Alpha Mage: A Clutch Mistress Book 4

By Janelle Peel

Natalie, an Alpha Wolf with magic, has been kidnapped in Europe by a rogue Pack of Cursed Shifters.
As a result, she is Cursed right along with them and is unable to return home.
A new enemy has arisen, answering long-awaited questions of Nat’s origin. Unfortunately, their delusions of grandeur are forcing her to choose between the Clutch that has become her family... and her own kind.
Can Nat break the Curse and save those she loves? Or, will she stay with the attractive Alpha that has her in his sights?

*This series changes POVs.

Clutch Mistress Series-
Vampire Mage
Allied Mage
Chosen Mage
Alpha Mage
The Sundering
Demon's Rage

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janelle Peel
• Release date: May 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463978825

Janelle Peel

Janelle is a Military Spouse and mother of two gorgeous girls. She loves to read and loves to write. Want to become a member of the Clutch and get the official newsletter? Signup here! http://eepurl.com/cYZlBf Not a fan of emails? Follow her on facebook! https://m.facebook.com/clutchmistress/

Book preview

Alpha Mage

A Clutch Mistress Book

Janelle Peel

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2017 Janelle Peel

Illustrated by Ke Sneller

To be notified when Janelle Peel’s next book is released, follow her online at https://m.facebook.com/clutchmistress/

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All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission in writing from the author, except for brief quotations used for promotion or in reviews.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any persons, businesses, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Table of contents

Summary

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Glossary

Summary

Natalie, an Alpha Wolf with magic, has been kidnapped in Europe by a rogue Pack of Cursed Shifters.

As a result, she is Cursed right along with them and is unable to return home.

A new enemy has arisen, answering long-awaited questions of Nat’s origin. Unfortunately, their delusions of grandeur are forcing her to choose between the Clutch that has become her family… and her own kind.

Can Nat break the Curse and save those she loves? Or, will she stay with the attractive Alpha that has her in his sights?

This is one rollercoaster of a ride!

Enjoy!

Dear reader,

While this book can be read alone, it is recommended that you read Vampire Mage first. Important events have been skimmed over, but not detailed. I have included a Glossary at the end of the book for your convenience.

Happy reading,

Janelle

Chapter 1

Nat

Excitement buzzed through my veins as I grabbed my bag from the overhead compartment and deplaned.

I couldn’t believe I was in Europe as an emissary for our Clutch! When Sora first told me, I squealed like a ridiculous little girl. Sure, it sucked leaving Bex and Lila behind, but I needed this. I wanted to make my mark on the world, and this opportunity was too good to pass up.

So far, I’d only spoken to the European Pack’s Alpha over the phone. He seemed cordial, but wary of the upcoming alliance with the Paris Clutch. I couldn’t really fault him, especially after experiencing firsthand the cruelty of the now destroyed Clutch back in LA.

Move, babe, you’re holding up the line. Again, Viv quipped from behind me as I stopped to stare through the skywalk’s window.

Rowe’s green eyes were wide as she bounced on the balls of her feet. I haven’t been here before either. It’s amazing!

Leave them alone. Sasha grinned. It’s their first time on another continent.

My cheeks pinked as I eyed our party. Mel had insisted that Rowe come, and honestly, I was happy to have her company. Sasha had decided to come as well, so she could get out of the house. I couldn’t blame her one bit. She always put on a good show, but I knew Jake’s death had been hard on her. We were incredibly lucky Sora’s grief ritual worked.

Turning, I addressed Viv. Sorry, I’m just really impressed. Have you ever been to Europe?

Jackson poked her rear and rumbled disapprovingly, No, she hasn’t; and this isn’t a game. I need you to be alert. There could be unknown dangers in the city.

Viv slapped his thick chest. Don’t listen to him. He’s grumpy we’re spending my birthday so far from home.

My brow lowered. I didn’t know your birthday was coming up.

She shook her head. My turning. Apparently it’s a big deal or something.

Jackson growled, For a Fledgling to make it past their first year is a very special occasion.

It really is, Sasha added with a nod.

Oh, okay. I rolled a shoulder. So what’s the plan? Check into the hotel, then what?

We meet with the Clutch tomorrow morning. I have reserved the boardroom of our hotel. From there, we will make contact with the Pack. That is all we have planned, as things usually go sideways. His lips tipped into a frown.

He was right though. If anything bad was going to happen, it always seemed to follow our Clutch.

A soft knocking on my hotel door drew me awake from a dream of the forest. I sighed, damn it. Having never been there before, those were my favorite kind. San Diego didn’t have the right climate.

