Power Play: Chapter Eight

Cassie’s not having a good week. She’s tired of dealing with the mixed signals from her boyfriend and she’s attacked by a large dog. Then it gets worse. Said boyfriend is keeping secrets and possibly using her for his own ends and the dog that attacked her? Yeah, that was a werewolf and now she’s going to be howling at the next full moon.


Not only does she have to deal with a deranged werewolf, intent on killing her but she’s got her boyfriend’s father pushing them to mate. Did she mention her boyfriend was a werewolf too? It’s going to take all she’s got to handle these alpha men and get what she wants too. Things can only get better. Right?


If you missed Chapter Seven, you can find it here.


Almost a week had passed since she’d left Alex’s house. Cassie had walked miles in the river, hoping to mask her scent. She must have hidden her departure well because she knew that regardless of her asking him not to follow, he would have. The longer she lived with this wolf inside her, growing stronger each night the full moon drew closer, she knew that his instinct to protect her would override everything.


The upside was that the rogue couldn’t find her either. The camp owned by the orphanage she grew up in stood empty, too early in the season for the next batch of young kids. She knew this place inside out after spending many summers here. No one that knew her, not even Alex, would associate this place with her. She hadn’t been here in over ten years.


It hadn’t changed much, though. The buildings were still sturdy and airtight, keeping out the cool night air so she didn’t have to light a fire for warmth. She’d set booby traps around the perimeter of the camp, not complacent with her safety.


The time away had been good for her. She’d done a lot of thinking and realized several things. The most important, that she wanted, no needed, to change was her habit of running away. She’d always prided herself on being a strong woman, a survivor, yet since her attack, she’d done nothing but run. It was time to face both her fears – the biggest being her feelings for Alex and whether they were reciprocated, the other her first shift.


The second would be over soon. Cassie moved through the forest on silent feet, thanks in part to her new DNA and hours of practicing her new abilities. The late day sun peeked through the canopy of trees surrounding Alex’s compound. Tonight, the full moon would shine bright and she would shift for the first time.


Her skin itched from the inside and ripples rolled along her body. When it had first started two days ago, she’d freaked until she realized it was her wolf. When she stopped fighting it, the pain at the beginning dissipated, leaving a general discomfort.


A rustle to her right brought her out of her thoughts. Cassie stopped and crouched low, waiting. Arms like steel bands encircled her from behind, catching her unaware.


“Well, well. What do we have here?” An amused voice chuckled behind her.


She kicked her legs and tried to head-butt him with the back of her head, but her struggles were useless. Even with all her new strength, she was no match for him. Obviously another werewolf. She prayed he wasn’t the rogue.


The branches that had originally caught her attention parted, and she stared at a familiar face. She almost cried with relief and wondered at the animosity present.


“Let her go. That’s Alex’s mate.” Disgust lined Mace’s voice and at his terse command, the arms let go.


She fell to the ground in a pile as the guard spoke into a radio. Gathering her feet beneath her, she stood. She imagined the burly wolf wasn’t happy about her sneaking away under his watch.


“Come on.”


He grabbed her elbow, firm but not painful, and trudged toward the house. As they broke through the trees as the edge of the clearing, Alex rushed toward her. His appearance shocked her. Gone was the urban, well-groomed man.


A scruffy beard and hair that looked as if it hadn’t been washed in several days jarred her, but it was the feral gleam in his eyes that sent her heart into spasms. Cassie hung back, but Mace’s grip wouldn’t allow her to go too far. Alex snatched her up and hugged tight, rocking from side to side.


Had she done this to him? She’d guessed that he would worry, but nothing of this magnitude. After all, he didn’t care about her. Did he?


After several minutes, he finally set her back on her feet. The two guards that had accompanied her to the house had melted away. It was only the two of them.


“You scared me, Cass. I was terrified that he’d gotten you.” Alex’s voice cracked and fresh guilt surged through her.


She laid her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”


A short bark of laughter escaped him and he turned away, stalking toward the house. “Worry doesn’t begin to cover how I felt.”


Trailing behind him, feeling lower than a slug, she hurried to catch up with him. “I’m sorry, Alex. I needed space.”


He whirled on her at the door. “You could talk to me about your concerns. Listen to me when I try to talk to you instead of running off like a scared little girl. I’m not an ogre. I’ve never raised a hand to you, yet you ran. From me.”


The hurt in his eyes, in his voice, undid her. “You’re right. I did run. But not from you. I ran from my thoughts and my feelings, but they just followed me. I did a lot of thinking while I was gone and I do want to talk to you. About everything. But can we wait until tomorrow? After my shift?”


Alex stared into her eyes. After a long moment of silence, he crossed his arms over his chest. “You stay here tonight and we talk tomorrow. In the morning.”


Relief swept through her. “Agreed.”


“Fine. My sister will be here soon to help you prepare for your shift.”


With that, he pivoted on his heel and vanished into the house. The slamming of his office door reverberated throughout the downstairs and all the way to her on the porch.


Perhaps she’d been too hasty in her relief.




A soft knock preceded Meg’s entry into her room. As soon as the other woman saw her, she ran to Cassie and hugged her. Hard.


