Shadows embrace, p.1
Shadow's Embrace, page 1
Shadow’s Embrace
Tielle St. Clare
Book 5 in the Wolf’s Heritage series.
Kalen is happy living her normal, human life. Though she’s the daughter of two strong werewolves, she inherited almost none of the wolf’s traits. She has a great job, a comfortable house and Brennan, her very sexy, very human fiancé. She has no intention of ever telling him that her family turns furry and howls at the moon.
Then Rebel returns, a childhood friend Kalen hasn’t seen in years, stepping out of the shadows of her past. Despite the desire simmering between herself, Rebel and Brennan, Kalen is not about to let Rebel screw up her plans for a normal existence.
But when an injury puts Brennan on the edge of death, there’s only one way to save him. Now Kalen must watch her fiancé turn into the very creature she fears, drawing her back into a world she left behind long ago. Her new werewolf’s lust and needs and their mutual attraction to Rebel awaken hidden depths in Kalen. Is she strong enough to keep two werewolves?
An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication
www.ellorascave.com
Shadow’s Embrace
ISBN 9781419927966
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Shadow’s Embrace Copyright © 2010 Tielle St. Clare
Edited by Briana St. James
Cover art by Darrell King
Electronic book publication September 2010
The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.
With the exception of quotes used in reviews, thisbook may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.
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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.
Shadow’s Embrace
Tielle St. Clare
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
He-Man: Mattel, Inc.
IHOP: IHOP IP, LLC
Indiana Jones: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Superman: DC Comics composed of Warner Communications, Inc.
Taser: Taser International, Inc.
Viagra: Pfizer Inc.
Prologue
Kalen stepped deeper into the shadows and let the darkness comfort her.
She stared out at the living room. Smiles lit the dozen or more faces of the people swaying on the makeshift dance floor. Taylor’s wedding dress swished back and forth, curling around the legs of her mates. Mikhel moved with the slow, easy rock of a man who didn’t want to look stupid. Zach was bumping and grinding, just reveling in the music and energy.
The full moon had been last night. Its power still influenced most of the wedding guests. Zach wrapped his arm around Taylor’s waist and dragged her up against his body. He bent forward and placed his lips against hers. It was much more than a simple “may I kiss the bride?” kind of kiss.
A soft smile bent Mikhel’s mouth as he watched his lovers. His wife and his lover. The idea of Mikhel taking two mates still blew Kalen’s mind.
But she didn’t know if she’d ever seen her brother so happy. Not that most people would be able to tell. He was an Alpha wolf after all. He kept his emotions well concealed but Kalen recognized the subtle signs. He was practically pounding his chest at publicly claiming both Taylor and Zach. Taylor looked stunning in her wedding dress, tall and sleek. A perfect complement to Mikhel and Zach. She fit in so well with the family.
As did the women Max and Jax had brought to the wedding. Lovely, both of them. Even the shy one seemed to be adjusting to being around the pack. Of course, having her brother and another male watching over her had to ease some of the stress.
“Kiki, what are you doing hiding out here?”
The greeting jolted Kalen out of her thoughts and she turned to look at her little sister. Or younger sister to be more precise. Bridget was the iconic female werewolf—tall, thin, strong. Everything Kalen wasn’t.
But she loved her sister and Kalen let the childhood jealousy drain from her.
“Just watching the dancing. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Jax dance before.”
Bridget giggled. “I think Dani’s got him trying all sorts of new things.”
Kalen nodded her agreement. “Why aren’t you dancing?” She knew there had to be a dozen males who would love to get with Bridget. Hell, she’d had half a dozen requests and the only lure she had was being daughter to the pack Alpha.
Bridget sighed and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Nothing interesting.” She had perfected that jaded, arrogant tone. Kalen loved her sister, she really did, but sometimes the girl was a little wild. “But let’s talk about you. When were you going to tell me?”
Kalen’s throat tightened up, but she forced a smile.
“Tell you what?”
“That you’re engaged.”
Kalen felt her eyes widen. How had Bridget known? She’d hidden evidence in the car.
Bridget shook her head. “Ring indent on your finger.”
Kalen sighed. Damn werewolf vision. “I was going to tell you but I didn’t want to steal any of Mikhel and Taylor’s thunder.”
“Right,” Bridget scoffed. “Like you getting engaged would be more shocking than Mikhel mating two wolves, one of them male.”
“And our parents coming out.”
Bridget joined her in an eye-roll. “And Jax and Max, and sweet heavens, tell me you’re engaged to just one person.”
Kalen laughed. “I am.”
“What’s his name?”
“Brennan.”
