Reclaiming Quinn

By Parker Williams

The Wolves of Lydon: Book Two

Shifter Quinn Adler knew he would live and die as a slave.

Quinn’s life was filled with pain until he was rescued from an abusive pack. But in Lydon, Quinn can’t be sure of anything, so he’s terrified of everything. With no one to give him direction, he is lost—until Deke takes control of him.

Deke Timmons hates that he has to play the role of master to his mate.

Unfortunately, Quinn won’t accept his love until Deke can show him what being mates means. Vowing to help Quinn, Deke takes him into the world he’s never seen. Though sometimes their relationship is tense, his methods seem to be working.

Then a power-mad Alpha swoops in to kidnap Quinn and ends up getting Deke by mistake.

Now Deke must play submissive to a wolf complicit in Quinn’s abuse. He’ll do whatever it takes to get back to his mate—but with Deke in peril, Quinn must find his courage and reclaim the person he was meant to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781644057148

Parker Williams

Parker Williams is a bestselling author of MM romance and suspense. One of his recent works was nominated for the Lambda Literary Awards, and several books have been runners-up at the Rainbow Awards. Parker loves the written word. A chance encounter with an amazing author changed the course of his life as he began to write the stories his men were whispering to him. With the help of some amazing friends and a community of writers he’s proud to be part of, Parker continues telling stories of love, hurt, comfort, and sometimes tosses in a little angst for fun. He believes in love, but also knows that anything worth having requires work and sacrifice (and maybe a little hurt runs smooth, and he enjoys writing about it. Parker lives in Milwaukee, WI, with his husband, Paul, and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Most days you’ll find him on Facebook, sharing stories and pictures of the zoo, or even about Paul, who is always good for a laugh and comfort too). The course of true love never. Website: www.parkerwilliamsauthor.com Twitter: @ParkerWAuthor Facebook: www.facebook.com/parker.williams.75641 Email: [e-mail]

Book preview

Table of Contents

Blurb

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

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Copyright

Reclaiming Quinn

By Parker Williams

The Wolves of Lydon: Book Two

Shifter Quinn Adler knew he would live and die as a slave.

Quinn’s life was filled with pain until he was rescued from an abusive pack. But in Lydon, Quinn can’t be sure of anything, so he’s terrified of everything. With no one to give him direction, he is lost—until Deke takes control of him.

Deke Timmons hates that he has to play the role of master to his mate.

Unfortunately, Quinn won’t accept his love until Deke can show him what being mates means. Vowing to help Quinn, Deke takes him into the world he’s never seen. Though sometimes their relationship is tense, his methods seem to be working.

Then a power-mad Alpha swoops in to kidnap Quinn and ends up getting Deke by mistake.

Now Deke must play submissive to a wolf complicit in Quinn’s abuse. He’ll do whatever it takes to get back to his mate—but with Deke in peril, Quinn must find his courage and reclaim the person he was meant to be.

To all who flourish beneath the light of the moon.

Acknowledgments

MY THANKS to Dreamspinner, Tricia Kristufek and her team, and to the readers who enjoyed book one.

Also, I wanted to say thank you to Andi Byassee for stepping in to help finish this book!

Chapter One

Six years ago

QUINN ADLER pulled the heavy lamp down from the shelf and ran a damp rag over it. Layers of grime and dust came off, darkening the water in his cleaning bucket. It felt good to get the place clean because, he hoped, it would put Master in a good mood.

What the fuck are you doing, bitch?

The voice held menace, a threat that if the answer wasn’t exactly what Master wanted to hear, the repercussions would be swift and brutal.

Cleaning, Master.

The blow landed before Quinn could move away. Not that he would have, because that would have been even worse. No, better to stand there and take the beating he obviously had coming.

"You do not come into this room unless you have my permission. Did you ask me?"

No, Master. I’m sorry, I—

Another hit, this time on Quinn’s cheek. He shrank back, even though he knew he shouldn’t.