“We were all so worried. Thank goodness you’re all right.” The younger woman pulled back and gave her a stern stare. “You shouldn’t have run off like that.”


Cassie, unused to so many people caring about what happened to her, swallowed back tears. “I know. I’m sorry. I was scared and confused. I just needed time to think and didn’t feel like I could do it here.”


With a brisk nod, Megan straightened. “In the future, remember that you can stay with me. Now, let’s get you ready to shift.”


Several hours later, freshly washed, buffed, and primped, Meg led Cassie to the area where the rest of the pack waited. Meg had explained that on the full moon, the whole pack shifted together. Since this was her first shift, they would wait until she’d completed the change. Acid gurgled in her stomach at the thought of being the center of attention.


As they approached, everyone turned to watch. Alex stood in the center with his father. He’d cleaned up since this afternoon, once again looking like the suave man she’d dated. A pathway cleared for her as she moved to join him. Meg gave her a quick hug before melding into the crowd. Alex smiled down at her and took her hand. Gone was the feral gleam and her heart picked up its pace, this time from being near him again.


Jackson raised his arms and the murmuring stopped. “Tonight, our new packmate becomes one with her wolf for the first time.”


A chorus of howls rose in the air, startling her at first, but curiously, helped to calm the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. After a short serenade, silence once more fell.


Alex turned her to face him. As he untied the knot of her silky white robe, he stared into her eyes, somehow reassuring her. She remembered that he’d said it wouldn’t hurt. His gaze, his touch, made her forget everyone else. She thought she’d be embarrassed to be nude in front of the others, but now, she could only see him.


“It’s time. Don’t fight it, okay?”


A shiver rippled down her spine, due more to his soft whisper than the slide of her robe to the ground. He brushed his knuckles across her cheek before helping her to all fours in a shaft of moonlight. After a few moments, the rippling in her body increased, not really hurting, but not comfortable either.


A bright light enveloped her as her bones moved inside her skin, seemingly absorbing any pain she might have felt. Fur burst through her skin in a wave, from head to toe. As the light faded, she looked around the clearing. Through the eyes of her wolf, all color disappeared, the shades of gray sharp and detailed.


A sense of freedom flowed through her and the need to run, to hunt, to play overwhelmed her. Somehow, Human Cassie gave way to Wolf Cassie and primal instincts took over. The relief of letting go of everything that had happened in the last two weeks sent a jolt of happiness through the wolf.


Another round of howls broke through the crowd and Cassie joined in, the sound rolling up her throat to blend in harmony with the others. Next to her, Alex shifted, followed by Jackson and the rest of the pack.


Alex nudged her hind-quarters with his snout, urging her into the trees. With a yelp of pleasure, she took off at a run, quickly learning the way her new body worked. The exhilaration of the cool night air rustling over her back sent her racing faster, free in a way she’d never been before.


Then she stopped thinking altogether and joined her pack in the hunt.




The pull of the moon called to his wolf, but he refused to yield. It’d been over a week since he’d gotten his last shot at Alex’s little bitch. If he didn’t take care of her soon, they would perform the mating ritual, making it harder to kill his enemy.


Tonight, she would transform for the first time. If he’d been successful that first night, she’d be dead rather than growing stronger. He punched the wall, angry at himself, enraged at his inability to wreak revenge on those that had destroyed his life.


They’d pay one way or another, whether he took out the bitch or fought both Alex and his father. After all these years, he wouldn’t let this last chance pass him by.

****

Please return on November 2nd for Chapter 9 of Power Play.

~~Riley Quinn~~

Website * Facebook * Twitter

If you missed any of our previous posts and would like to catch up, you can purchase the Digital Digest Volume I Issue I, Digital Digest Volume I Issue II and Digital Digest Volume I Issue III anthologies as ebooks for only $.99!


Copyright © 2011 Riley Quinn


All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Power Play: Chapter Seven

Cassie’s not having a good week. She’s tired of dealing with the mixed signals from her boyfriend and she’s attacked by a large dog. Then it gets worse. Said boyfriend is keeping secrets and possibly using her for his own ends and the dog that attacked her? Yeah, that was a werewolf and now she’s going to be howling at the next full moon.


Not only does she have to deal with a deranged werewolf, intent on killing her but she’s got her boyfriend’s father pushing them to mate. Did she mention her boyfriend was a werewolf too? It’s going to take all she’s got to handle these alpha men and get what she wants too. Things can only get better. Right?


If you missed Chapter Six, you can find it here.


Alex was gone the next morning when she woke up. A weight lifted off her chest, and she breathed for the first time in days, even though she was alone. Or because she was alone. As much as she hated that Alex had used her, she still found him attractive, the chemistry between them as explosive as ever. The back and forth between her head and her heart had her stomach tied in knots. If this continued, she’d have an ulcer before long.


After a leisurely shower, Cassie headed down to rummage for breakfast. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, the doorbell rang. Her heart pounded and she tensed to run until a sudden thought sprang forward. Indecision warred inside her. Should she answer? Alex swore there were guards watching over her so it should be someone friendly. Would the guy trying to kill her really ring the doorbell? Still….