“Hmm, don’t know him.” Bridget turned and scanned the crowd. “Which one is he?” Few humans had been invited. The wolves clumped together, males on one side, females on the other, eyeing each other. Kalen had no doubt the evening would progress into an all-out orgy. Not here, her parents would never stand for that, but the party would move on after the bride and groom—and groom—left.
“Uh, he’s not here.”
“Why not?” Bridget cocked her head to the side and stared into Kalen’s eyes. She used to do it when they were kids. It was like she could read minds. Kind of creepy, really. “He’s human,” she accused.
“Shh, not so loud.”
“What? Like Mom and Dad don’t expect that? You haven’t lived with the pack for fifteen years.”
“There’s another problem.”
“What? He’s allergic to dogs?”
“He’s a lawyer.”
It was time for Bridget’s eyes to get wide. “Dad’s going to flip.”
“Dad will love him.” She had to believe that. “Eventually.”
“Well, I’ll love him. Can’t wait to meet him. Bring him early to the next pack meeting and we can—oh, that wouldn’t be a good idea.” Bridget seemed to deflate in front of her.
“No kidding.” She wasn’t going to expose Brennan to the pack. Not now, hopefully not ever.
Bridget shook her head and looked at Kalen with serious eyes. Bridget wasn’t serious often but when she was, Kalen knew to pay attention.
“You probably haven’t heard.”
“Heard what?”
“Rebel’s back.”
“What? When?” Her heart started to thump in her chest.
“A couple of weeks ago.”
And he hadn’t contacted her. Guess that wasn’t a surprise.
“Dad’s letting him live in the old hunting cabin,” Bridget continued. “He’s kind of keeping a low profile after what happened, but Dad said something about insisting he be at the next full-moon run.”
Kalen barely heard her. Her mind did a quick trip through her memories. Every childhood adventure, good and bad, had involved Rebel.
Until that night. She hadn’t been able to face him. And now he was home.
“Now, come on.” Bridget grabbed her arm, dragging her out of her thoughts and pulling her toward the food table. “Let’s get something to eat, find a quiet corner and you can tell me all about your man.”
Kalen followed, her head still spinning.
Just when her life was calm and steady, Rebel had returned.
* * * * *
He slipped back into the shadows and watched Kiki leave the party. Kalen, he thought. Almost everyone called her Kalen now. Or that’s what she called herself.
And that wasn’t the only thing that had changed in fifteen years.
She’d grown up, transformed from an insecure girl to a confident woman. She flipped her hair away from her face, the red mane streaming down her back in corkscrew curls. She’d let it grow out. His chest tightened.
As a child she’d kept her hair cropped short, ha
She slipped into her car and reached forward. He risked poking his head out, wanting to see what was so important. She sat back and draped her left hand over the steering wheel. A huge diamond glittered on her third finger.
Engaged. Of course.
The engine started and she pulled away.
He watched until her taillights had disappeared down the gravel road and then slipped out of his hiding place. He skirted the edge of the parking lot, drawing close to the corner of the building. Sounds from the party rang through the open window. The scents assaulted him. Bodies—male and female—hot and just a little sweaty from dancing. His wolf growled, the strange smells confusing the animal. And a confused werewolf was a dangerous thing.
He peeked in one window. The person who could give him answers was inside and he didn’t feel like interrupting. Didn’t want to make a scene, and his arrival would do more than that.
He picked out Bridget’s car and eased himself into the shadows to wait. She’d probably be one of the last to leave but she would have all the answers…like who Kiki had become and who she was engaged to.
Not that he expected to lure her away from her lover. She deserved whatever happiness she could find. But he wanted to be prepared when they met face-to-face.
Chapter One
Kalen leaned her bare shoulder against the doorframe and watched Brennan push his key into the deadbolt. God she loved to watch him move. Even something as simple as opening her front door. Which wasn’t so simple right now. The lock was sticking and she hadn’t had a chance to call a locksmith. Brennan’s brow crinkled in concentration as he jiggled the key.
The quarter moon caught Kalen’s eye. Tipping her head back, she watched the bright crescent. Just a week ago, the moon had been full and she’d watched her brother claim his mates. Tonight she was back in her human world where she belonged.
Brennan grunted, capturing Kalen’s attention again. All thoughts of the moon and mates disappeared. He was still hunched over, staring intently at the lock. The porch light created a halo over his dark head, designing interesting shadows on his cheeks. Gorgeous. The serious line of his jaw, the crisp cut of his hair to just above his collar. In the conservative suits he wore to the office, he looked sexy.
In the tuxedo he had on tonight… She licked her lips. Yummy.
