Behind her closed eyes, white light blasted through her mind. Feelings and thoughts, a confusing jumble of chaotic impressions rushed through her, making her both dizzy and exhilarated all at once. Man, this must be the bonding.

  Oh, God, this is wonderful, sweetness.

  You complete me, baby. Complete us.

  I never thought the rumors were true. But a truebond with your mates does complete you. Thank you, little one.

  I love you all. Thank you for waiting for me.

  You are all we’ve ever wanted, baby. How could we not wait for you? Now, though we’d all like to spend the day in bed, we have a trap to set.

  Ash rubbed his mark on her thigh. “And you need your rest. You shift for the first time tomorrow and that takes a lot of energy.”

  “Energy you don’t have to spare right now, sweetness,” added Damen before bending down to nuzzle the mark he had left on her breast. “Go to sleep, we’ll be here when you wake up.”

  “Promise?” she asked, already knowing the answer as she drifted off with the knowledge she’d never be alone again.

  Chapter Eight

  “What do you mean, you and Damen are staying here, Brady? I really want all of you to help me pick out the right dress for tonight.

  I’m not sure what to even buy.”

  “Ash knows what you need and Damen and I have to make some calls to the council, and set up the site for tonight’s ceremony.”

  Serena bit her lip, looked up at him beseechingly.

  “It’s not going to work, baby. Tell you what, if we get done before you get back, we’ll catch up with you. Okay?”

  Serena sighed. “Fine, but just so you know, I’m going to be picking out some naughty undies, so don’t take too long or you might not get any say in what I buy.”

  Brady’s cock twitched in his trousers, knowing full well that’s exactly what the little minx wanted—him hot and bothered, and thinking of her all day. Well, if it being away from her for one afternoon resulted in the four of them getting on with their future, he’d suffer with an aching erection.

  “Where is Ash now anyway?” she asked.

  I’m in the garage. Come on out when you’re ready.

  We had about seven inches of snow last night and it’s still coming down so I wanted to make sure the SUV was warmed up before we head out.

  All right. I’m coming.

  Now without me being deep inside you, you aren’t.

  Pervert.

  Enough you two, grumbled Damen. I’m in the office trying to make some calls. Have some respect. Go spend some money. Brady and I will see you when you get back. Oh, and don’t forget to memorize the ritual words while you’re gone.

  Yes, Damen.

  With his heart in his throat, Brady watched as Serena shrugged, then headed for the garage.

  Nothing could go wrong today. Nothing.

  ———

  It didn’t take Asher long to spot the car tailing him. The navy sedan behind them didn’t even try to be inconspicuous.

  Careful not to include Serena in their conversation, Ash reached for Brady through their newly formed true-bond. You were right, Brady. The calls to your uncle announcing our mate’s return must have shaken the old guy up. We have at least one car tailing us.

  Good, then the plan is working. Damen and I have shifted and are heading to the creek where Serena’s car is still parked. We have two of the Pride Council Elders with us. Let’s just hope that all the players show up or we’ll be putting our mate in danger for nothing.

  You know this is the only thing Brady could do, Ash. We can’t leave a threat to our mate out there.

  I know, Damen, but I don’t like it.

  None of us do. We’re right behind you. Watch your backs until we get there.

  Will do.

  Ash turned toward Serena, placed his hand on her thigh and squeezed to get her attention. “Do you want to stop by your car? I know all of your possessions are in there, I thought you might want to check on it while we’re out.”

  Serena smiled and his gut clenched, hating having to deceive her, but she’d never act naturally if they told her their plan ahead of time.

  “Thanks, Ash. If you don’t mind, that would be great. There’s a locket in there you all gave me for my sixteenth birthday that I’d like to wear tonight.”

  “No problem, little one. Wolverine Creek, here we come.”