Grumbling, I wondered if Viv, Rowe, and Sasha were trying to sneak out again and hit the bar. Jackson had immediately nixed that idea the first time though.

Padding to the door, I peeked out through the peephole.

No one was there.

Weird…

Check it out or not?

Knowing I wouldn’t be able to sleep otherwise, I flipped the latch and slowly pulled it open.

Natalie? a mountain of a man rumbled off to the left.

Confusion flitted through me as I poked my head further into the hall. Who wants to—

A foul-smelling rag was roughly slapped against my face. Struggling, I inhaled to scream as my legs dropped out from beneath me. My vision dimmed…

Move, we don’t have a lot of time. The rest of her Clutch is next door.

Darkness took me.

Rolling over, I immediately smashed my nose into a concrete wall.

What the hell? Rubbing the pain away, I sat up and looked around.

Roughly poured ten-by-ten walls and a barred doorway greeted my gaze.

No, no, no, my mind screeched. I couldn’t be back there. Not with them. Images of Master Zane’s face flashed through my mind. Sitting up, I began rocking myself on the small cot.

Wait, wasn’t I supposed to be in Europe? Frantically, my thoughts spun as I tried to connect the dots. My veins iced over in panic.

Spurred by instinct, my skin pebbled. Fur sprouted from every pore as my knees cracked to bend backward. My elongated jaw let loose a roar of pure rage as the metal frame beneath me screamed at the added weight. I was not that frightened little girl anymore.

A scraping noise met my ears followed by a man’s shout from beyond my cell. Holy fuck! Get Kane, she fused!

My upper lip lifted to reveal every razor-sharp tooth. Fast as lighting, I slammed against the steel bars, denting them outward with the full force of my girth.

The man stumbled back with a shocked expression. Lifting his hands, he begged, Please, hold on. It’s not what it looks like, I swear!

Meeting his panicked expression, my words slurred through my enlarged maw. Ofen dis door, noow!

His blue eyes flickered to amber as his Wolf took over their shared body to obey my command. Robotically, he moved from the wall and reached into his pocket. Producing a set of keys, he stepped up to the gate with his hand trembling.

My throat vibrated with a low growl, impatient as his human half fought his animal soul for control.

The key rattled into the lock. Slowly, he began to turn it as sweat began to bead on his brow.

Stop! another man’s voice boomed from further down the hall.

Immediately, the lower-ranking Wolf dropped to the floor and shifted.

The heavy tread of boots met my pricked ears as the man stormed toward us.

Crouching low to the ground, I waited for my kidnapper with my claws hooked to rend the flesh from his body.

No one would ever cage me again.

Thick, muscular thighs stretched the limits of his faded jeans as he prowled into my line of sight. His narrow hips led up to a hulking torso. Raven hair brushed the collar of his white tee. The nostrils of his nose flared as he took in the damage to my cell. His emerald eyes tightened at the corners while he shook his head at the small Wolf cowering on the floor. Leave us, he rumbled in a deep bass.

Tail tucked, the grey Wolf bolted down the hall without a backward glance.

Without meeting my glare, my kidnapper righted the stool the Wolf had knocked over in his haste to sound the alarm. Heaving a sigh, he sat.

A challenge rumbled from deep inside my chest. I wanted out, NOW!

He stared at the concrete floor for a moment. Our Mage is just down the hall. I suggest you take a moment to compose yourself so we can talk.

Why was his voice familiar? Deciding it didn’t matter, I straightened to my full height and called to my well. Silver flames broke out along the tips of my black fur with the sudden influx of magic. His sculpted cheekbones shadowed with their brilliance. I hooked my claws on the bars, and my palms heated, instantly softening the metal as I slowly began to pull them apart.

Shaking his head again, he reached to the small of his back. I wouldn’t, he rumbled, pulling out a matte black gun. This— he tapped the barrel against his thigh —is a tranquilizer gun. Don’t let its small size fool you. One dart will drop a Shifter. He relaxed back against the wall, and his chin lifted to meet my gaze.

I roared, Ofen dis door!

The corner of his lip lifted into a smirk while his Wolf shook off my command with ease.

Frustration churned through my stomach as I funneled more magic to my hands. Biceps bulging, I pulled again on the bars. The metal screeched like a dying animal as the bars bent a few more inches.

Faster than I could track, he lifted the gun. It bucked as he pulled the trigger. The dart embedded itself into the dense muscle of my shoulder.

Shock coursed through me as my magic cut off to a trickle. What the hell?

His brow furrowed in confusion. Rolling a shoulder, he rumbled, Do you want another?

