Reign of Wolves: Wicked Wolves, #2

By Amelia Shaw

A warlock, a witch and two wolf shifters walk into the woods... sounds like the start of a lame joke. But it's not. It's my life.

My beta wolf and I found our fated mate, and once we got over the shock of the fact she was a witch, then we had to get over the fact we had to share her. That shock was nothing compared to finding out the heir to the high warlock wanted her as his wife, and they have a history. 

How are three men, natural enemies in the paranormal world, meant to share just one woman? Especially when there is darkness around us, a high warlock set on gaining an un-natural amount of power, and there's still the curse to break. 

We want to save our pack, but first we're going to have to save ourselves.

Fans of Jaymin Eve and Linsey Hall will ravage this steamy #whychoose romance.

*** This is the SECOND book of the series and ends with a set up for book three. This series is best read in order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamsin Baker
• Release date: Jul 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201062941

Book preview

Chapter 1

MONIQUE

I covered myself with my arms, or at least, I tried. That feat was almost impossible since Xander’s heavy body was frozen in place atop me, and he had my thighs pinned open.

Kyle knelt frozen next to me, his hand on his cock and his gaze furious as he stared down, unmoving, at my face.

I turned my head toward the intruder.

Michael! What the hell are you doing here? In my bedroom!

When Xander made a strangled noise in his throat and still didn’t move off me, I cast a daggered glare at Michael, the high warlock’s son.

What did you do to them?

Michael sauntered closer to the bed, staring at the three of us with contempt in his gaze. Just a little freezing spell. Nothing harmful.

I growled and threw my own magic at him. "Get out!"

Michael toppled backwards, onto his butt, and skidded out the bedroom door into the hallway. I may have fueled my defense a little too much with my anger. Too bad.

With my magic, I slammed the bedroom door shut in his face for good measure.

Now that the warlock was finally out of the room, the spell released. Xander fell onto me. His heavy weight made the air whoosh out of my lungs, and I panicked before he pushed off me.

Kyle jumped off the bed. What the fuck!

Xander rolled off the bed, bouncing to his feet beside Kyle. Who the fuck was that?

Growls rolled through the room. I couldn’t tell which of them was madder. Probably Xander, given he was practically vibrating with anger. His jaw was clenched, and he tightened his hands into fists next to his thighs.

I covered my hot face with my hands and sighed heavily. What a disaster! Only a few moments ago, I’d been close to being mated to a gorgeous wolf shifter. And now... Xander was as mad as a caged lion. Kyle’s cheeks were slashed with red fury.

I was still naked and aching. For both of them.

Damn Michael. He had no right to burst in here.

With great reluctance, I got up off the bed and pulled on the first thing I could magic up: an orange maxi-dress and pale blue cardigan.

The guys paced and made growling noises, like animals trapped in a cage. They weren’t speaking and I assumed it was because they couldn’t, given their wolves were close to the surface.

I’ll go deal with him, I said, sweeping my hair up into a top knot bun and fastening it with a magicked-up clip.

I headed for the door. That asshole better have a good reason for interrupting us like that.

Xander grabbed my arm as I walked past, his eyes yellow and his teeth sharp. He... You...

I reached up to cup his face. I’m not his fiancée.

Not technically, anyway.

But...

I sighed. Why did Michael have to come back now? I would have been gone from this realm by tomorrow. Just one more day and I would have never had to deal with my mixed-up feelings for the heir to the throne of our little world.

Michael is the high warlock’s son, and by our laws he can claim any female he wants. He made it clear a while back that he was planning to claim me one day, but I never officially agreed to that. He never actually asked me.

Xander’s eyes became even more yellow, his pupils dilating.

But I love you, I said quickly, trying to defuse his rage. I want to go to the outside world... with you.

I glanced over to where Kyle stood, his eyes and teeth half-shifted, just like Xander’s.

You too, Kyle. I love both of you. I want to see your home. Meet your pack. But right now, I have to sort this out. So, excuse me.

Xander shook his head, still gripping my arm.

Why wasn’t anyone listening to me? Was it a man thing, regardless of species?

Xander, let go of my arm. I’m going to speak to him. You two come out as soon as you’re dressed, or go for a run if you need to. But I have to deal with him. Please.

Finally, Xander’s teeth shortened, and he became human-like once more. His grip on my arm eased.

Get dressed, and I’ll see you out there in a minute or two, I said, hoping to reassure them. Then I took a much-needed calming breath, opened the door, and walked out to the lounge area.

I pulled my protective magic up around me, flattened it out, and thrust it back to protect the wolves as well.

Michael had just seen all three of us naked, something he should never have been privy to.

What the hell are you doing here, Michael? I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him with as much angry heat as I could muster. Which turned out to be quite a lot, given the circumstances. "You had absolutely no right to walk in uninvited to my cottage, let alone burst into my bedroom!"

Michael had managed to get into my home and put a spell on us because my defenses had, quite literally, been down. I’d been too out of my mind with wonder and pleasure and anticipation.

Now the excitement of bonding with my fated mates was shot to shit, and this arrogant heir to the throne needed to pay.

That’s not the way to talk to the man you’re going to marry. Michael’s smile was smarmy as he strolled around my sofa and came toward me.

His dark-eyed gaze raked me up and down, and I knew he was remembering what he’d just seen in the bedroom. Heat warmed my cheeks, but I tried to ignore it.

Equally, I tried to ignore the sudden pull of attraction in my belly for the man standing before me.