  It didn’t take more than a few minutes to reach the cutoff for the narrow path that led to the swimming hole where her car was parked. The men following in the sedan would have to approach on foot if they didn’t want to be seen so they should have a few minutes for Brady, Damen and the others to meet them there. Hopefully, nothing would go wrong.

  Beside him, Serena shifted, sitting forward in her seat as her little car came into view. “Man, half the car is buried beneath the snow.” She turned toward him. “Are you sure we have enough time to get my locket before the shops close?”

  He gave her thigh a quick squeeze before reaching back to turn off the engine. “No worries, little one. There’s plenty of time. The stores are open for a few more hours yet.”

  Reaching over, she placed a tender kiss on his lips. His heart clenched. Goddess, he loved her.

  “Thanks for doing this, Ash.”

  “Don’t thank me.” Please don’t thank me for putting you in danger, he thought to himself.

  “Let’s just get your locket and get out of here. I can’t wait to go shopping for your lingerie and even less to see you in it.”

  Serena smiled, reached for her door handle and jumped out of the SUV and into the snow without a backward glance, slamming the door closed behind her.

  “Shit! I hadn’t expected that,” he muttered as he rushed to join her.

  By the time they had the driver’s door unburied, the hair on the back of his neck began to prickle and his inner tiger began to stretch inside him, sensing danger nearby. He jerked open the car door and shoved Serena through the door.

  “Stay away from the broken window.” Reaching beneath his jacket, he pulled out the pistol he’d taught Serena to shoot as a teenager. “Shoot anything that tries to get through that window.”

  “But—”

  “Serena, there is no time to explain, trouble is coming and it’s coming fast.”

  Serena swallowed hard and grabbed the gun.

  Nodding, she closed and locked the door and moved to the backseat, away from the shattered window.

  In the distance the angry snarl of a pissed off tiger drifted on the wind.

  Are you and the others near, Brady? Uncle Bernard is on his way and he’s not happy.

  We’re already here, just behind you in the trees. The Goddess herself must have sent this snow. It’s perfect camouflage.

  Good. Be ready. We don’t know how many humans are in the car heading this way, never mind how many Weres.

  Understood.

  Ash looked in the car, awed by the grim determination in his mate’s face. Are you okay, little one?

  Yes, Ash, but if you knew trouble was coming I wish you’d have told me. And don’t bother telling me this wasn’t some sort of trap to lure the baddies out here because I won’t believe you.

  Oh, love. If we had told you, there is no way you would have been able to act as if you didn’t know.

  You’ve never been able to lie worth a damn.

  She huffed. You’re right, which is why I’m not mad. I’m just worried you’re going to get hurt. Are Damen and Brady out there?

  Of course, we wouldn’t leave anything to chance when it comes to your safety.

  Serena nodded, then turned her head to face the open window. I won’t let anything happen to the three of you either, she added.

  Within seconds, Ash could hear the heavy footfall of the approaching assassins from the sedan. Be ready, everyone. Our company has arrived.

  Inside the car, Serena nodded.

  When two men walked out of the woods, Ash wasn’t surprised. What did surprise him—his uncle stood with them. So who’s stalking us through the woods?

  I don’t know, but be prepared for anything.

  Ash gave a slight tilt of his head in acknowledgement, then faced his uncle and the three others with him. The heavyset man in the trench coat and five-hundred-dollar loafers could be no other than Mr. Merino, the one who had ordered the hit.

  Ash looked each man in the eye before focusing his attention on his treacherous uncle. “Why, Bernard? Why try to kill our mate? You’ve known she was ours from the moment we brought her into our home.”

  Bernard grunted. “It’s necessary. I have no choice if I want to live, and I have a lot of good years ahead of me.”

  “You’d sacrifice the four of us to save your own skin? Why?”

  “I’d do whatever I have to in order to ensure my own survival. Besides, I’ve long awaited the chance to finish off this pride. It’s taken eighteen years to see to the downfall of the Graton Pride and now, it’s within my grasp. You all should have died with your parents. Every one of you.

