slink away and find somewhere else to hide. But, without a friend inside the pack, finding even a small amount of protection would be difficult, if not impossible. The last thing I wanted was to become another Alpha’s property.

I focused once more on the unrecognizable female in the mirror. With too little sleep and too little to eat, the sunken cheeks and black rings around my eyes gave me an almost skeletal look. Muscles I never knew I possessed stretched thin over my bones. In seven days, I’d run off most of my curves. Except, of course, my breasts.

My ugly, scarred breasts.

I closed my eyes.

Breathe. Just breathe. You’re okay.

I understood what it meant to run. Going back would mean a death sentence.

I sent my fingertips over the shiny brands—the hideous proof of why I’d run, why I’d abandoned my pack—burned into my skin, a constant and terrible reminder of the male who’d tried to own me.

At least the physical pain had disappeared.

I sucked in a breath, opened my eyes, and looked at what my pack Alpha had done as he sought to possess my body.

Blood seemed to boil in my veins as tears burned my eyes.

Don’t cry. Get angry.

Footsteps came from outside the bedroom connected to the bathroom where I stood hidden. Jessica’s voice came with them.

If I plan on dancing any more, I’ll have to get out of these shoes, too.

Another female spoke. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather Dain come help you out of this dress? I’m thinking he’d really enjoy that.

So would I, but then we’d be missing our own party because you know as well as I do, we’d end up in here the rest of the night, banging like bunnies.

Jessica laughed. It was sweet and husky and for some strange reason, tugged at my racing heart.

Well, there is that.

I get to have him for the rest of my life so I’m pretty sure we can— Jessica’s voice halted.

Apparently, she’d caught my scent.

I grabbed a towel from the stack behind me and wrapped it around my naked body. My heart pounded in my ears as I listened, and waited, and prayed.

Please remember me. Please remember me. Please. Please.

CHAPTER TWO

MY HAND TREMBLED AS I reached for the doorknob.

Simone?

Jessica. My voice wavered as relief rushed through me. Yes, it’s me. I grabbed the door handle and pulled.

Simone?

Even with confusion coloring her face, Jessica looked so beautiful, like a fairytale bride from a magazine. Her golden hair sparkled beneath the small veil, her eyes the color of rich, light amber. She glowed with happiness.

Jessica. A fine, watery mist formed around her image. The little strength I had left in my legs seemed to give way and I clutched the doorframe to keep from falling to the tile.

Sweet heavens, are you okay? She took a quick step forward. Her amber eyes searched my body from head to toe as her hand came up to cover her mouth.

And that was Jessica. She didn’t ask why I was in her bathroom or why I was crashing her wedding reception. She couldn’t help but care about others, even if they hadn’t treated her as they should have.

I stood speechless, smelling of dirt and green plants along with my own body odor, in desperate need of a shower and a toothbrush. However, my need for protection, for understanding, for a friendly face, outweighed my embarrassment.

Please, Jessica, please help me. The words squeaked out past the emotional lump in my throat.

Holy shit. Her eyes scanned my body. What happened to you?

Words spilled out of my mouth. I know I was horrible to you, and I understand what I’m asking for, and I’m putting you in an awkward position, and I wouldn’t ask if—

It’s okay, it’s okay. Slow down. She glided across the room, leaving two females standing in the doorway. She took my hands, flipped them over. From my fingertips to my elbows, I was filthy. I glanced down at my feet, and with the dirt and grime well up past my knees, it was plain to see what I’d done.

Did you run all the way here?

Yes.

What the hell happened?

I looked past Jessica as the two other females moved slowly into the room and closed the door behind them. One was young, possibly still in her teen years. The other female appeared more mature. With the slow rate at which we aged, there was no way to judge the age of the dark-haired female, though she carried more weight around her middle than most females did. Even so, she had a kind face. She looked at me the way I had always wished my own mother would look at me: like she cared, really cared about me. Still, I didn’t need more witnesses—at least, not yet.

Jessica appeared to realize the reason for my hesitation. She turned away and spoke softly. I’m sorry, would you mind? Give us a few minutes?

They nodded and moved to the door.

Let me know if you need anything, the older female offered.

Jessica nodded. I will.

Once the door closed behind them, I looked at Jessica. How would I ever put into words the nightmare I’d been through? I couldn’t. I could only show her. Tears burned my eyes, but I couldn’t allow them to fall. Not now. Not when I needed to be strong. I swallowed hard, took a couple of steps back and tugged at the towel, letting it fall to the floor.