A couple of hard knocks on the heavy door startled her. “Cassidy March? I’m Megan, Alex’s sister.”


Relief at hearing a friendly voice flooded through her. She eased the door open and found an attractive woman standing on the porch. Megan resembled her brother with long dark brown hair the same shade as Alex’s, but lighter colored eyes.


A man walked up behind Alex’s sister. Fear skittered through her and she backed away from the door. Was this the man that had hurt her? Megan turned to look behind her.


“Mace, don’t sneak up like that. You know what Cassidy’s been through.”


The chagrined man stopped in his tracks and offered up an apologetic smile. “Sorry, ladies.”


The improbability of the situation, a pint-size woman reprimanding a man twice her size, struck Cassie funny and a nervous laugh escaped. Both Mace and Megan turned their attention to her. The confusion on the big man’s face just made her laugh louder. Alex’s sister must have realized the joke and joined in with her own chuckles. The shared laughter broke the ice between them better than anything else could have.


Obviously deciding they were both crazy, Mace cocked his head. “Do either of you need anything?”


Still giggling, they both shook their heads. Cassie opened the door wider and Megan stepped through. The burly guard shook his head as he headed back to his post.


“Sorry to drop in on you. I thought you might like some company since Alex is gone today.”


A new kind of warmth washed over her, collecting in her chest, touched that someone who didn’t even know her would take the time to make sure she was okay. “Thank you for thinking of me. Have you had breakfast yet?”


“Breakfast sounds great. Shall I help?” Megan moved through the hall toward the kitchen.


“Nope, but I’d love to pick your brain. This werewolf stuff is pretty new to me.”


“Yeah, I know. Another reason I came over. There are just some questions that a woman wants to ask another woman.”


The warm, fuzzy feeling in her tummy was back. Before she could stop herself, she gave Megan a quick hug. Then embarrassment at her forwardness sent a new shaft of fire to her cheeks and she stiffened, pulled away.


Megan snatched up Cass’ hand before she could put distance between them. “You’re not alone anymore. You’re part of a pack and that means you have an instant family, including the good and bad.”


Tears welled in her eyes and a ball of emotion stuck in her throat. “Thanks.”


Pulling away and wiping her eyes, Cassie moved over to the refrigerator. “Let’s see what we can find to eat.”


During a quick but filling breakfast, Cassie peppered Megan with questions. Most of the information was general stuff, things that Alex had already told her. She yearned to ask the question that burned inside her heart.


As though she had a direct line to her brain, Megan looked into her eyes. “Go ahead. There’s something you want to know. Ask.”


With a gulp, Cassie plunged ahead. “Can I still have children?”


“Of course you can. Alex and I are both born wolves. Your children will be shifters, but that’s to be expected between two full wolf shifters.”


Elation at the news that her dream was not dead sprang up inside her. Then, the other woman’s words registered. Who did Megan think the father would be? “How do you know that the father will be a full werewolf? Is there a rule that says I can only be with a werewolf?”


Confusion wrinkled Megan’s forehead. “Uh…no…but wolf shifters only have children with their true mates.”


“So how do you know who my true mate will be?” Why was Alex’s sister acting so strange?


“Cassie, you and Alex are true mates.”


A lump of what felt like stone dropped into Cassie’s stomach and feeling light-headed, she laid her head down on the table. How could Alex be her true mate? Why was her only chance of having children dependent on a man who didn’t love her? A surreal feeling hovered around her as if this were a dream. Maybe she’d wake up in the hospital and find out everything was a coma-induced fantasy.


“Are you all right?” Megan squeezed her arm, infusing some warmth back into her cold extremities.


Cassie raised her head. “How do you know Alex and I are true mates?”


Arching her brow, Megan watched Cassie, concern radiating from her warm gaze. “All wolves know their true mate – by smell and by the strong physical chemistry.”


“So it’s a biological thing?”


“At first. Love always comes from a true mate pairing. I think because of the soul-joining.”


The what? Soul-joining? Alex had left out a lot during their discussion. She ignored the whisper in the back of her mind telling her that he wanted to tell her everything and she’d refused to listen.


“I’m sorry. I thought Alex had explained all this.” Megan’s face was now a mask of worry.
Tamping down her thoughts and emotions, Cassie took a deep breath. She needed to remain calm so she could make sense of all this new information.


“No, not yet. Please. Tell me about this soul-joining.”


Indecision lined Megan’s face. Cassie reached out and grasped the other woman’s hand.

“Please.”


With a squeeze, Megan nodded. “It’s believed that each werewolf is born with half a soul. Their true mate has the other half, so when they find each other, they go through a mating ritual. This joins the soul halves together, which binds the couple forever. Until a wolf finds his true mate and they perform the binding ceremony, they don’t reach their full strength.”


“Is that why your father pushed at Alex to have this ceremony with me?”


“Yes. Dad is the current Alpha and Alex is his successor, but he can’t take over until he’s mated. Until he has his full strength, a lesser wolf that is mated could challenge him and win.”