Master stood over him, fists clenched. He turned to his second-in-command. What do you think we should do to him, Kristopher?

The husky voice told Quinn what was coming. They were going to have him satisfy them once again.

I think he already knows, Alpha.

Ryker chuckled. Do you know, boy?

Yes, Master, Quinn replied as he slid his shorts down and off his legs. Where would you like me to go?

A knock at the door pulled Ryker’s attention away from Quinn.

What?

Margaret, another member of Ryker’s household, opened the door. Even without his wolf, Quinn could smell the terror rolling off her. She was a tiny thing, blonde hair and big, soulful brown eyes.

Telephone, Master.

I’m busy. He licked his lips as he looked at Quinn, which made him queasy. Who is it?

She swallowed hard. Millicent told me he said he’s the Alpha of the Chicago pack, and that they saw your property recently.

Ryker’s breath hitched, and then he shoved Quinn, who landed on the floor, face first. Get out of here, bitch. I have work to do. He gestured at Kristopher. Make sure no one is in the area while I take this call.

He leered at Margaret.

And I want her ready for when I’m done. I’m either going to feel like celebrating or be pissed off and need someone to take it out on.

Her tiny face morphed into a look of abject terror. As far as Quinn knew, Ryker hadn’t taken her yet. She wasn’t marked as his property, so maybe he hadn’t. Still, Quinn didn’t want to hear her crying at night, alone in her room, after Master had shared her with the pack. Quinn thought only one of them should suffer like that, and it ought not be the girl who gave him shy smiles when no one else was looking.

Master, maybe I should be the one to—

For a big man, Ryker could be insanely fast. He grabbed Quinn by the throat and slammed him against the wall.

"You do not talk to me unless I tell you it’s okay. I swear, it’s like you’ve forgotten your training. He whirled around and pushed Quinn at Kristopher. After you put her in her room, take this one back to his for a refresher course in manners."

Kristopher’s gaze slid down Quinn’s body as he reached down and palmed his cock. No problem, Alpha.

Quinn was pushed from behind, only barely keeping his balance. He glanced up at Margaret, her eyes still wide with fear. She opened her mouth to say something, but Quinn shook his head and she went quiet. Kristopher slammed his hand down, getting a tight grip on her shoulder, and shoved her toward the door.

Follow us, bitch. Don’t make me have to come back for you, because I promise, I won’t be gentle.

Of course not. Kristopher never was. In his own way, he was worse than Ryker. At least when Ryker finished, he beat Quinn and sent him on his way. Kristopher was…. He was awful. He made Quinn beg, tell him how much he liked what Kristopher was doing to him. He didn’t care when Quinn cried out or screamed. He laughed when Quinn went silent because that spurred him on to new levels of depravity to get a reaction from Quinn.

They got to Margaret’s room, and Kristopher opened the door and gave her a rough push inside, which made her tumble to the floor. She rolled over, her gaze meeting Quinn’s.

Quinn!

Shut up, bitch! Kristopher stomped closer. Leaned over and backhanded her, causing her to yelp. I don’t want to hear another peep out of you.

He left the room, closed the door, and threw the bolt, which ensured Margaret couldn’t get out. Then he turned his lustful gaze at Quinn.

I’ve got all kinds of new games for us to play. He leaned in and licked Quinn’s neck. Ones that are guaranteed to make you scream. He sunk his teeth deep into Quinn’s throat, laving the blood that spilled from the wound. Then he drew back, his mouth covered in crimson. We’re going to have a good time, you and me.

Kristopher wrapped his fingers in Quinn’s hair and jerked him along. Quinn wanted to cry out, to plead with him to stop, tell Kristopher he was hurting him, but he knew that would make Kristopher happy. When they got to Quinn’s room, Kristopher kicked open the door and threw Quinn onto the bed. He closed the door behind him, and a shiver ran through Quinn.

Don’t stop looking at me, Kristopher ground out as he stripped his clothes off. I want you to see what I’m going to do to you.