  Once you’re gone, my wolves will take over this town, finishing off the rest of your kind.”

  Shaking his head, fury pumping through his body, Ash trembled. “What are you saying? You had something to do with the slaughter of our families all those years ago?”

  Bernard laughed, an evil chuckle that caused his skin to itch as his inner wolf fought for freedom. It wanted to take control, wanted to rip and tear into their enemy’s body. “I orchestrated it, boy. How do you think my pack knew your pride had chosen that day to gather here in celebration? I led them here myself and ripped out your grandfather’s throat. I only wished I’d managed to kill all of you. But two of you boys decided to stay home and Serena and her sister had slipped away during the celebration to play in the woods and your brother followed them. But I know where she lives and as soon as I leave here, your deaths at my hand, I’ll finish her off as well.”

  Ash felt Serena’s surprise along the mate bond.

  The same surprise that filled him and his brothers.

  They had no idea their mate had a sister out there.

  Why hadn’t Serena ever mentioned a sister? His mate’s pain slid through his mind, tearing at his control.

  I didn’t know. How could I not know I had a sister?

  Why can’t I remember her?

  Ash had no idea what to say to his mate to comfort her and unfortunately now wasn’t the time. But if it took all their resources, they’d find her.

  You’re damn straight we will, Brady acknowledged.

  Your sister is our sister, Serena, Damen added.

  We’ll bring her home.

  “Enough of this bullshit,” the third man muttered. “Let’s just kill them, Mr. Merino, and get out of here. My balls are freezing.”

  Merino turned toward his hired hand, lifted his own gun, and shot the guy in the face. “Now your balls won’t freeze, will they?”

  Shrugging his shoulders, Merino turned back toward Ash. “Tell that little lady to get out of the car and join you.”

  Ash snorted, he just couldn’t help it. Did the guy think he was a fool? “I don’t think so. Why don’t you tell me why you want her eliminated and we’ll negotiate from there.”

  “Let’s just say she knows about my sideline or at least she knows of untraceable shipments of arms to the East Coast, that if discovered, would send me away for a very long time and that’s just not something I can allow to happen.”

  “So all this, the years of having her stalked, the attacks, were to prevent the authorities from learning you’re a gun runner.”

  Merino shrugged. “That about sums it up.”

  “Dammit, Merino. Just shut up and kill them.

  No one will be the wiser and everyone can get on with their lives. I’ve waited a long time to see them bleeding at my feet.”

  “Everyone but the four of us, you mean,” Ash clarified.

  “Well, of course your brothers have to die, too, but that can’t be helped.”

  Ash nodded then turned toward where he knew his brothers and the council members waited. “Did you hear enough?”

  A loud snarl reverberated through the trees seeming to echo across the frozen creek water.

  “What—what have you done?”

  “Made sure we had enough evidence to issue a—”

  Before he could finish, Serena screamed through his mind. Behind you! Ash, behind you!

  As quickly as he could, Ash ducked, anticipating that his cousins would respond to her cries and attack. He didn’t want to be in their way when they did.

  Ash darted toward the side. Two shots sounded through the air. He could hear the heavy sounds of thrashing bodies, but his sole focus centered on Serena. She’d taken the shots, not their enemies.

  Please Goddess, let her be all right. When his gaze met hers, she wore a triumphant smile. Thomas, Bernard’s son, had shifted into his grey wolf form and now hung half in and half out of the open window, a bullet hole through the head. He’d been in the one stalking his brothers through the woods while his father and the others arrived by car.

  Behind him, Brady had Bernard pinned to the snow-covered ground, blood pooling from the mortal wound in his neck. He hadn’t even had time to shift before Brady had taken him down.

  Damen stood crouched over Merino, growling. As the snow beneath him turned yellow with the man’s piss, Ash chuckled. “I’d say that you have about two seconds to live, Merino. Any last prayers?”