Her eyes popped open as she stared at my naked body. I couldn’t find it in me to be embarrassed. Not anymore. Now, seeing the look of revulsion on her face, I felt validated.

Oh...sweet... Jessy whispered, the sight of what had scarred my skin seeming to sink in. Someone did this to you?

I closed my eyes, nodded once, and let go of the breath I’d been holding. My body was nothing more than a piece of hard evidence against the San Francisco Alpha.

I heard the rustle of fabric and then Jessica’s body slammed into mine. She grabbed me in a fierce hug. Her tears slid down my shoulder and back before her breath hitched in a sob.

Jessica, don’t. Please.

She tightened her embrace. Panic rose up my throat. The last time someone held me was to tie me down, and that someone supposedly loved me.

Jessica. I pulled out of her arms.

She stepped back, her canines in plain sight. Wildfire lit up her golden eyes as mascara streaked down her cheeks with her tears. Her hands gripped my shoulders firmly.

Who the fuck did this? Was it one of those crazy-ass males?

The time had come. The second I made the accusation out loud, Jessica would know what I had done, how I had abandoned my pack, run from my Alpha.

Rule. Rule Arawn did this to me.

Her shoulders straightened as her chin went up. She stared into my eyes. Her pretty lips formed a straight line as her canines slid out even farther, long and white and sharp. After spending so many days as a wolf, I finally understood the need to express my true nature, just as she did now.

No fucking way.

She doesn’t believe me.

It stung worse than I imagined it would. Leaning down, I picked up the towel and wrapped it around my body, hiding the brands once more.

I was wrong about how I’d thought she would react. I probably deserved it. I’d burned too many bridges, getting nowhere fast, and now I could never go back.

Jessica stepped past me to the door and opened it. She glanced back at me with anger burning in her eyes. Never in my life had I seen a more dangerous female. Except, of course, my own mother. When Jessica’s mouth opened to speak, I fully expected her to order me out of her house.

Jules. Her voice cracked with emotion.

Jessy, what’s wrong? The younger female, Jules, rushed forward into the room.

I’m fine. She wiped her cheeks with the palms of her hands, smearing the dark outline of her tears. We’re fine. Everything is going to be fine.

Then why are you crying? The older female touched Jessica’s arm, love and worry written on her face.

Jessica let out a nervous laugh. I need to speak to Dain for a minute.

All right. But everything’s okay? Her friend looked at me again. I expected to see accusation in her eyes, but there was only concern.

Jessica nodded. Yes, everything is gonna be okay.

Jules gave her a worried smile. Okay, I’ll be right back.

Jessica smiled lightly. She motioned the other female in before shutting the door. Her smile quickly turned into a small sob as she struggled to control her emotions.

If you want me to leave, please say so. I’ll leave. You don’t need to have your mate escort me out. I’m so sorry. I just didn’t have any place else to go.

What? I’m not kicking you out. She looked me square in the eye. And yes. I’ll be your sponsor, Simone, but I need my mate to understand what I’m getting into here.

And we’ll have to talk to our Alpha, the dark-haired female added. He’s a good male. If he decides you can’t stay, he won’t kick you out on your ass. He’ll find another pack where you’ll be safe.

My legs gave out and I slumped into a chair. Thank you. Thank you both so much. I clutched the towel around me. Jessica, please know I truly regret how I treated you. I am so, so sorry.

Please, call me Jessy. No one here calls me Jessica except my dad, and that’s only when I get on his last nerve.

I’ll try to remember.

She knelt down in front of me. And listen, Simone, you didn’t treat me any differently than you treated anyone else. It’s not like you were mean. You were just, you know, aloof. Indifferent. You didn’t let anyone get close. I mean, really, none of the females in that pack treated me any differently than you did. I didn’t take it personally. It’s just who you are. A little stuck up, and please don’t take that wrong. I swear, I’m not making an excuse for you, but you’re beyond beautiful even for wolf standards, and your eyes, damn.

All the females in my line had these strange two-toned eyes. Actually, I have my mother’s eyes. The pain of what my mother had done stabbed through my heart. I sucked in a breath and pushed it away. These stupid eyes are why I ended up in this mess. And I’m not beautiful. Not anymore.