“You’re saying that Alex can’t be Alpha unless he’s mated and because we’re supposedly true mates, it has to be with me?” A numbness invaded her limbs, her heart, her head. How did she handle this? If Alex needed her specifically to be the Alpha, then he had no intention of ever backing down. Yesterday had been about him placating her, biding his time until he could convince her to do this ceremony thing. She didn’t know whether to be thrilled or angry. Her emotions swung from one extreme to the other.


“Cassidy, are you okay?” Megan’s worried voice broke through the deep freeze overrunning her.


She rubbed her temples as a headache started behind her eyes. “I appreciate you stopping by and explaining this stuff, but could I be alone for awhile? I think I need some time to process everything.”


Instantly solicitous, Megan jumped up. “Of course. I’m sorry for laying all of this on you. I thought Alex had already explained about your mating.”


“Don’t worry about it. It’s just a lot to take in.” Cassie forced a smile to reassure Megan.


When she’d finally shut the door behind the friendly woman, Cassie staggered to the couch. The numbness had worn off and anger built steadily as she went over the conversation in her head.


The exchange she’d overheard between Alex and his father the first day now took on greater significance. Somehow, she and Alex were true mates and only by binding with her, could he take his place as the pack leader. He’d never felt anything for her outside the biological clues that told him she was the one that could help him.


A sharp pain pierced her chest. She’d thought he couldn’t hurt her any more than he already had, but she’d been wrong. Distance. That’s what she needed. She knew once Alex returned, he’d start his charade again to seduce her. Another kiss like the one they’d shared last night would likely make her forget her conviction and condemn her to a loveless life.


Decision in place, she ran for the stairs. It was still early in the day. She’d take a backpack of essentials and get some space for a while. With her new senses, she could figure out where the guards were and look out for the rogue herself. As long as she was vigilant, she should be fine.
The full moon was only a week away. She’d come back for her first shift, because God knew it scared her silly. A week with no outward influence would help her think clearly enough to decide what to do.


Hopefully.




Today had been a lesson in frustration. Alex released a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his hair as he walked up the drive to his house. If luck was with him tonight, he’d make more headway with Cassie.


His mind wandered to the kiss last night as it’d done all day. He’d heard the chemistry between true mates was off-the-charts hot, but since he’d been cautious during their courtship, he hadn’t experienced it. Until last night.


Cassie had run. Again. Because she was scared of the feelings between them? He needed to explain true mates to her. How would she take it? Not well, he’d venture. His wolf strained inside him to take her, but the man knew she had a lot to contend with and that patience was a better plan. What he’d give to be able to go home and lose himself in his mate.


At his front door, he detected his sister’s scent and smiled. He’d hoped that Meg would stop by and spend some time with Cassie. Leaving her alone when there was still a huge threat went against everything in him, but if he could find the rogue and neutralize him, it would be worth it.


Cassie’s scent overlaid Meg’s, but both were faint. He frowned. If Cassie were inside, her scent should be stronger. Fear shot through him, and he slammed through the door.


“Cass!”


Silence greeted him. He tore through the house, but found it empty. Ending at the kitchen, he saw a white rectangle on the table that he’d missed on his first frantic pass through. He opened the paper. The words blurred and he had to take a deep breath to calm the shaking in his hand enough to read the note.


Alex,
I know I said I’d stay until the rogue was caught, but after talking with your sister today, I need something I can’t get at your place. Space. I’ll be careful while I’m gone and I’ll be back next week for the full moon. Please don’t try to follow me.
Cassie


He crumpled the paper into a tight ball. What the hell had his sister told her? Crossing the room to the phone, he punched in the number. As soon as it lifted on the other end, he exploded.


“What the hell did you tell her, Meg? She’s gone.”


“What? What are you talking about?”


“I came home to an empty house and a note saying she needed space after your conversation. What. Did. You. Tell. Her?”


“Oh, no. I’m sorry, Alex. I thought she already knew. When I realized she didn’t, it was too late.”


“What?” Adrenaline spiked inside him, urging him to go find her now, but he needed to know why she ran. He needed to know what was so bad that she felt the need to run away after being attacked twice already.


“I told her about true mates and the binding ritual.”


Alex closed his eyes and dropped his head back. An ache settled in his chest. He should have been the one to tell her. It was his fault that she’d found out this way. As much as he wanted to give her the space she’d requested, he couldn’t do it. She wasn’t safe with the rogue still running wild, and whether she accepted him or not, she was his mate and he would protect her.


Meg’s voice cut through his thoughts. “I’ll be right over to help look for her. We’ll find her.”


The confidence in his sister’s voice replayed in his head while he called the guards to report. He had to think the best. If anything happened to her…he couldn’t even think that way. In the short time since he’d found her, she’d burrowed her way into his heart. He couldn’t live without her now and he’d do whatever it took so he wouldn’t have to.

****

Please return on October 19th for Chapter 8 of Power Play.

~~Riley Quinn~~

Website * Facebook * Twitter

If you missed any of our previous posts and would like to catch up, you can purchase the Digital Digest Volume I Issue I, Digital Digest Volume I Issue II and Digital Digest Volume I Issue III anthologies as ebooks for only $.99!