Tremors of disgust and loathing rushed through Quinn, but he continued to stare at Kristopher.

That’s right, boy. When I’m done with you, you’re going to wish you’d never laid eyes on me.

Quinn wished that every damned day of his life. Ever since his parents gave him to Ryker, Quinn lived his life in fear that this would be the day he’d simply disappear like his parents had. Kristopher stalked closer, his smile predatory.

Beg me, he growled. Tell me you want me.

Quinn clamped his mouth shut. Kristopher pushed Quinn down and covered Quinn’s body with his own.

Beg me, bitch.

A quick, hard punch to the ribs forced the air from Quinn’s lungs. He did his best not to cry out but couldn’t stop the whimper that escaped.

Beg me, or I’ll go down the hall and visit your friend. Don’t think I didn’t notice the looks the two of you shared. He leaned in close, his breath hot on Quinn’s cheek. Wanna bet she’s a screamer? Do you think you’d hear her down here?

Quinn swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. Please.

Please what?

Please, I beg you to fuck me.

Kristopher grinned as he moved into position. Call me master.

A violent shudder rolled through Quinn. Please, master.

Then, no matter how hard he tried, Quinn couldn’t stop the scream that escaped from his lungs as Kristopher….

Now

QUINN JOLTED out of bed, his chest heaving. He scrubbed a hand over his face, wiping away the tears that once again streamed down his cheeks. He touched the sheets, not surprised to find them soaked with his sweat, as they were every night. He got up, stripped the bed, and remade it before he stuffed the sheets into the laundry he’d be doing later. His new master was already being far more patient than Quinn deserved, and he wouldn’t risk that.

Most nights Quinn was wakened by the terrors that haunted his dreams, never able to escape them. Before they’d left, Gareth and Sean had sworn Ryker and Kristopher were dead and that he didn’t need to be afraid anymore. If he couldn’t accept the word of the Supreme Alpha and the only adult Omega—Quinn’s brother—then who could he believe? Still, every night he was terrified.

But why was he? Why were simple things, like sleeping, denied him? He reached for his clothes. He stilled as his hands brushed over the fabric. Master—Ryker—had told him he should wear shorts because he didn’t want to be reminded that Quinn had something between his legs. But Quinn’s new master assured him he was welcome to wear whatever he wanted. Quinn had to admit he loved the way the soft fabrics felt on his body, and he couldn’t get over the variety of bright, cheery colors he could choose from. But….

He pulled his hand back, somehow afraid of the clothes. His stomach fluttered and his hands shook as the memories assailed him. Ryker and Kristopher, their hands on Quinn’s body, the abuse. Quinn’s breath quickened and he squeezed his eyes shut.

They’re dead. They’re dead. They’re dead.

But what if Sean was wrong? What if Ryker hadn’t died? What if Kristopher came back for Quinn? What would they do if they found him? He traced his fingers over Ryker’s mark of ownership, the brand that would permanently remind him he would never be free of his former master.

Quinn found it nearly impossible to draw a breath as his eyes snapped open and his gaze darted around the room. He did his best to force down the rising panic as the shadows crawled across the walls. It wasn’t fair! He liked it here, and his new master wasn’t hurting him, and he hadn’t forced Quinn to do anything.

Thoughts of his master had Quinn desperate to see him, to be sure he was safe. It was ridiculous, of course. This was Master’s home, and no one would enter without his permission, but still….

Quinn crept down the hall, careful not to make a sound. When he reached Master’s door, his heart hammered. It was a bad idea, and he knew it, but he had to be certain Master was okay. If something happened to him, Quinn would rather die than go to someone new. He… he cared for Master. He liked how Master treated him, how he was kind and gentle. And he loved doing things for him, because it made Master smile, which gave Quinn a warm feeling throughout his body.