Those brands don’t make you ugly and if you think they do, well, you’re just gonna have to let your inner beauty shine. Her hands took mine. You’re not a bad person and, it’s not a crime to fall into something you can’t get out of. I know what that’s like, believe me.

She stood, tugged her strappy five-inch white stilettos off, and walked into the bathroom. She tucked a small hand towel into the bodice of her wedding dress and washed the makeup from her face. Maygan, can you give me a hand with this dress, please?

Sure. And Simone... Maygan looked at me. It doesn’t make you weak to ask for help. We wouldn’t think of turning you away.

Thank you.

I’m Maygan. Her hand reached out, grasped mine, and gently squeezed.

A knock came at the door. A deep, masculine voice rumbled, Jessy?

Come on in, she called out, and the door opened.

The smell of warm male wafted into the room. Jessica’s mate was impressive in his black tux, so tall, so handsome, so young, and so in love. The way he looked at Jessica, how his dark reddish-brown eyes took one long sweep of her before they settled on her face, how his smile moved slowly, made little creases around his eyes and formed large dimples in his cheeks—that one look he gave her spoke of all the love he held for her. And the way she looked back at him, was so...intimate, I felt I should turn away, stare anywhere else in the room.

It was plain to see Jessica and Dain were deliriously happy. They deserved to be left in peace, not have their new marital bliss disrupted by an outsider who should have sought protection somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Dain, this is Simone. She’s asked for sanctuary and I’ve agreed to be her sponsor.

Sanctuary? Sponsor? I wasn’t sure what Jessica was talking about or why she made my request for protection sound so formal. I needed someone to believe me. To help me escape. To find justice for what had been done to me.

But...was I selfish thinking I could just pop into Jessica’s life because it was convenient for me? I was. I was doing it again. Thinking only of myself.

Wait, Jessica—

"Jessy." She smiled.

I’m sorry, Jessy, I corrected. I can’t do this to you. I can’t ruin your wedding day, your honeymoon. I can’t. Rule will come looking for me. He’ll find me here. I gripped the towel tighter around my body and rose from the chair. I’m sorry. I’ll leave.

"Simone, Dain and I have been mated for six months. This wedding thing is just for show and all the legal human stuff and you are not ruining it. We’ve already had a honeymoon, we just got back. Jessy laughed. We’re kind of doing things ass-backward here. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I’ve already agreed and you’re staying."

I looked at her mate and waited to hear an argument or see the disagreement in his eyes, but he only smiled.

I stand by my mate. We’ll sponsor you together. Dain’s arms wrapped around Jessy’s waist as a confident smile curved his mouth.

My throat seemed to swell as tears pricked my eyes. I couldn’t find my voice to whisper a small thank you.

Simone, I’m sure I can find you a room, a shower, some food, something to wear, and whatever else you might need. Maygan slid open a closet door. She rifled quickly through the clothing hanging there and pulled a couple of items out. Here, we’ll get you into this first.

She held up a thick terry robe and slipped it over my arms and shoulders. I tugged at the towel and let it drop to the floor. Maygan’s dark eyes grew wide with shock and she tried to hide her little gasp. Nothing hid the last brand Rule saw fit to leave on my skin.

They don’t hurt anymore. I pulled the two sides of the robe together and tied the belt to hold them in place.

She sighed and shook her head. Well, let’s get you to your room. Maygan steered me toward the bedroom door.

I glanced back to say one more thank you, only to see that Jessy and her mate were much too involved, looking deep into each other’s eyes, to notice anyone else in the room. Before my ordeal, I would’ve been jealous. I would’ve envied Jessy finding love, a good mate, and a nice home. Now, I was happy for her. Happy for them both.

CHAPTER THREE

STANDING IN JESSY’S robe, I looked down at the clothing in my hands. The yoga pants were several inches too short and the dark blue T-shirt Maygan handed me looked much too big. Still, they were more than I had before and I was grateful to have them.

Thank you so much, Maygan. I’m sorry to put Jessy in such a predicament.

You have nothing to apologize for.

Jessy has some wonderful friends.

Oh, I’m not her friend. I mean... Maygan laughed. It was sweet and deep and honest. I’m mated to Jessy’s dad, Kern, and Dain is my son.

The connection between the two females clicked in my head. "So, Jessy is your step-daughter and your daughter-in-law."

Yeah, exactly. Maygan’s dark eyes sparkled. Now let’s get you to a room and I’m sorry we don’t have any new underthings for you, but Jessy and I will make sure we get you some new clothes first thing tomorrow.

