True Mates: Healing NeeCee

By Zena Wynn

It should have been simple. Drive to New York, perform a wellness check on NeeCee Jones for his best bud, Chad, and return home to Refuge, NC. If Bull has more personal reasons for wanting to see the aggravating human he can’t get off his mind...? Well, that’s his business. He arrives in New York, spare key in hand, to find NeeCee’s apartment trashed, her paintings slashed, and her passed out in the bedroom.

Bull does what any logical thinking man would do. He kidnaps NeeCee and brings her back to Refuge with him. With her sister in heat, that gives him three days to convince NeeCee they belong together before Tameka and Chad come running to the rescue. But with his mate, his alpha, and even his wolf against him, Bull will have to prove this is one mating that won't be denied.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zena Wynn
• Release date: Dec 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463527061

Zena Wynn

Zena Wynn is a multi-published author of erotic and sensual romance in various romance subgenres: Interracial, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and Inspirational. She writes the type of stories she loves to read—stories with great characters who, through love and determination, overcome all the challenges that come their way. Her heroes and heroines are passionately, lovingly, devoted to each other. Zena wants her characters to stick with readers long after “The End.”To learn more about Zena Wynn, visit her website: www.zenawynn.com. Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenawynn. Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-XfstUTbbeNLAAmG4Cl4pw. Or contact her by email: [e-mail].

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True Mates:

HEALING NEECEE

by Zena Wynn

© 2019

TRUE MATES: HEALING NEECEE

It should have been simple. Drive to New York, perform a wellness check on NeeCee Jones for his best bud, Chad, and return home to Refuge, NC. If Bull has more personal reasons for wanting to see the aggravating human woman he can’t get off his mind...? Well, that’s his business. He arrives in New York, spare key in hand, to find NeeCee’s apartment trashed, her paintings slashed, and her passed out in the bedroom.

Bull does what any logical thinking man would do. He kidnaps NeeCee and brings her back to Refuge with him. With her sister in heat, that gives him three days to convince NeeCee they belong together before Tameka and Chad come running to the rescue. Unfortunately with NeeCee, things never go as planned. With his mate, his wolf, and even his alpha, fighting against him, Bull will have to prove this is one mating that won't be denied.

A Real Love Enterprises Publication

ISBN 978-0-4635270-6-1

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Smashwords Edition

True Mates: Healing NeeCee

Copyright © 2019 by Zena Wynn

Cover art: Shirley Burnett

Editor: Vivienne Williams

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Real Love Enterprises, PO Box 12003, Jacksonville, FL 32209.

eBooks are not transferable.

They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Author’s Note

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in America. To create NeeCee’s character, I researched the disease, its stages and treatments. Much of what I learned was included in the story. However, at a certain point I digressed from fact to fiction to make the story fit where I wanted it to go. If you have or know someone with macular degeneration and what I’ve written doesn’t match what you know to be true of the disease or its treatments, please allow for poetic license. Other than this one departure from the facts, I pray you enjoy this long awaited True Mates installment.

If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Chapter One

One year earlier…

Deputy Beauregard Bull Toussaint glanced around the busy yard. People were everywhere. They stood in groups, talking and laughing, while children ran around playing. The whole pack had turned out to help rebuild Chad and Tameka’s house, which had been burned to the ground by a madwoman.

Earlier today, he’d stood as witness to their courthouse marriage ceremony. The newlyweds had been waylaid on the way to their honeymoon to see the surprise gift the pack had planned. Now that the excitement was over, Bull couldn’t find the one person he most wanted to see. Where’s NeeCee?

She left. Had to get back, Chad said absently, staring in the direction of Tameka and the other women.

She’s gone? Bull asked, voice rising.

Chad looked at him and arched a brow. Is there a problem? She had stuff to do.

Uh, no problem. It’s all cool. He slowly backed away. You better go check on ’Meka. That dude she’s talking to is the one responsible for the layout of the house.

You’re right, Chad muttered. No telling what kind of changes she’s making.

As soon as Chad walked off, Bull went to his car. You got away from me once. It’s not going to be so easy this time, he growled.

Tameka’s younger sister, NeeCee Jones, had been a thorn in his side since the moment she’d arrived in town. The woman riled his beast and stirred his libido. NeeCee was so belligerent and argumentative, she drove him crazy, but he couldn’t stay away from her.

