Wolf Undaunted

By Shannon Curtis

Mortal enemies…bound by a kiss

When his spirit is separated from his body, werewolf Zane Wilder is invisible to everyone – except Vivianne Marchetta. A vampire who has good reason to loathe all lycans, Vivianne is eager to be rid of her shifter shadow. But the spell that should sever the connection between this mismatched pair only deepens their bond. Can they trust each other enough to survive this transformation, or will it destroy them both?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: May 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781489262608

Shannon Curtis

Shannon Curtis has worked as an office admin manager, distribution coordinator, dangerous goods handler, switch bitch and betting agent, and now runs her own creative services consultancy. She decided to write a story like those she loves to read whilst at home after the birth of her first child. Her first two books were shortlisted for Favourite Romantic Suspense by the Australian Romance Readers Association. http://www.shannoncurtis.com/

Book preview

Chapter 1

Vivianne Marchetta forced herself to listen as her Southern district manager gave his report. Her first week back at work, and her days had been full of meetings, reports, brain-draining budgets...

Something dark flitted at the corner of her eye, and she brushed her hair away from her forehead. Damn it, not now, not here. It was important that she came back from her rest fully charged and healthy. Strong. She had to be, otherwise it would be a bloodbath for her vampire colony if there was even a hint of weakness in the Nightwing Vampire Prime. She couldn’t afford to weird out her followers.

Explain to me again why we can’t use the river to transport these goods? she interrupted in a cool tone. She didn’t miss the fact he’d glossed over that detail.

Mike Falcone halted, lifting his eyes from his laptop to meet hers. He seemed a little hesitant, and Vivianne frowned. Mike was rarely hesitant. It was one of the reasons he was usually so good at his job. Yet he looked reluctant to share some critical information with her. She arched an eyebrow, and he sighed as he leaned back in his chair.

Things have changed since... He frowned, trying to find the right word. She couldn’t blame him. What did you call an eight-month coma that was magically induced after what should have been a lethal werewolf bite?

My break? she supplied.

A breathy chuckle whispered past her ear, and she turned. Who the hell was that? The area behind her was empty, with just a few yards between her seat and the wall—just the way she liked it in the boardroom, so she could see whoever was coming for her, no sneak attacks...figuratively or literally.

She frowned as she turned back to the table, then quickly composed her features when she realized her six directors were watching her warily. I’m waiting, she prodded primly, ignoring her interruption.

Mike nodded. Your break. Woodland Pack and River Pack formed an alliance—

How is that possible? Woodland are fighting with everyone.

Not since Rafe Woodland was cast out of the pack and Matthias Marshall became Woodland Alpha Prime.

Vivianne’s lips tightened at the mention of the former alpha prime’s name. Rafe Woodland was the reason she’d been lying in a coma for eight months. Still, apparently there had been quite a shift since that late afternoon when the black mutt had bounded out of the shadows and attacked her. Her eyebrows rose. Marshall is now Woodland?

Mike nodded.

She leaned back in her chair. Rafe Woodland had been wild and erratic. Matthias Marshall would be a steadying influence in controlling the Woodland Pack and its territory. Damn it. It was so much nicer when things were a little chaotic. She’d managed to creep their border forward when Woodland was distracted with its petty squabbles with River Pack.

Why did River Pack shut down our access to the river? She’d asked a direct question, she’d better get a direct answer. Forcing their goods to be delivered overland was costing them a small fortune. And please, let’s not make this a breadcrumb trail. Tell me everything.

Mike sighed. When you were attacked by Rafe Woodland, your brother found your body. He then attacked Woodland—

Of course, she responded, dipping her head. It was the obvious course of action.

He killed some dog, and they teamed up with River against us.

Well, you know my view—the only good werewolf is a dead one. My brother did the right thing. But are you telling me we’ve lost river access to Irondell, all because my brother killed some mangy mutt? Vivianne shook her head. And in all this time, none of her guardians had successfully rectified the problem. What had they all been doing while she was in her coma? Watching the lycans ride rough-pad over the Nightwing empire?

This was an across-kind crime. We can bring this to Reform Court and demand retribution. She jotted a reminder to speak with her legal counsel, but paused as Mike shook his head.