Please, don’t go to any trouble. I already felt like a beggar off the street.

Maygan looked up at me, her eyes full of concern. Just because it may be convenient to dress in a robe so you won’t have to fully undress each time you need to prove your case for sanctuary, I believe you would be more comfortable in real clothing.

If you don’t mind lending me whatever you can spare, I’ll be happy to wear them and replace them as soon as I can. Though where I would get money, I had no idea. And prove my case? What did that mean?

Right now, clothing is the last thing you need to worry about. She smiled. I’m sure I can find something that should fit you. She turned and walked ahead of me down the hallway.

Sanctuary? Why did everyone behave as if what I was asking for was such a formal act instead of the favor I had thought it would be?

Maygan, what did you mean when you said, ‘prove my case for sanctuary’?

She came to a stop and turned to face me, a serious look in her eyes. Sanctuary is not something given for no good reason, she said, matter-of-factly. I really can’t remember the last time our pack granted sanctuary. It’s not something that comes up every day. Not that our Alpha refuses the requests, it’s more I think others are just not brave enough to take the step and ask for it, knowing what is involved.

Her eyebrows went up as if I should know exactly what she was talking about. I opened my mouth to speak then closed it just as quick. I didn’t know what to ask first so I said nothing and followed as Maygan turned down another long hallway.

My brain seemed to catch up, but all I could do was stutter. But...sanctuary...I don’t know...

As I took my next step, a strange wave of energy flickered over my skin accompanied by the most amazing scent of smoky mesquite and leather. The energy wave wrapped around me like a thick, warm blanket. I walked blindly down the hall as my skin prickled and I breathed the comforting scent into my lungs. I heard Maygan speaking, but her words sounded far off and jumbled. My mouth watered as the smoky-leather scent coated my tongue and my overworked, too tired, muscles relaxed into mush. Time seemed to slow. I wobbled into my next step and stumbled into a wall.

However, it wasn’t really part of the house at all.

What I ran into was a wall of muscle covered in a crisp, white shirt.

I looked up and up until a pair of intense green eyes locked on to mine. I toppled to the side and reached out to catch at anything to keep from falling. Strong arms caught me and brought me back up to that hard wall of flesh and bone with a slow, gentle tug.

Those sparkling eyes flashed down at me. His pupils dilated, leaving only a small, green ring surrounding them. He was tall, so tall, with short, silver hair just above his ears that blended into longer, dark brown locks on the top of his head. His short moustache was the same dark brown, with fine, silver whiskers threaded throughout, and his goatee transitioned from brown just below his bottom lip to pure silver at his chin. And his mouth...two identical peaks lifted his upper lip, making it appear full and luscious atop a plump, pouty lower lip.

A mouth made for kissing.

And where that thought came from, I didn’t know.

The scent of mesquite smoke and leather enveloped me, overwhelmed me, and I inhaled it deep into my lungs. The heavenly scent so thick, so heavy, so intoxicating, The taste of him coated my tongue and flowed down the back of my throat. I had the strangest urge to open the robe I was wearing and offer him what was left of my body.

I heard the words yes, yes, yes, coming from somewhere and it sounded a lot like my own voice begging for something I didn’t know I needed or wanted.

What is wrong with me?

Dammit, Gunner, you scared me half to death! Maygan was right next to me, talking quietly, but I barely heard a word she said as she gently dragged me from the male’s arms and pushed me down the hall toward an open door.

Who are you? His voice, deep and rich, floated over me like a caress while his whispered question had my feet changing course and steering me straight back to him.

Simone, honey, are you okay? Maygan’s question didn’t seem to register as I looked at the huge male who took up all the space in the hallway. All the space in my new world.

Simone...my name...

Numb, I stumbled again. And, he caught me, again. His green eyes gazed down at me, then moved slowly over the rest of my body, and stopped as he stared down at my hands. His dark brows knit together before he looked into my eyes again.

How long have you been running?

Running?

How did he know?

His palms slid down my arms until my hands rested on his. His energy, warm and wonderful, traveled through my body, beginning at the point where his hands linked with mine. Compared to his, my hands were small and delicate, like a child’s hands.

And dirty. So dirty.

I yanked them back, crossed my arms, and hid my ragged fingernails in my underarms. Suddenly, heat engulfed me and blazed red-hot in my cheeks.