He had to know for sure. He turned the knob and stepped into the dark room. There was no night-light like Master had given Quinn. Instead, the room was pitch-black. No shadows reached for Quinn, no stray sounds like whispers in his ear. Just blessed peace and quiet. He approached the bed, wanting to be near Master, to bask in his presence. Instead of approaching, he knelt at the side of the bed, happy to be allowed to share a space with this man.

You know, you’re not nearly as stealthy as you’d like to be came the sleep-filled voice. Maybe next time you should put on the slippers I gave you.

Fear zipped through Quinn. I’m sorry, Master. I didn’t mean to wake you.

There would be a beating this time; Quinn was certain. Instead, Master sat up and turned on the light. He gave Quinn a smile, and it calmed his nerves.

Another dream?

Yes, Master.

Do you want to tell me about it?

Quinn shook his head harshly.

That’s fine. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.

He reached for his wheelchair and pulled it closer to the mattress, then grabbed the bar mounted over the bed so he could shift his body into it. Master rolled closer to Quinn and slid his fingers over Quinn’s scalp, which Master had shaved.

I have an idea.

What would you have me do, Master?

Master sighed. I have a big bed. Why don’t you crawl in next to me and see if you can sleep?

Finally. Master wanted sex, and Quinn could do that. He knew all kinds of ways to pleasure his master, and he was grateful for the opportunity.

If it pleases you, Master.

Quinn stood, but he stilled when Master took his hand. We’re only going to sleep, Quinn. I won’t touch you any other way.

The pride he felt quickly deflated. But, Master, don’t you—

Do you know what being a master means, Quinn?

He opened his mouth to answer but then shook his head because honestly, he had no idea.

It means caring for those that belong to us, to help them reach their potential. It’s not abusing them or making them fearful.

But Master… I mean, Ryker, said—

Did Ryker make you afraid?

Only every day of his life. Yes, Master.

Did he hurt you or others?

Quinn couldn’t stop as he traced a finger over the scar on his stomach. He remembered the searing pain, the smell of charring flesh, the agonized screams that escaped him as Ryker held him down while Kristopher applied the red-hot poker. Yes, Master.

Then listen to me when I tell you Ryker was not, nor could he ever be, your master. He was an evil bastard. Now, have I hurt you?

No, Master. He’d been nothing but kind. Even when Quinn messed up, Master had been forgiving. You’ve never hurt me.

And I never will. That’s not what a friend—what a master—would do. Do you understand the difference?

While Quinn wished he could say yes, he shook his head. No, Master.

That’s fine. In time, I promise you will. He pulled away from Quinn, then moved back to the bed. Come get in. Pull the covers up to your chin and rest. Let your mind stop reliving those nightmares and focus on me being your Master, okay?

A quick nod. Yes, Master. Quinn could do that. More, he wanted to do that. He rose to his feet and stepped around to the other side of the bed, then stopped. Master?

It’s okay, Quinn, he said as he slipped back into the bed. Get into bed. Unless you’d rather go back to your room. I would never make you stay here if you didn’t want to.

There was undisguised pain in Master’s voice that Quinn couldn’t understand, and it tore at his soul.

No, I… I want to stay, Master.

Good. Get in bed and sleep. I have to be up early tomorrow so I can oversee work on the new cabins. I wish Gareth had called me earlier because we’ve only got a few of them done, and that temporary housing we set up won’t last forever.

He lifted the covers, and Quinn slid in next to him. He rolled over and buried his face in the pillow, delighting in Master’s scent.

Good night, Quinn.

Good night, Master.

It didn’t take long for Quinn to fall asleep, and this time, no dreams plagued him.

DEKE SIMMONS sighed as he turned over yet again. He was so damned happy to have his mate in the same bed as he was, but this wasn’t how he wanted it to go. He wanted Quinn in ways he never knew it was possible to want someone. Quinn was the first thing Deke thought of when he woke up in the morning, and he was the last thing on Deke’s mind when he went to sleep.

Everything was about Quinn. Deke worked his job as quickly and efficiently as he could, simply because he wanted to get home to ensure Quinn wasn’t alone too long. Though he’d asked Dani Whitestar to check on Quinn, Deke never felt right if he couldn’t keep an eye on him personally.