The original crime occurred in Nightwing territory, but Rafe Woodland had already been banished from his pack and was technically a stray, with no affiliation to any pack at the time of his attack on you. Your brother trespassed on Woodland territory and killed a lycan. If we requested a transfer to Reform jurisdiction, Nightwing would have been penalized.

And all because some measly little mongrel was put down—

The notepad she’d been jotting notes on flipped up from the table, startling everyone, and Vivianne rose sharply from her seat.

Stop it, she ordered, glancing wildly about. As Vampire Prime of the Nightwing colony, she sat at the head of the table, and neither of her closest neighbors were within reach. She bent to check under the table, then whirled as she sensed someone behind her.

Only, nobody was there. She turned back to the table, and something dark shifted in her peripheral vision. She twisted again, only to see her PR director’s puzzled expression as he, too, peered over his shoulder.

Did you see that? she demanded.

He shook his head, wary and confused. She glanced down the table. Did any of you see that?

They all shook their heads, and Mike rose slowly from his seat. Are you all right, Vivianne?

It was the quiet concern that gave her pause, and she glanced at her guardians. They were all looking at her as though she was either having a medical episode or just slightly unhinged.

This was not the impression she needed to make in her first week back at work after surviving a werewolf bite.

I’m fine, she muttered, as she stepped back a little from the table, although she glanced vigilantly around the room.

Do you need a break? John, the PR director queried, although his lips curved in the smallest of smirks. Maybe you’ve come back too soon.

Vivianne forced a smile as she strolled around the sleek curve of the glass and chrome board table. She had her suspicions about John. He was good at what he did. Always on message. Particularly if it was his own message, like a leadership gambit. She also suspected he’d had something to do with tipping off the lycans and allowing them access into Nightwing in order to abduct a murder suspect—one who turned out to be innocent of the charge. Either way, her border had been compromised by the wolves, but only with inside help. Not that she could prove her suspicions. Still, he was challenging her, in a very subtle way, one that she couldn’t let slide if she was to restore control and calm to her colony.

You know, I think you’re right, John. I think I do need a break, she sighed as she patted him on the shoulder. Quick as a flash, she grasped his chin and shoulder, then twisted, hearing the satisfying crack of bone. Her momentarily dead PR director slumped over in his chair, his forehead landing with a distinct crack on the glass table, his neck bent at an unnatural angle. When he revived once again, he’d have a hell of a headache.

Anyone else think I need break? she inquired calmly and glanced at each district guardian in turn around the table. All of them quietly shook their heads. She nodded with satisfaction. She was older than most of them. Stronger, too. Hopefully that killed any suggestion that she was not fit to work, or to hold the position of Vampire Prime for the Nightwing Colony. Then let’s stop wasting time. I want that river access reopened by the end of the month. Now, Jimmy, what’s happening over on the west coast?

She resumed her seat, crossed her legs, and continued to chair the meeting.

* * *

Zane Wilder bared his teeth as the Marchetta prime held court. That little—she’d called him a mangy mutt. A measly little mongrel. He held up his fisted hands. He felt so damn ineffectual. Nobody could see him. Nobody could hear him. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he didn’t like it. He certainly didn’t like being attached to the stone-cold heartless head of the Nightwing vampire colony.

Everyone knew of Vivianne Marchetta, heiress to the vast Marchetta Empire. Ruthless, relentless and strategic, the daughter of a Reform senator, Vivianne’s reputation was widely known, and in some cases, feared.

Not by him, of course. No. She was a vamp. She was walking worm food, just like that vicious, feral brother of hers. Zane rubbed his neck. He couldn’t feel any markings, but there was still a shadow of pain from where he’d been bitten by Lucien Marchetta. After that, he had no recollection, not until he awoke, along with the Marchetta prime, in an underground clinic. Since then he drifted around with this stone-hearted corporate crocodile, an invisible, silent shadow. He’d watched her rule over her colony. He’d watched her hunt. He grimaced. She always gave them a fighting chance, no sneak attacks, but every single one of them seemed mesmerized by the little pocket-sized beauty and would succumb without much of a struggle at all. Surprisingly, though, it was always men, no women, no children—no easy prey.

He eyed her as she concluded the meeting. Every now and then, he thought he was getting through...like just before. She’d heard him laugh. He was sure of it. She tried to ignore him, but every now and then she’d crack. Her eyelids would flicker when he spoke, or...she’d peer under the table for him. He chuckled. That had been a good one, he had to admit.