Gunner, this is one of Jessy’s friends from San Francisco. She’s asked for sanctuary.

The male’s eyes seemed to darken as his brows came down again. The warm energy he had been giving off changed into something hot and charged with anger. His smile disappeared as his hands clenched into tight fists.

Someone has harmed you?

Yes. The damage is done. Maygan sighed, put her arm around my shoulder and gave me a little hug. It can wait. Let her shower, and eat and get some rest. We’ll bring her by tomorrow, if that’s okay with you.

Gunner nodded slowly. His eyes never left mine. You’re hungry.

Hungry? Yes, but the ache in my empty stomach couldn’t match the sudden ache below my abdomen. A throbbing, tightening ache that heated the space between my legs.

Considering how long she’s been on the run, she’s probably starving, I would think. Maygan’s arm tightened around my shoulder. Would you mind getting someone to fix her a plate while I get her settled in?

I’ll do it. But he didn’t move, only stared into my eyes as I stared into his. It would be my...honor.

And then it happened. He smiled. So beautiful. So perfect. My heart stopped beating. Then it raced frantically.

Gunner? Maygan asked, next to me.

Gunner.

Food?

Yeah. Food. He turned and with one hand braced against the wall, he slowly walked away.

Well, that’s interesting, Maygan murmured before she tugged me around and led me down the hall. C’mon, let’s get you into a hot shower and then you can eat.

CHAPTER FOUR

I’D FOUND AN EMERY board in one of the bathroom drawers before I stepped into the shower, and quickly filed off what remained of my ragged nails. My hair was filthy and my scalp needed a good, rough massage to loosen and wash away the dust and soil that clung to me.

Not even the steamy shower mist and fragrant, herbal shampoo masked the smell of food waiting for me out in the bedroom. The aroma of smoky barbequed meat made my mouth water and my stomach ache. Starving, I was ready to devour whatever food Gunner had set on my plate.

Would they allow me to have a little more food if I asked? Was this pack as restrictive with females as Rule’s pack?

Stop it. I can’t think about that now.

Food was the least of my worries.

I leaned back into the water, rinsed the thick shampoo lather from my hair.

But if I asked Gunner...?

Stop it! Stop being ridiculous.

Irritated with myself, I twisted my hair into a tight coil and squeezed out the excess water. What was it about Gunner that made my body heat up and my heart flip upside down? Yes, he had an electric, male aura, and a thick, heavy scent I found so perfectly delicious, but it wasn’t like me to respond so quickly to a male’s touch. And that, too, was disconcerting.

And strange. And sudden. And...a little scary.

Over the last three years, I’d put a tight clamp on my personal desires. I’d paid a high price for the month of frolicking fun I’d had in my very short college career. I’d been foolish to think my mother would’ve never found out. And now, I’d spent seven straight days in a form that I had spent no more than two or three hours a month in, my entire life.

My mother would be appalled.

Not that her feelings or opinions mattered to me anymore.

She was as guilty as Rule for the brands he’d burned into my body.

Running as a wolf, I’d felt free...liberated...independent.

And nothing and no one will ever take that freedom from me again.

I shut off the water, took a towel and wrapped it around my body, and wrapped another towel around my hair. The steam-covered mirrors were a blessing. The last thing I wanted to see was what was left of me, now that I’d scraped away seven days of dirt.

With the way the music pounded through the walls like a faint heartbeat, I could tell the wedding party was still in full swing.

Simone?

Jessica?

Yeah, it’s Jessy.

Jessy. Sorry. I opened the door an inch, her amber eyes stared back at me. It’s probably going to take a bit for me to remember.

Jessy had changed out of her fairytale wedding dress and into an extremely short, body-hugging, lacy white party dress. I was sure her new mate...husband...would certainly appreciate the sexy way it showed off her tanned legs and shoulders. She had also washed her tear-streaked face and reapplied her make-up, adding a row of tiny, sparkling crystals along her eyelash line. She was stunning and looked as though she was heading out to an exclusive club, instead of just outside her front door to dance beneath strings of twinkling white lights.

Jessy, I’m so sorry I’m keeping you from your wedding celebration.

No more apologies. She smiled. Feeling better?

Yes. A lot better. Thank you.

I peeked around her, hoping to see Gunner. His scent permeated the room, as if he’d been there and gone. Beneath his scent, I smelled food, and lots of it.