Copyright © 2011 Riley Quinn


All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Power Play: Chapter Six

Cassie’s not having a good week. She’s tired of dealing with the mixed signals from her boyfriend and she’s attacked by a large dog. Then it gets worse. Said boyfriend is keeping secrets and possibly using her for his own ends and the dog that attacked her? Yeah, that was a werewolf and now she’s going to be howling at the next full moon.


Not only does she have to deal with a deranged werewolf, intent on killing her but she’s got her boyfriend’s father pushing them to mate. Did she mention her boyfriend was a werewolf too? It’s going to take all she’s got to handle these alpha men and get what she wants too. Things can only get better. Right?


If you missed Chapter Five, you can find it here.


Alex’s obvious acceptance to not press his case allowed her to breathe easier and the stranglehold on her defenses eased a fraction. She could do this.


“Beyond the obvious difference, being a werewolf isn’t much different than being human.” Alex gathered the dishes and carried them over to the sink.


“I’m assuming you’re referring to the ability to shift when you talk about ‘obvious’, but what about my senses and healing?” She stacked the rest of the dishes and joined him at the sink. Keeping her hands busy would stop her from jumping him.


How perverse was she that she wanted him more now that he’d agreed to abide by her rules? His turnaround only enforced the idea that he didn’t care. She was a means to an end. That thought was enough to push any amorous feelings out of her head. He’d already switched to lecture mode while she argued with her libido.


“Your amplified senses are a gift of the wolf. Just like natural wolves in the wild, your hearing, sense of smell and to some extent, your taste buds will be more developed, more sensitive. The healing is due to the increased metabolism.” He filled the sink with hot, soapy water and submerged the dirty dishes.


“Increased metabolism?” She nudged him aside and started washing dishes while he rinsed and dried them.


“I don’t know exactly how it works, but basically, your cells regenerate faster, healing your body faster than a human. It also causes you to age more slowly.”


“Wow, better than Oil of Olay.” Cassie grinned, relieved when she found an answering smile. Despite everything she’d learned, she hated the tension that lay like a thick cloud in the room between them. “So what else?”


“Let’s see…you’ll be stronger. Oh, and you can’t get sick now.” He put the clean dishes away and began to wipe the counters down.


She gave the sink a final swipe and turned to face him. “At all?”


“Nope. The virus or whatever doesn’t allow other viruses to take hold. It destroys them.”


She stared out the window for a few moments and let the silence fill the space between them. Could she ask him the question burning in her mind or should she find someone else? How would he take it? As an invitation? No, he knew how she felt. He would just think her curious about all the changes that had gone on in her body lately. It wasn’t an unreasonable request. Okay, here goes.


“Can I still have babies?” She heard Alex’s gasp and took a quick glimpse. He’d closed his eyes, pain creasing his brow. Probably should have waited to ask someone else. The fear that her dream of a family would be lost forever prompted the question, but now wasn’t the time. “Uh, never mind. I think I’m going to go lie down for a while.”


She hurried from the kitchen and up to her room, locking the door before lying on the bed. She wasn’t sure what Alex’s reaction to her last question meant, but it couldn’t be good. He looked as if he were in pain before she took off. She could only assume she couldn’t have children and that thought weighed on her heart, bringing more tears. She’d always wanted lots of kids, probably a by-product of growing up in the foster care system. For someone who never cried, she sure was making up for lost time.


Cassie decided to stop feeling sorry for herself. From this moment on, no more tears. So Alex didn’t love her. She’d already made plans to deal with that. She couldn’t have kids, but nothing was stopping her from adopting. She remembered what it felt like to be alone in the world – with no one wanting you. Being a werewolf didn’t seem like such a bad gig. She had better senses and was stronger now. She would learn to use that to her advantage and ensure she was never a victim again. Staying younger looking was a big bonus as was the healing. This could be a positive experience if she let it.


She thought about Alex’s behavior this morning. He acted as if she hadn’t overheard his plans to use her and wanted nothing to do with him. Her lids grew heavy and not even the swirling thoughts in her head could keep them open.

****

Cassie made her way downstairs again, too restless to stay put. Since it was near dinner time, she’d make herself useful and help with dinner.


At the foot of the stairs, she saw Alex and another man leave the study. His resemblance to Alex, as well as his voice, told her this was his father. They stopped when they saw her and Alex’s eyes lit up. His father’s gaze drilled into her. Her determination not to show weakness to this man was the only thing that allowed her to maintain eye contact with him. He was intimidating. All at once, his face lightened and he smiled, moving to stand in front of her.


“Cass, this is my father, Jackson Waters. Dad, this is Cassidy March.” Alex introduced them and stepped back.


Cassie held her breath for a moment, unsure of what would happen next.


Jackson Waters pulled her into a hug and kissed her on the cheek.


“You’re even lovelier than Alex described. Welcome to the Hill Clan and the Waters family, my dear. My Nila can’t wait to meet you.”


She jerked back from his embrace, unsure of how to react. Did he think she and Alex were still together, that they were getting married? A pang of unfulfilled dreams raced through her. “Uh, thank you.”