Vivianne glanced about, then rose from the table, effectively dismissing her minions. She collected her bag and notepad—she’d occasionally surprised him with her old-school practices. Most everyone else was using a device, but she used the old-fashioned method of notetaking—pen and paper.

One of the guardians waited for her at the door, stepping aside as the others filed out. Zane couldn’t help noticing that nobody moved the guy with the broken neck. He shook his head. Vampires were nasty. So little regard for life. Still, the guy was annoying, and Vivianne had been quite effective in silencing him. He liked effective. Not that he liked Vivianne. Hell, no.

Zane’s gaze dropped to Vivianne’s hips as she halted at the doorway, and he folded his arms, leaning against the jamb. Much as he’d like to get the hell out of Vamp Central, he’d discovered he couldn’t range far from Vivianne. The voluptuous little vampire was exhausting. Constantly on the go, from one meeting to another, although how she managed to do it in those killer heels all day, he had no idea. He eyed her legs. Her slender, golden-skinned legs...the top of her head barely grazed his shoulder, but she had the figure of a pocket Venus, all curves and hollows and smooth skin, dark chocolate eyes and lips that were full and pouty. He frowned. If you were into that sort of thing.

Uh, look, I realize you’re probably busy, getting back into the swing of things, and all, the guardian began. Zane noticed it was the one who told her about his death. Death. But not...quite. He didn’t feel dead. He didn’t know what death was supposed to feel like, though, but he didn’t think it was this. He was...aware. He always thought death was supposed to be peaceful. Being somehow anchored to Vivianne Marchetta was not peaceful. His eyes widened. Maybe he was in hell. Yeah. A werewolf being stuck with a vampire for all of eternity sure sounded like hell to him, especially if that vampire was Vivianne. The woman brought a whole new level to the world cool. Arctic, maybe.

I’m fine, Mike. Really, she said, her tone confident.

Yeah, I can see that, Mike said, lifting his chin to indicate the slumped-over vamp. I just thought, with everything that’s happened while you were on your ‘break,’ he said meaningfully, that maybe, if you needed to be quietly brought up to speed, I could help.

Oh, puh-leeze, Zane muttered. He could see the thinly-masked appreciation in the guy’s eyes.

Vivianne stiffened next to him, and he saw her eyes shift, just a little. She tilted her head, and her dark hair slid across her back to brush Zane’s arm. He glanced down. She had dark, wavy curls that he’d learned were all natural. Pretty. He frowned and moved to create a little more distance. He didn’t need no sexy, alluring vamp to rub herself up against him, with her tempting hair and—he inhaled—damn it, not even her scent was soft or comfortably, florally, feminine. No, it was zesty and spicy and sexy all at once and was becoming part of his natural breathing, no matter how hard he fought it...

What are you suggesting? Vivianne asked, her voice low and husky.

Zane frowned. You’re not falling for this, are you?

Vivianne tilted her head forward, her expression hidden behind that ebony, wavy curtain of hair.

Perhaps dinner? Mike suggested. His voice had lowered, and there was a definite glint in the guy’s eyes.

I think I’m going to puke, Zane muttered. Get me out of here. Watching vamps flirt was about as much fun as being skinned alive, he was sure of it.

I think dinner could be a good option, Vivianne agreed evenly. You can fill me in on anything else I’ve missed.

I’d be happy to fill you in, Mike said, winking. Zane made a gagging noise. The guy was not subtle at all. I’ll pick you up—seven?

Vivianne nodded, then watched as Mike left the room, whistling. At least, Zane thought that’s what he was trying to do. It came out like a little wheezy whine.

This is definitely hell, Zane said, nodding. Watching these two vamps tap dance around a flirty little power play was beyond tedious.

Vivianne frowned, and Zane’s eyes narrowed. Can you hear me, darlin’? he asked, straightening up from the doorjamb to face her, excitement and hope flaring within him.

Vivianne stepped toward the door, her chin lifting as she flicked her hair over her shoulder—and into his face.

Zane flinched as a tendril caught him in the eye, his lips tightening, then he followed the vamp. Your taste in men sucks. He can’t even whistle properly.