My dad is a doctor...a vet, veterinarian...he takes care of the pack whenever they need something. Gunner wants him to check you over, look after you, make sure you’re okay. Not injured, running a fever or anything. But only if you’re comfortable with that, of course. You don’t have to show him your...you know, her gaze flicked downward, but if you think they might be infected, he’ll give you something.

Gunner wants me looked after.

Will you be in here with me?

Sure. If my being here makes you more comfortable, I’ll stay.

Wrapped in the towel, I stepped out of the bathroom and nodded for her to let her father in.

Dad, this is Simone. Simone this is my dad, Kern.

Kern smiled as he looked at me, his face kind. Though not as tall as Gunner or Dain, he still towered over me, but not in a threatening way. His straight, sun-bleached golden hair hung loosely, an inch or so past his broad shoulders. Eyes the bright yellow-ochre of a sunrise were identical to Jessy’s. He had a stethoscope draped around his neck and held a blood pressure cuff in his left hand. He offered his right hand in greeting and I took it, grasping it firmly in mine.

Sorry we have to meet under such circumstances. His deep voice was sympathetic and when his eyes met mine, he paused and stared for several seconds before he looked away. I’m just gonna check your vitals, okay?

Yes.

He took my blood pressure and if he didn’t have to keep his eyes on his watch, I was sure he would’ve been staring into my two-toned eyes. The staring didn’t bother me. Everyone did it. My mother said my eyes were a genetic gift, though after what Rule had done and why, I considered them more of a curse.

Kern listened to my lungs, looked in my ears, down my throat, and declared me in good health.

Thank you. I tugged the corner of my towel free and lowered it below the brand on my right breast. Please tell me if these healed normally.

His golden eyes widened for a split second as he glanced down. Would it be all right with you if I probe it...touch it—your brand?

I bit my lower lip and nodded.

His brows scrunched together as he ran his finger over the shiny, bumpy, scar. Are you in any pain?

No. No pain.

His fingers probed around the edges of the brand.

I can’t feel it. I know you are touching me, I can see it with my own eyes, but there is no sensation whatsoever. At least not on the scar itself.

That’s common. Feeling may or may not come back. It’s hard to say. It doesn’t look infected. It’s actually a...hell, this sounds so wrong, but...it’s a good brand as far as that goes. This is professional work.

He looked up into my eyes and opened his mouth to say something then closed it again. He glanced back at Jessy. He understood what I’d gone through. By not speaking aloud, he offered me some small measure of privacy, and maybe even saved his daughter from hearing more details than she really needed to hear.

Do the others look like this one?

Yes.

Okay, you can pull your towel up.

I rearranged my towel and tucked in the corner to hold it in place. Kern took my hands in his and flipped them over. Tiny cuts and scratches covered my palms, the same as the bottom of my feet, but they would all heal within the next few days.

You don’t look bad for being on the run. You’re a little malnourished and probably dehydrated, but once we get some food in you, you’ll perk right up. I am gonna give you some vitamins I want you to take, and some herbal supplements. Running the way you did takes a lot out of you. If you want something to help you sleep, just say the word.

Thank you. Everyone had bent over backward to help me and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Jessy, would you run up to my room and grab that brown case with all the vitamins?

Sure. Jessy turned for the door. Before she left, she waved a hand, motioning at the dresser. Oh, Gunner brought you a couple of plates of food and a few sodas. Then she was out the door.

Kern nodded over at the food. Go ahead, chow down. I’m sure you’re starving.

Yes, I am. I crossed the room as my mouth began to water in anticipation. I wish I could think of some other way to tell everyone how much I appreciate all you’re doing for me.

Can I ask you a question?

Of course.

He rubbed at his jaw while his brows bunched up. This wasn’t a one-time deal, was it?

I shook my head. Several times a day for three days. Each brand. I can’t remember how many times, exactly. I kept fainting. I lost count after seven.

Each scar seemed to throb suddenly as though they remembered coming into being on my skin. Kern stood silent, listening, waiting for me to finish.

He didn’t just lay a hot branding tool on my flesh, not like you might brand cattle. He stuck it there then tapped it with a small mallet repeatedly while I screamed and begged until I passed out. The words flowed out of my mouth as if what had happened to me was so long ago, it barely hurt to recall it. I shrugged a shoulder. Every time I woke up, my skin had healed somewhat and he’d start all over again.