Uh-uh. Nope. Not happening. Two men is quite enough to handle, thank you.

Michael’s dark hair was longer than I remembered, the ends grazing his wide shoulders. His body was more muscled, too, though still lithe. The boy I’d had the crush on years ago had disappeared. In his place was an extremely attractive man.

An arrogant asshole of a man, I reminded myself sternly.

I frowned, tamping down my recalcitrant thoughts, and put up my hand. I didn’t cast a spell but remained ready to throw one at him if necessary. Stop right there.

He did, which was good. I didn’t want to test my magic against that of the high warlock’s son. He’d been away a long time, but that didn’t mean he was rusty. He would be fully recharged now that he was home again, I was sure.

What’s the matter, Monique? His lips twisted with sardonic humor. You’re not pleased to see me?

Pleased to see you? I uncrossed my arms and placed my hands on my hips. Hell no. The last time we spoke, you just said goodbye. I had no idea when you’d come home, if ever!

I’d cried for a week after he’d left.

Michael had made it clear long ago that I was his choice for marriage, out of the females available in the magical realm we lived in. It wasn’t the biggest compliment since the competition for the position was slim. Technically, he hadn’t ever asked me if that was what I wanted. He stated that he’d marry me... if he ever returned.

At the time, that if had seemed pretty big. Like me, Michael had never enjoyed being locked inside this bubble, as pretty as it was. He’d told his parents—the high warlock and the high witch—of his decision to choose me, so he could call in his marker, should he ever come back. He just assumed I’d wait for him, forever if necessary. And then he’d left.

Maybe he’d been correct, back then. I was young, and I’d had a crush on the guy. But he had been gone a long time and I’d grown up since then.

Our unofficial betrothal hadn’t changed anything for me. Michael’s parents had still treated me like any other member of the coven, and Michael had sent me two letters the whole time he’d been gone. Nothing had been mentioned about a return, or about us.

Michael’s eyes lit up and a grin graced his perfect face. Yes... that was because I didn’t want to restrict you.

You mean, you didn’t want to restrict yourself! I spat. There weren’t any other boys my age in the realm. They were either older and already married, or ten years my junior. Michael had known that he could take as long as he liked and if he ever came home, I’d still be waiting. You never even asked me if I wanted to marry you.

He scoffed. I didn’t think I needed to ask. You followed me around like a puppy-dog for years.

Anger burned in my gut. The bastard. He had no idea who I was, or what I wanted.

I wish you’d never come back.

The door behind me opened and my wolves stalked into the room. The atmosphere changed straight away. They filled my half of the cottage with strength and heat and presence.

I smirked at Michael. I couldn’t help it.

His gaze narrowed, and anger flared in those dark eyes that I didn’t like.

I raised my hand and moved my fingers, adding reinforcements to my spell. Don’t even think about hurting them.

Michael raised a single eyebrow. Would you do me the courtesy of introducing your lovers to me, Monique?

I didn’t take my eyes off him. I didn’t trust him as far as I could magic him away.

A large body pressed against me from behind, and Xander’s arm slid around my waist in a possessive gesture that was hard to miss. Kyle stepped up to warm my other side.

This is Xander. I said, gesturing. And Kyle.

I held Michael’s steady gaze until he finally shifted his eyes and stared at the men.

I’m Michael. He spoke with a haughty head tilt.

Xander’s answering growl set the hairs on the back of my neck on end.

Shall we all sit down? Michael asked, taking off his long black jacket to reveal a silver-colored silk shirt and dark slacks that accentuated how tall and muscled he’d become.

Damn. Stop it. You’re not sixteen anymore.

Yes. Let’s sit, I said, taking Xander’s hand and guiding him to one of the sofas. Kyle followed closely and when I sat in the middle of the sofa, my wolves perched either side of me.

Michael waved his hand and magicked up a large throne for himself.

Seriously?

I rolled my eyes. What’s wrong? Are my chairs not good enough for your special butt?

Michael raised an eyebrow as though he didn’t understand the question, then dismissed it and plowed straight into the conversation. It seems I arrived home in the nick of time.

To fuck up our mating? You sure did, Xander said next to me.

Michael chuckled and folded his hands in his lap. Mating? What are you two? Animals?

I put out a hand to both of my men to calm them.

He’s trying to bait you. Don’t let him. I turned back to face Michael. They’re wolf shifters, which you’re already aware of. So, stop being an asshole and try being a grown-up.

Michael’s eyes widened, then he chuckled again. I always loved your spirit. It looks like it’s gotten stronger in my absence.

Hell, yes, it has.

Michael, say what you’ve gotta say, then leave.

Michael’s lips twisted but he nodded as though in agreement with my demand.

I narrowed my eyes. What are you up to?

All right then. I’ve come to claim you as my bride. He announced it to the room, as if he just needed to say the words and they would become truth.

Is he blind?

No fucking way.

Fuck off.

Both my wolves spoke at once, and I couldn’t help but giggle.

Ah... no, I added, in a polite tone. You can’t have me. It’s too late. I’m now taken.

Michael tilted his head and narrowed his gaze on me. I don’t think you are. You aren’t married, and you haven’t yet been physically claimed, either.

He raised his eyebrows as though to dare me to deny what he already knew. I was still a virgin... technically. But if he’d been a few seconds later, I wouldn’t have been.

"She is taken, Xander said. Heart and soul, and if you’d fuck off