Vivianne walked away faster. Zane was content to hang back and watch the swing of her curvy hips.

Chapter 2

How is everything else going, then?

Vivianne finished applying the cinnamon-red lipstick and smacked her lips before turning back to her phone. She had her sister-in-law, Natalie, on an interactive call, and Natalie was cleaning a—Vivianne frowned.

"What is that?"

It’s a sword, Natalie answered. I dug it up from a Peruvian ruin. How awesome is it? Her sister-in-law displayed it proudly, balancing it on her palms and holding it up to the camera.

How dirty is it? Vivianne responded, grimacing.

Natalie shrugged. Now, yes, but once I’ve finished with it, she’ll look good as new.

Speaking of good as new, Vivianne said, Everything is going fine.

Uh-huh. Did you visit the doctor?

Vivianne averted her eyes. I haven’t had time, she murmured.

Natalie put the dirt-caked sword off to the side, and leaned closer to the screen. You have to. You’re just putting it off.

Vivianne frowned. She wasn’t used to someone speaking so plainly with her. Natalie was the only person, apart from her brother, Lucien, and her father, Vincent, who didn’t seem to cower or simper around her. No, the woman was incredibly genuine and caring, and she could totally see why her brother had fallen so completely, sickeningly in love with her. Still, it was annoying when not everybody swallowed the line you fed them. I’m fine.

Do you still have shadowy vision?

Vivianne had mentioned her issue with shadows in her peripheral vision to Natalie before her brother and sister-in-law had left Marchetta Manor. Natalie and her father did not get along. She couldn’t blame her. Vincent Marchetta had kidnapped Natalie for her strange blood—the same blood that had proven to be the vampiric cure against a werewolf bite, and what had ultimately saved Vivianne’s own life, neutralizing the lycan toxin that had slowly spread through her body and would have killed her. Vivianne’s father, Vincent, would have consigned Natalie to a lifetime of captivity as a blood donor if Natalie hadn’t busted free and Lucien hadn’t fought his father on it. To say the Marchettas weren’t playing happy family at the moment would be an understatement.

No, Vivianne lied. All good.

Natalie’s eyes narrowed. Vivianne...

Natalie... Vivianne responded in the same low, firm tone.

Natalie frowned as she gazed behind her, and Vivianne whirled. What? Do you see something?

I’m not sure... I thought I saw...

Vivianne turned back to the phone warily. What do you see? Natalie had a...gift. She could see ghosts, and Vivianne had been in awe when Natalie had told her some stories about spirits she’d spoken with. It would have been easy to chalk it up to her sister-in-law being a bit of a loon, but she’d seen Natalie morph into a cross-breed; part-vampire, part-werewolf, part-human—something that wasn’t supposed to exist, so she’d decided to have a little faith in her sister-in-law’s ghostly abilities.

Natalie squinted, then shrugged. I get nothing.

A ghost? Could that explain the sense of being watched, of not being alone...? Could it explain the deep, almost gruff voice she occasionally heard in her head and desperately tried to ignore?

Natalie shook her head. I don’t think so, she said, then smiled in reassurance. Don’t mind me, I’m just tired. So, tell me about this date!

Vivianne pasted a smile on her face to hide her disappointment. If Natalie couldn’t see a ghost, then...it was all in her head. The visions, the voice... She swallowed. Maybe there was some permanent damage from the lycan toxin?

A werewolf’s bite was lethal to a vampire, and she’d been brutally attacked by Rafe Woodland, a stray, angry wolf. She should have died, if it wasn’t for her brother’s efforts to find a miraculous cure and the aid of an unusual witch. A vampire had never survived a lycan’s bite before. Nobody knew if there were any side effects to what she’d experienced. Maybe the toxin was coming back? She remembered the early stages: the agonizing, searing pain, the burning of her blood vessels as the corrosive throbbed its way through her body with every beat of her heart... The terrifying, petrifying hallucinations... Her fingers clenched at the torturous memories. She’d never given voice to that experience, hadn’t told anyone, not even her brother, how scared and alone she’d felt, trapped inside a decaying body. No, because that would be a weakness she could ill-afford as she reestablished herself as the reigning Marchetta Prime. She forced herself to concentrate on the conversation with Natalie.

Uh, he’s one of the district guardians—

Do you like him?