He casually slid into his vehicle and started the engine, maneuvering between the parked cars until he was on the road. Once he was out of sight, he broke all the rules, hit his lights, and took off at a high rate of speed. Thank God, traffic was light. A little over a half an hour later, he caught sight of her car. He’d caught her before she reached the interstate highway.

Bull pulled up behind her and flashed his lights, signaling for her to pull over. Once she was safely to the side of the road, he parked and killed the engine. He exited the cruiser, walked over to the driver’s door, and leaned into the open window. Get out of the car.

Bull? What the hell are you doing? I wasn’t even speeding, NeeCee complained.

NeeCee, get out of the car, he ordered in a don’t-mess-with-me tone.

She glared at him. Is this some type of joke?

He reached inside, unlocked and opened the door, almost in a single motion. She slapped at his hands when he reached for her seatbelt. Stop that. Go away. Don’t you have work to do? Go bother someone else.

We have unfinished business. He snatched off his glasses and placed them on the roof of the car. Dragging her resisting form out of her seat, he drew her into his arms, swooped in, and kissed her the way he’d wanted to since their first meeting.

Delicious.

Bull pinned her against the side of the car, thrust his tongue in her mouth, and devoured her until they both couldn’t breathe. Breaking away only long enough to gulp in a few deep breaths, he kissed her again until she melted like butter against him. Oh yeah, he wanted this woman.

He heard the radio in the squad car. The call was for all cars, and he was in the vicinity. Reluctantly, he released her. I have to go. We’ll finish this later.

NeeCee gave him her signature scowl. I don’t think so, cowboy.

Bull might have taken NeeCee’s words to heart if it wasn’t for the dazed expression on her face, and the way she had to pant to get the words out. Grinning, he reached on top of the car and grabbed his glasses, before helping her inside. Go before I change my mind and finish it right here.

He shut the door, tapped the roof of the car in farewell, and slowly retreated as another call came over the radio. Duty called but he still had difficulty tearing himself away from her presence.

NeeCee started the engine and stuck her head out of the window. Be careful. Don’t get killed. Chad would miss you, she added right before she put the car in gear and merged into traffic.

Bull slid his glasses on as a wicked grin crossed his face. I knew she liked me.

Present Day…

Bull sat on the porch of the Cock and Bull, feet propped on the rail, balancing on the rear legs of the chair. His signature black cowboy hat was pulled low over his eyes as he nursed a bottle of beer and scanned the surrounding woods. He didn’t want to be here. Actually, he didn’t want to be anywhere. Discontent was an itch underneath his skin. Even his wolf felt it.

He’d leave but the problem was him, and anywhere Bull went, he’d be there. A man couldn’t escape himself. Bull knew what the problem was, but hell if he knew what to do about it.

A curvy feminine form dropped into his lap and snatched the hat off his head. The chair rocked wildly before Bull placed a hand against the exterior wall to stabilize it.

What are you doing out here brooding? Mona asked.

He gave her a lazy smile that didn’t reach his eyes. Now, darlin’, can’t a man sit in peace without folks wonderin’ what’s wrong?

She used her very pretty nails to push the cowlick off his forehead. If that man was anyone but you, I’d say yes, but you’ve been in a mood for months now. I’m worried. Be a good boy, and tell Momma Mona what’s wrong.

This time his smile reached his eyes. Not only was Mona five years his junior, but the sultry brunette didn’t bring to mind images of motherhood, unless it was the carnal act of creating babies. If Mona hadn’t been a fox shifter living amongst a large pack of wolves, she’d already be mated. Thanks, but I’m good. Just got stuff on my mind.

Mona studied him a long while, staring directly into his eyes. Okay, I’ll let it go for now. But if you change your mind, I’m here for you.

He squeezed her middle with one arm. You’re a good friend.

She stood, planted a kiss on his forehead, and perched his hat on his head. Don’t drink too much. Moodiness and alcohol aren’t a good mix.

Bull tipped his bottle at her. Yes, ma’am.

He watched the sway in her hips as she sauntered back inside of the bar. Turning, Bull saw he wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. A group of younger wolf shifters were checking her out, most likely calculating their odds of bedding her for the night. Bull gave them the intimidating stare he’d perfected as an officer of the law. Mona was like a sister to him, and he wouldn’t take kindly to anyone toying with her affections.

Abashed, the young wolves redirected their attention.