Alex clapped his father on the shoulder and winked at her. “Come on, Dad. You know Mom will be upset if you’re late to dinner.”


Jackson gave a rueful laugh. “Your mother certainly keeps me in line.” He tipped his head at Cassie. “Miss March, a pleasure.”


Alex herded his father out the front door, and Cassie made a break for the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and the air cooled the telltale heat of her blush. Why did she let him get to her? Pull yourself together, Cass.


Alex walked into the kitchen, and she whirled on him. “What was that all about, Alex?”
His eyes widened and his left eyebrow rose. “What was what?”


She blew her bangs out of her eyes. “That whole welcome to the family and the clan crap. What did you tell him?”


Hurt flashed in his dark chocolate gaze, but his expression closed almost immediately. She must have imagined it. After all, he’d have to actually care about her to be affected by anything she said to him.


Alex sighed. “I didn’t tell him anything, Cass. He knows you’re my mate and he assumed you had agreed to the claiming. As for the clan, every wolf in this area of Texas falls under my father’s rule unless they petition for lone wolf status.”


Cassie’s pounding heart slowed and the weight on her chest lifted. “Oh.” Could the floor open and swallow her whole?


Alex shook his head and turned to leave.


“I, uh, thought I’d make some dinner. Is that okay?” She chewed her bottom lip and glanced up at him through her lashes.


“Help yourself to whatever you want, Cass.” He walked out without another word.

****

The tension between them dissipated over dinner. They chatted lightly, laughed and joked. She sighed. It was almost like their dates, except now she knew his ulterior motives. Or did she? What was so important about her? Why didn’t he just find someone else now that she knew the truth? Better yet, why didn’t he choose a female werewolf at the start?


As dinner drew to a close, Alex sprung an unwelcome surprise. He explained the inner circle and told her about the meeting with them. His father’s advisors had decided to send out a hunting party to find the rogue.


“We’ll be leaving in the morning so I won’t be here when you get up.”


They were back at the sink, her washing and him drying. She stopped and stared at him until he glanced up.


“What?” He looked perplexed, and she clutched the counter.


“I’m going to be here alone? What if the guy shows up here?” She loosened her grip and scrubbed the pot, trying to keep her hands busy so he couldn’t see them shake. Her heart pounded in her chest.


“Don’t worry, Cass. There will be a couple of guards outside the whole time I’m gone. If he’s dumb enough to show up here, we’ll get him.” He must have noticed her shivering because he pulled her into his arms.


“I promise he won’t get near you. I don’t take chances when it comes to your safety.” He tilted her chin up, staring into her eyes. “Okay?”


Cassie nodded slightly, unable to look away. Her throat closed around a lump as Alex lowered his mouth to hers. His lips whispered against hers like butterfly wings. When she didn’t pull away, he ran his tongue across her bottom lip. Her heart stuttered at the sweetness of the kiss. She knew this wasn’t smart, but the little shocks exploding from his touch ricocheted through her, scrambling her brains and any good sense she might have once had.


He nipped and nibbled until she gasped. He slid inside, tasting all of her. She slipped her hands around his neck with a moan. His hands skimmed down to her buttocks and he pulled her up against him. The evidence of his arousal pressing into her belly broke through the sensual fog enveloping her and she pulled back. She couldn’t do this. Not like this.


“Cass…” Alex reached for her.


She spun around and ran for the safety of her room. Long after returning to her room, Cassie lay awake. She put her fingers against her lips and replayed that kiss. Her emotions zinged from one extreme to the other. All the time she and Alex were dating, he’d never kissed her like that. True, he’d said he wanted to tell her about himself first, but could she trust that?


Then there were the conditions of her remaining here. She was only staying until they caught this rogue. If she gave up any more of her heart, she’d never be able to put it back together when this was over. But was it already too late?

****

Please return on October 5th for Chapter 7 of Power Play.

~~Riley Quinn~~

Website * Facebook * Twitter

If you missed any of our previous posts and would like to catch up, you can purchase the Digital Digest Volume I and Digital Digest Volume II anthologies as ebooks for only $.99!


Copyright © 2011 Riley Quinn


All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Power Play: Chapter Five

Cassie’s not having a good week. She’s tired of dealing with the mixed signals from her boyfriend and she’s attacked by a large dog. Then it gets worse. Said boyfriend is keeping secrets and possibly using her for his own ends and the dog that attacked her? Yeah, that was a werewolf and now she’s going to be howling at the next full moon.


Not only does she have to deal with a deranged werewolf, intent on killing her but she’s got her boyfriend’s father pushing them to mate. Did she mention her boyfriend was a werewolf too? It’s going to take all she’s got to handle these alpha men and get what she wants too. Things can only get better. Right?


If you missed Chapter Four, you can find it here.


The next morning Cass woke to the sun shining through white eyelet lace curtains. She hadn’t paid much attention to her room last night, too tired and overwrought but this morning, she could see what she had missed. The room was done in white and light blue with light oak furniture. The serene color scheme soothed her tattered nerves.