Sure, he’s nice enough.

Nice enough? Natalie rolled her eyes. A shiraz is ‘nice enough.’ You’re talking about a guy. Is he gorgeous?

Vivianne nodded. He’s good-looking, she admitted. Then she smiled. He surprised me.

Why? You’re gorgeous, he’s gorgeous, you already have so much in common.

She shrugged as she played with her foundation brush. It’s just—it’s been a while since I’ve been out with a guy.

You were in a supernatural coma for eight months, Vivianne. That will put a dent in anyone’s social life.

Vivianne chuckled. No, I mean—I’m a Prime, Natalie. Not many guys are willing to ask a Prime out on a date.

"Ooh, so this is a date. You said it was business meeting when I first called."

Well, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s both.

Do you want it to be?

Vivianne hesitated, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip as she thought about her response. Dating is...hard. When I was younger, I couldn’t tell if the guys were asking me out for me, or because it gave them access to my father. She’d learned that, the hard way. She shrugged. I don’t get...too involved.

You’re playing it safe, Natalie commented. This time it was her sister-in-law who shrugged. That’s smart. I get it. But every now and then, a risk can pay off.

I take enough risks in business, Vivianne said.

I’m just saying, maybe you can trust this one a little more?

And let him find out that either the toxin was back, or she was going crazy? Yeah, no. Some of her worry must have shown on her face, because Natalie’s expression grew serious.

Do you want me to come back, Viv?

Only Natalie and Lucien called her Viv. Only they had the audacity to do so. She was touched by Natalie’s offer. It would mean returning to the very place she’d been held captive, and facing the man who had orchestrated it...Vivianne’s father. That Natalie was prepared to do that just made her care for her sister-in-law all the more. Not that she’d ever admit that to anyone. She sucked in a breath and shook her head.

No, thanks so much for the offer, but I’m fine. Really. She’d figure it out on her own, just like she always did, and she’d sort it out. One way or another. The phone chimed, and Vivianne grimaced. Dad’s trying to get through.

Natalie made a face. That’s my cue to leave. I’d say give him my best, but we both know I don’t mean it.

Vivianne was still chuckling when her sister-in-law disappeared. She fidgeted with her robe, making sure she was modestly presentable, then accepted the call from her father.

Vincent Marchetta’s face peered back at her. His expression was cool, remote, and she quickly adopted the same.

Hello, Dad.

Vivianne, I need to talk with you. Vivianne kept her features calm. There was never any greeting from her father.

I’m about to go out— she began, but he shook his head.

No. I won’t do this over the phone. I’ll meet with you tomorrow night, seven o’clock, at home.

She knew her father expected a quick acquiescence, a display of obedience, but she’d been his daughter for hundreds of years, and disappointment came with the role. I’ll see if I’m free. She quickly pressed a few buttons on her phone, and scanned her calendar. Sure enough, she had a meeting scheduled.

Push it to eight and I can make it.

His lips pressed together. I’m fairly busy—

So am I, Dad, she interrupted. It was the family business she was working at, after all. Besides, she’d learned that if you didn’t push back a little with her father, he could be a steamroller, crushing everything in his path.

He sighed noisily, clearly communicating his disappointment, before finally nodding—once. Fine. Eight.

Can you give me any idea what this is about? She could try to guess, but she’d learned she could never figure out how her father thought.

A campaign, her father stated shortly. I’ll see you then.

The phone screen went black. Vivianne’s shoulders sagged. Good talk, Dad. Yeah, love you, too. She stared at the blank screen for a moment. Just once, she wondered what it would be like to have a genuine conversation that didn’t revolve around business, or what he wanted her to do for him, or what he expected her to do for family.

But that kind of wondering led to wishes, and wishes were a waste of time. She was a centuries-old working woman. She wasn’t some simpering little girl with pointless dreams. She grabbed up the remote to her stereo and switched it on. Rock and roll music from the 1950’s era, before The Troubles. She shimmied her shoulders to the beat, singing out tequila! She never got tired of this music, and used it to unwind from the stresses of the day—like talking to her dad.

She rose from her dressing table and danced barefoot across the charcoal-colored plush carpet to the wardrobe. She had about twenty minutes before Mike was due to pick her up. She was so surprised and yes, flattered, that he’d invited her out. She’d