What was it about the man that called to Deke so? He understood from Gareth that there truly were fated mates, and he knew to his soul that Quinn was his, but…. He sighed again, and this time he punched his pillow. He had no idea how to make things better for Quinn. Deke was shocked that Quinn was as put together as he was. Anyone else would have fallen apart under the years of abuse.

Still, that didn’t stop Deke from insisting that Quinn talk to one of the counselors Dr. Franklin had brought in to help Ryker’s old packmates acclimate themselves. Quinn had been hesitant and practically begged not to go, but Deke had made a promise to the Supreme Alpha that he would do right by the Alpha Mate’s brother. Quinn had gone for several sessions, but each time he came home more anxious and upset than when Deke had taken him in.

He cracked open his eyes and looked at Quinn. Goddess, his mate was beautiful. When they’d met, Quinn’s hair had been long, and he had a habit of fisting it when he was upset. Deke solved that problem by shaving it off. He hated the idea of cutting those auburn locks, but he believed Quinn’s memories had bad connotations where his hair was concerned and that in order to start fresh, the hair had to go. But what enthralled Deke most were Quinn’s eyes. Where Sean’s eyes were violet, Quinn’s were like onyx swirled with molten gold. Deke knew he could lose himself in that gaze and never regret it for a moment. In fact, he had on several occasions.

Oh, how he longed to reach for Quinn. To pull him close, to shield him from the world. If it meant Quinn would be happy, Deke would gladly renounce his allegiance to Lydon and take Quinn away somewhere they could be safe. Then again, what could be safer than the pack the Supreme Alpha and the world’s only Omegas called home? After all, both Gareth and Sean bore the mark of the Moon Mother, and her blessing had to count for something, right?

What good did it do Quinn? Where was the fucking Moon Mother when Ryker and his pack were raping him?

Fuck her.

He hated the thought that he was being disrespectful to the goddess who’d created the wolves while everyone else was building shrines to her, but Deke’s main—only—priority was Quinn. Seeing the pain etched on Quinn’s face hurt more than the accident that severed Deke’s spine. That had meant years of therapy, with the doctors telling him every step of the way he’d never walk again. Didn’t matter, though. Deke would gladly go through the same hell every day if it meant he could see Quinn smile even once.

The thought was a sobering one. Deke had only met Quinn a few months ago, and now he knew without a doubt that he couldn’t live without him. Meeting Quinn had imprinted his mate on Deke’s very soul. They were no longer two separate people, but one entity that wasn’t whole and might never be. Was Deke willing to accept that? If he and Quinn could never truly be together, would having his mate in his life be enough? That wasn’t even a question worth asking, because Deke would do anything for Quinn, even if it meant never touching him.

Fucking Ryker. Deke knew it wasn’t charitable, but he was glad—grateful really—that Gareth had killed the demented son of a bitch, but Deke wished he could have been the one to do it. The one to inflict agony of a thousand lifetimes on Ryker, to watch as the light left his eyes as he died. Deke didn’t believe for a second he would feel bad about it.

He closed his eyes and breathed in Quinn’s scent. He couldn’t touch his mate—yet—but he could take comfort in their closeness. One day, he prayed, he and Quinn could be mated in the truest sense of the word.

As sleep took him, that thought was bright in Deke’s mind.

One day.

Chapter Two

QUINN’S EYES snapped open. He didn’t even need to look at the clock to know it was four in the morning. He’d been getting up every day for the last ten years of his life, ready to be at Master’s… at Ryker’s beck and call.

Goddess, it felt so strange calling him anything but Master. It was like he was blaspheming against him, admitting he wasn’t Quinn’s master. The fact he was had been something they’d beaten into Quinn since the day he’d been dragged into Ryker’s complex. A snort to his left caught Quinn’s attention and had him bracing for a hit. Then he remembered he was in bed with his new master. He lay there for a few moments, taking