  Before Merino could utter a word, Damen ripped out his throat. Nodding at the council members, Ash turned toward the car, “Come on out, Serena. We have a ceremony to attend.”

  “What about the bodies?”

  “The council will see to it that they are never found.”

  “I still find it hard to believe that this creature, one we trusted despite being a werewolf, killed so many of the people we love,” Brady said, glancing down at the dead, bleeding body of the man he’d regarded as an uncle for so many years. A stab of pain shot through his heart at the blatant betrayal.

  He thought briefly about the other Weres who dwelled among them, Weres who had been rescued as cubs and raised lovingly. As far as he knew, they were good people, young men and women who didn’t abuse their shape shifting powers. But then again, he would never have suspected Bernard either. He sighed and averted his gaze away from the mangled corpses.

  “We’ll have to be extra careful from now on,” Ash said.

  Damen nodded. “Yes, we need to watch the other Weres closely and make sure there are no other traitors living among the pride.”

  Without batting an eye, Serena walked past the four dead bodies and approached her mates. “Yes, let’s go shopping. We have a mating to attend and I have this fantasy I’ve been dying to fulfill. The sooner we’re all officially mated, the better.”

  ———

  Midnight, Imbolc Fertility Ceremony

  Serena raised her hands and tilted her head up toward the moon. “Goddess of light and love, fertility and new beginnings, I embrace your healing energy. I grasp the new life you offer me and allow myself to take the new direction for which I have waited so long. From this day forward, I embrace my inner self, the tiger within.

  My body,” she turned and smiled at her mates, “our bodies, are energized, exhilarated. We embrace our new lives as we find our true paths.

  Our entire beings stretch, reaching for the coming dawn.”

  Burning pain seared its way through her body.

  Every part of her, from her bones to her muscle tissue and even her skin, felt on fire. Her muscles began to stretch, her skin to itch. Even her face hurt. Tears slid down her cheeks, but she didn’t falter, didn’t let the pain distract her from her thoughts.

  Within seconds, she felt the tiger waking inside her and all the pain disappeared as fierce joy flooded her heart and mind. At last. Finally she was whole.

  With joy in her heart, the newest white tiger of the Turner Pride joined its mates. A quick nip on her hindquarters and the chase was on to see who would be the first to mount her. But that wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to make love to her men together—as a true foursome, as men with their woman, not as tigers.

  Chapter Nine

  Serena dashed off into the woods. Playfully, she skirted trees, hid beneath shrubs, always glancing back at the three white tigers following her. She burned with longing, wanted them to mount her, but at the same time, she could think like a human and wanted to make love to them as a human. It would be interesting to have them mount her in this form, but in human form, there were so many more possibilities.

  Suddenly, as she darted among the tall pines, a voice came to her. A small voice. A child’s voice.

  Digging her paws into the soft bed of pine needles, she came to a halt and listened.

  “Serena, Serena…”

  Who was that? Then she heard screams.

  Terrifying screams. The voice of a young boy as he yanked her by the arm and propelled her deeper into the forest. “Run, little girl. Run!”

  “Serena, Serena, where are you?” the little girl’s voice sounded.

  A picture suddenly flitted through her mind.

  She strained to see it better with her mind’s eye, the picture of a little girl, a toddler no more than three with wavy golden blonde hair down to her waist and big blue eyes.

  My sister. Oh, my God, I remember my sister. What happened to her? She was in the forest behind me, calling me, looking for me.

  Honeycat, are you alright? It was Brady’s voice in her mind.

  Yes, I’m fine. I just had a memory flash.

  I hoped you’d find your memories after the change.

  I saw my sister.

  And?

  The only thing I can do is describe her. I don’t know what happened to her, except she was in the forest looking for me when the massacre happened.

  Maybe she was saved?

  I don’t know. Wouldn’t I have felt her?

  Not necessarily.

  Brady, I want to change back. How do I do that?

  Just concentrate and it will happen automatically.

 

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