He glanced to his right as if he sensed the direction of her thoughts. The desire in his eyes made her stomach flip, as did the laughing twinkle. Oh yeah. She eased her hip to the side, drawing his focus, knowing the slick material of her gown molded to her thighs and ass. Brennan paused and stared for a moment, taking in the picture she deliberately created as he cranked the key right. The lock tumblers rolled over. He flashed her a triumphant grin and opened the door, stepping back to let her go in first.
Kalen ignored the invitation and walked toward him. The drive home had drained away the last of her adrenaline and left behind a smooth, seductive need.
For Brennan.
She pressed up against him and draped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a long, slow melt-his-shoes kind of kiss. He moved with her—bending to meet her, taking subtle control. He dipped his tongue between her lips, a quick taste that made her ache for more. She moaned into his mouth, loving the flavors and the power that wove through the kiss. There was nothing better than Brennan’s mouth on hers. Unless it was Brennan’s mouth doing wicked, wonderful things to other parts of her body.
She eased back and gently bit his lower lip. She had a tendency to bite. It was one of the few traits she’d acquired from her werewolf parents. Thankfully Brennan didn’t seem to mind. He enjoyed it…as long as she didn’t leave any visible marks.
She allowed the weight of her body to settle into his. Warmth invaded her pussy, turning liquid, melting her. He wrapped his arms around her and put his hands on her hips, holding her for a moment before one slid down and cupped her ass. She wiggled into the caress.
“You are in a good mood,” he said, the teasing accompanied by another squeeze to her butt cheek. She pressed her hips back, pushing into his hands. She might not have the svelte figure of a werewolf but Brennan didn’t mind. He loved her curves, spent hours loving them.
“And why not?” She whispered a kiss across his chin. “The event—” A fundraiser for AIDS Hospice. “Was a huge success.” Another kiss. “I picked up three more possible clients and my date was the hottest guy there.”
“You think so, huh?”
“Uh-huh. Hot and sexy and all mine.” She punctuated each word with a brush of her lips, a flick of her tongue.
His cheeks turned a darker shade and Kalen couldn’t help but smile. It was sweet.
And on a guy who ate career criminals for breakfast, it was a shock.
He kissed her lips, a quick peck, and gave her a light squeeze. “You’re right about the last point.” It was a gentle, loving embrace and so not where she wanted this to go. Gentle and loving was wonderful, but tonight her body was primed for a good hard fuck. She pulled back just a bit and pressed up on her toes, putting her lips to his ear.
“Now that hot, sexy guy is going to come inside and fuck me until I scream.” His hands tightened on her back. She knew he liked it when she talked a little dirty, a little out of character. She bit down on his earlobe and trailed kisses down his neck. His hands were sliding back down to her ass. She rubbed against him, cuddling his growing erection between her thighs, making it harder. She had him.
“Baby, I can’t.”
He eased away, putting actual space between their bodies. The shock made her look up, hoping he was teasing, that he wanted her to seduce him. But the regret in his eyes was real.
“I have an early meeting with the mayor. Six a.m.”
“On a Saturday?” She tried to keep the whine out of her voice. Brennan was a rising star in the prosecutor’s office and when the mayor called, Brennan went. That was how the game was played. She understood it but she didn’t always like it, especially when she had plans for her man that involved getting hot and sweaty for hours. “You could just leave from here,” she suggested, not holding out much hope. Once Brennan set his mind to do something, he did it.
“And show up to meet the mayor wearing a tux?”
“You’ll be the best-dressed man on the tennis court.”
Brennan smiled. “I’d be doing the walk of shame for my boss.” He shook his head. “Not going to happen. But how about we make a plan to meet—” Brennan paused and looked to his left, his gaze darting down the hall. “Did you leave your TV on?”
“No.” She paused and concentrated on the sound. Faint voices chattered from her living room. He was right. That sounded like her TV. But she hadn’t had it on today. Too busy getting everything finalized before the event started. She looked up and realized her entryway was lit up. The hall light was on. Even her kitchen light was on. “And I didn’t leave any lights on.”
Brennan stepped forward and Kalen had little choice but to move back. He stopped just inside the door and looked around. The noise definitely came from her living room.
“Stay here.”
She bristled at the firm command but quickly realized this was how movie heroines got in trouble…following after the hero. Except it was kind of creepy standing in her entryway all alone. With her TV blaring. It seemed really unlikely that a criminal had broken into her house just to run up her electric bill.
Brennan started down the hall. And Kalen tried to hang back but dismissed that urge. Whoever, whatever, had entered her home, she was going to feel safer next to Brennan.
She hurried behind him reaching him just after he walked into her living room.
“Who the hell are you?” he demanded.
Kalen peeked around his shoulder and choked. There was a body stretched out on her couch, blanket draped over tight male abs, remote in one hand, popcorn with the other, some gory forensics show on her television. He turned his head and looked up.