My magic, where was it? Closing my eyes, I searched for the flickering silver flames and found… nothing. Despair wracked my core as I opened my mouth and let loose a mournful howl that echoed out in one massive wave.

An eerie chorus answered back, sharing in my loss as multiple Wolves took up the call. The sound of sharp nails scrabbled on the rough floor from beyond my line of sight.

My captor’s eyes glowed like green spotlights as they widened in disbelief and took in the scene.

Pressing my face through the small opening, I caught my first glimpse of what was coming. Four large Wolves rushed down the hall, snapping and snarling at each other in a bid to reach my cell.

A second poof met my furred ears as another dart hit my side. I growled in outrage, and my knees gave out and I slid to the floor.

The last thing I saw before my eyes closed was a massive wave of Wolves tearing into one another to reach me.

Kane

Standing his full height, he shouted, Enough!

The snarls and growls cut off immediately as his Pack ceased their forward momentum. The scent of fresh blood littered the air in a coppery tang as it dripped onto the concrete.

Shaking his head, he glowered. Go back to your posts. His tone sharpened into a command. This hall is off-limits to every member of the Pack except Justine. Leave.

Silently, they turned and walked in an orderly line back down the hall.

That was interesting. Justine’s soft voice carried from the stairwell. She slapped her sneakers on the hard floor, and her hips swayed as she made her way toward him.

Looking back to where Natalie had collapsed, he replied with sarcasm, Interesting, yes. That’s one way to put it.

How did she throw off the first dart? Did you miss?

I never miss, and I don’t know.

Raising one sandy-blond eyebrow, her expression turned skeptical. Really? She took two darts to drop? You understand how insane that is?

He nodded.

Cocking her hip, her blue eyes met his lit with impatience. Open the cell, Kane. Even I wouldn’t have used two darts. I need to make sure she’s okay.

She was right, but how had Natalie thrown off the tranqs? One was enough to drop even him. Not only that, but she had also taken control of his Pack with her howl alone.

Bending at the waist, he picked up the keys. Locating the correct one, he slid it into the slot and carefully muscled the damaged door open. Natalie spilled into the hall in a boneless heap. Having never seen a female perform a partial shift, he gave himself a moment to marvel at her flawless fusion.

Quit gawking, Justine quipped. She settled on her knees, and her hands lit with silver flames and hovered over Natalie’s chest. Interesting.

Kane crouched down beside her. What?

I didn’t really believe she had magic. It’s odd though. Muted. Her power cut off. "Probably a side effect of the darts. I do not recommend using them on her again. Typically, they interrupt a Shifter’s innate magic, disabling their ability to shift and knocking them unconscious. She—her chin dipped toward Natalie—is different. I also do not sense a twin soul."

Kane sucked in a gasp. That’s impossible! Her howl alone worked the entire Pack into a frenzy. They were ripping themselves apart to get to her.

She shrugged. Yes, but it’s the truth.

Well if I can’t use darts, and she’s obviously an Alpha, otherwise her fusion wouldn’t have been possible, then what the hell am I supposed to do with her?

Her eyes widened incredulously. Are you stupid? She woke up in a prison cell, Kane. Who wouldn’t be receptive to a conversation with their captor? Sarcastically, she added, Gee, let me think.

His brow lowered. Then what do you suggest? I can’t let her near the Pack, and I can’t return her to her Clutch without explaining myself first.

Shh. Look, she’s changing back. Standing, Justine stepped inside the cell and grabbed a rough blanket from the mangled cot.

Before Kane’s eyes, her shimmering black pelt receded back inside the confines of her human skin. Two loud cracks sounded as her knees rearranged and her form shrank. Usually, the process was over in an instant. It seemed the tranquilizer was indeed impairing her magic.

Justine laid the blanket on top of Natalie’s nearly naked form. Pick her up and bring her to my room. I’ll stay with her until she wakes.

With no other option, Kane did as he was told.

Nat

Consciousness came back in stages. I first became aware that I was on a soft bed. Inhaling, I identified the scent of jasmine. Goddess, my head felt like it’d been stuffed with cotton. Panic came next as I recalled what had happened and reached for my magic. It flickered in my mind’s eye like a newly lit candle wick. Relieved, I sighed. It might be small, but it was definitely better than nothing.

Prying my dry lids open, I took in the small room. Robin-blue paint adorned the walls in bright contrast to the dark-stained oak furniture. One nightstand and a small wardrobe filled out the rest of the tidy space.

The sound of running water drew my gaze to a partially open door.

A soft female voice called from inside what I assumed to be the

Reviews for Alpha Mage

[Kelly Bell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually really enjoyed the book, enough to read it through to the end.