Her bags piled on and around the chair near the door. All at once, the gravity of the situation came rushing back. She wasn’t here for a weekend visit or a holiday. Some crazed werewolf was out to get her and Alex, the man she’d thought was The One who had been lying to her from the beginning of their relationship, was her best chance at survival. She didn’t even want to think about that mess. Shaking the negative thoughts from her head, she decided that all this angst wasn’t helping the situation. Time to face it straight on.


Cassie got out of bed and pulled the covers up. She padded over to her bags and rummaged around in them until she found her toiletry bag and some clean clothes. After her shower, Cassie headed downstairs to find Alex and get some answers. She felt more like her old self and wanted to take charge of her life, figure out what her future held, and make some decisions.


As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she heard arguing. Alex had company and she couldn’t deny the smidge of relief. While she wanted to put on her big girl panties and demand the truth about her situation, nerves fluttered inside her stomach at the coming confrontation. She debated going back upstairs, but the mention of her name propelled her forward to an open door. The large desk indicated it to be Alex’s office. Not wanting to intrude or eavesdrop, she started back the way she’d come, but again, heard her name. Cassie leaned against the wall next to the door, not sure if she was prepared to hear something potentially life-changing.


“If she’s your mate as you say, claim her. Perform the Mate Bond Ritual.”


She gasped and shrank back from the door. The man moved into her line of site. Her heart pounded in her chest. Mate?


“She’s been attacked twice, Dad. She doesn’t even know about all that.” Alex’s voice cracked on the last word. A strange smell floated out to her, one that smelled almost like Alex yet different. As if he were distressed? Could she smell emotions now? Holy crap.


Why would he be upset? What was this ritual?


“Then you need to explain it to her. You can’t be Pack Alpha without claiming her.”


The air rushed out of her and the blood ran away from her face, leaving her shaking. Did Alex’s protection come with a price? He would use her just like Dirk the Jerk, but this time would kill her. Her feelings for Alex already surpassed what she felt for Dirk. She was in trouble. The next comment brought her attention back to the conversation.


“Perhaps now would be a good time.”


“Now?” In her mind’s eye, she could see Alex running his hand through his hair, a nervous habit she’d noticed him doing more often lately.


“She’s at the door. What better time?”


Cassie’s eyes widened and her breath lodged in her throat. She whirled away, intent on escaping to the security of her room. Though she’d planned to get some answers, she found she wasn’t as ready for them as she’d thought.


“Cass, wait!”


The thump of Alex’s footsteps chased her to the door. She locked it as the knob turned. Her heart galloped in her chest, much the way she had. It might be nice to have these extra perks from turning hairy once a month.


“Please, let me explain.”


Ha! What was there to explain? That he conveniently forgot to mention that he needed her for some ritual? That he had not only lied to her continually, but planned to use her? That he’d broken her heart? She leaned against the door, breathing hard. “I heard everything already. Go away!”


A soft thud from the other side of the door sent her scurrying across the room. Backing toward the bed, she eyed the barrier. Just a thin door, he could probably bust in or even find the key and unlock it. She sank down into a huddle on the floor.


“I need to clear up what you think you heard.” Alex’s muffled words filtered through the door.


A bitter laugh escaped. “You planned to use me so you could be the next Grand Poobah, or whatever. It’s pretty self-explanatory.” Blinking away the tears, she squared her shoulders and sat up straight. She would not let him know how much he’d hurt her.


“It’s not like that. I swear. Please let me talk to you.”


He sounded so sincere. No wonder he’d fooled her so easily. He deserved an Academy award.


“Leave me alone or I’m out of here. I mean it.” She held her breath, not releasing it until she heard him move, back toward the stairs. Once assured she was alone, the tears flowed. Her heart broke in tiny pieces as she sobbed.


The tears finally dried up, leaving her feeling worse than before. Her throat was raw and her eyes were swollen and gritty. She was a fool. Why else would a man like Alex want her, but to use her? Hadn’t she thought all along that he was too good to be true? At least she had the hollow comfort of not making love to him. Those memories would make it much harder to get over him and get over him she would. While the sun had moved through the sky, she realized what she needed to do.


She would stay until Alex dealt with the man who had tried to kill her. It was his fault she’d been attacked, after all. Once the threat had been taken care of, she’d find some other city to call home. Cassie couldn’t take the chance of running into Alex.


Then she’d start the process of rebuilding her life and her heart. Until then, keeping her distance from him would be difficult considering she was staying at his house, but it was also imperative. She couldn’t weaken her resolve. Not if she had hopes of ever moving on to find someone who would love her for herself and not what she could do for him.

****

It was several hours past dinner before Cassie ventured downstairs. The shower earlier had gone a long way to refresh her spirit, though she wasn’t sure if she was ready to see Alex yet. She’d preferred to wait until tomorrow to chance seeing him, but her stomach rebelled so she resorted to slinking through the house like a thief in the night. Of course, that was exactly what she was. She grinned to herself, the first she’d managed since her attack. Now, what to eat? She was starved.