Bull took another swig of his warm beer. He might as well go home, he decided, planting his chair on its four feet. Good company, he wasn’t. No sense souring other people’s moods because he was out of sorts. He drained the bottle before tossing it into the recycle bin.

Steps away from his pickup truck, his phone rang. After a quick glance to confirm the caller, he swiped the screen. What’s up, Chad?

I need a huge favor. I’d do it, but Meka is coming into her heat cycle, Chad said.

Congratulations, Bull said. Though technically still considered newly mated, Tameka and Chad had decided they didn’t want to wait to start their family. A she-wolf only went into heat once a year. If they didn’t take this opportunity, the couple would have to wait another year. Whatever you need, it’s yours.

It’s NeeCee.

Every cell in Bull’s body came to attention. Even his wolf perked up. What’s wrong? Has she been in an accident?

No, not that I know of. That’s just it. We don’t know. She’s gone AWOL. She’s not answering the phone. If she’s in her apartment, she’s not coming to the door. I called her agent, and she said NeeCee hasn’t returned her calls either. No one’s seen her in weeks, Chad said. We’re worried. This isn’t like her.

Have you called the locals to do a wellness check? Bull asked.

Thought about it, but I’d rather hold off for now. Her art’s gaining recognition, and her agent doesn’t want any negative publicity. Besides, she could simply be lost in her art. You know how NeeCee gets when she’s focused on painting. Though I’ve never known it to last this long. I know it’s an imposition, but can you ride up and check on her? Chad said.

Though it was a twelve-hour drive to New York City where NeeCee lived, Bull didn’t hesitate. As soon as I clear it with Adam, I’ll hit the road.

Thanks, Bull.

That’s what pack is for, Bull said.

Inside, his wolf danced around and frolicked like a pup. They were going to see its favorite human. The man was pretty damned happy, too.



One day later, Bull pulled to a stop in front of NeeCee’s Brooklyn apartment building. The twelve-hour ride had been both the longest and shortest drive of his life. The need to see NeeCee and confirm for himself she was all right had him cursing every traffic delay and every stop to gas up the truck. To save time, he’d eaten on the road.

It would have been quicker to fly. However, he didn’t know what he’d find when he arrived. Having his personal wheels rather than a rental car might prove beneficial.

Fortunately, he’d been here a couple of times before, so he hadn’t had to fool with the GPS. The first time had been when he’d come with Chad and Tameka to attend NeeCee’s art exhibit on its opening night. The second time he’d come alone, unable to fight the compulsion to see the woman who’d enthralled him and his wolf.

Bull hadn’t told Chad about that trip. Nothing had come of it. He and NeeCee had spent the entire time arguing. It was a quandary because arguing with her was better than sex with most women.

He sent Chad a quick text letting him know he’d arrived. He probably wouldn’t see it for a few days. Right now Chad and Meka were trapped in each other’s sexual orbit. They wouldn’t surface to the outside world until their hormones released them.

NeeCee lived in a culturally diverse neighborhood, and it was one of the most affordable in Brooklyn. Considering how close it was to Manhattan, the suburb was a quiet oasis. Good for an artist who spent most of her time inside painting.

Luck was on his side. Before he could buzz NeeCee to let him in, one of the tenants exited the building. Bull took the elevator to the top floor. A strange odor greeted his nostrils when he exited the elevator. Though it grew stronger the closer he came to her door, it was doubtful any non-shifter could smell it.

Bull paused outside of her door and absorbed the rank stench emanating from within NeeCee’s apartment. He gave a courtesy knock, but was already inserting the spare key he had the foresight to obtain from Chad before leaving Refuge, North Carolina. After waiting approximately thirty seconds for the sound of her footsteps to approach, he unlocked the door and let himself inside.

Chapter Two

NeeCee’s apartment opened into a long, narrow hallway. Unhindered by a closed door, the stench took on definition. Three feet past the entrance was an opening leading to a small kitchen and windowed breakfast nook. Stopping in the doorway, Bull noted the weeks’ worth of trash overflowing the trashcan. Dirty dishes littered the table and countertops. Moldy food remains added to the unpleasant odor.

Bull’s wolf wrinkled its nose, and the man frowned. NeeCee could be a slob, especially when she focused on her art to the exclusion of all else. However, he’d never seen anything like this from her.

He continued forward. There were so many scents bombarding his nose, Bull couldn’t be sure NeeCee was in the apartment. The hallway emptied into the large living room NeeCee used as an art studio. Someone had taken