Cassie turned on the light over the stove, more out of habit than necessity since her new senses gave her excellent night vision. She headed over to the refrigerator to check out her options. As she reached for a plate of cold chicken, the overhead light snapped on. She whirled around and came face to face with the man who’d broken her heart. Heavy beats thudded painfully in her chest as a searing pain pierced through her chest at the sight of him.


“I thought I heard you down here.” Alex’s words whispered across her ears and a shiver raced down her spine.


She cleared her throat and looked for an escape route. “Sorry. I was hungry.”


“Please don’t run. Eat.” Shoulders tense and dark circles under his eyes, he still looked so damn hot she couldn’t keep her eyes off him.


Hugging the plate of chicken to her chest, she watched him for any sudden moves or ulterior motives. Her stomach chose that moment to remind her how long ago her last meal had been when it growled into the heavy silence between them. Alex reached behind him and grabbed a loaf of bread, placing it on the counter.


At her quelling look, he backed up, his hands raised in surrender. She pulled out the rest of the sandwich fixings and proceeded to make her dinner while keeping a wary eye on Alex. God, how could she be so stupid? Why didn’t she hear him before he surprised her? Would he try and trick her? Did he have to be so damn gorgeous?


“Cass, please let me explain. I can’t stand this distance between us.” He ran his hands through his hair, obviously upset. She almost felt sorry for him. Almost.


“I came down here to get some dinner, not listen to the next batch of lies.” Cassie shook her head when Alex opened his mouth, fists tightened to keep from reaching out to him, to stay strong. “I don’t want to talk about that conversation. I’ll stay until you get the guy that attacked me – if you stop this nonsense. Otherwise, I’m leaving and taking my chances.”


“Cass—”


“It’s up to you. I’ll be down for breakfast in the morning. You can give me your decision then.” She grabbed her sandwich and took off for her room. After locking the door, she sagged against it and slid to the floor.


It took all she had to keep from throwing herself into his arms and begging him to love her. She couldn’t stay locked up in this room the entire time, but she couldn’t take his anguished pleas and sad eyes. If she stayed, there would have to be some ground rules. Hopefully, her attacker would be found quickly and she could end this torture.


After a sleepless night of tossing and turning, Cassie headed down the stairs toward the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen. The sandwich she’d had last night had barely held her over. The butterflies in her stomach warred with her hunger, the desire for food winning out over her apprehension.


Alex was at the stove when she entered, looking better than a lying bastard should. He wore faded jeans that molded to his body and a tight t-shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders and muscular chest. Her breath caught in her chest as her hand itched to explore all of that brawny splendor in a bed. Giving herself a mental shake, she shivered and pulled her gaze away. Despite his strong, virile presence, his bare feet gave him an air of vulnerability that she refused to acknowledge.


He must have heard her because he turned around as soon as she crossed the threshold. His smile was enough to blind her. The difference between this Alex and the man that had been in this same room with her last night was like, well, night and day. She blinked rapidly.


“Good morning, sweetheart.”


“Uh, g-good morning.” She stood in the doorway, uncertain what to make of this about face. It threw her.


“Sit down. Breakfast is almost ready.” Alex turned back to the sizzling bacon.


She wavered for a moment, and then shrugged. Maybe he realized his lies weren’t going to work anymore. That would make things easier for her. So why did she feel like he’d given up too easily and why did it leave her with an emptiness inside that had nothing to do with food?

****

It took all of Alex’s restraint to turn away from her so casually, but he had to stick to his plan. If he ever wanted a chance to win her back, he couldn’t push. So he would act as though he accepted her decision until he could worm his way back into her heart and make her understand the truth.


He finished breakfast and joined her at the table. They ate in silence until he was sure Cass was no longer hungry.


“I imagine you have some questions about being a wolf.”


Cass jumped and looked up at him.


“You know I do.” She fiddled with the silverware next to her plate and he watched the blush rise from her chest up to her cheeks.


She was so adorable when nervous. He leaned back into his chair and crossed his arms to keep from reaching for her, to keep from begging her to love him. “Go ahead. Ask.”


Cassie cleared her throat. “Does it hurt?” She quickly looked down at the silverware she played with.


“Does what hurt, baby?” Could she be referring to his feelings? Would she listen to the truth now? She dashed his hopes with her next question, however.


“When you shift, does it hurt?”


He could see the trepidation in her eyes when she looked back up at him. He’d never given it much thought since he’d been born a wolf, but he could see where it would worry her.


“No. You’re what we call a made. Your first shift may be uncomfortable, but it won’t hurt.” Her shoulders sagged in relief.


“Good. I’m allergic to pain.” She flashed him a weak smile.


Some unknown emotion opened inside his chest at the sight. He hadn’t seen one of her lovely smiles since before the attack. Would things be okay? He’d have to go slowly. Her body relaxed and released some of the tension that had held her body rigid.


“Okay, so tell me more about being a werewolf.”

****

Please return on September 21st for Chapter 6 of Power Play.

~~Riley Quinn~~

Website * Facebook * Twitter

If you missed any of our previous posts and would like to catch up, you can purchase the Digital Digest Volume I and Digital Digest Volume II anthologies as ebooks for only $.99!


Copyright © 2011 Riley Quinn


All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.