Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Violet

“Where are you going?”

“We,” Violet corrected Landon. “I tried it your way, now it is my way – the highway.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Landon dismissed her.

“Landon, we’ve been waiting for Pack Order to come get me for hours. They never arrived or got lost on the way. Either way, it is their loss. I refuse to put my life on hold for anyone. So you are taking me on a ride.”

“Now you want to mate?” Wayne asked terrified of the paper thin walls of her apartment.

“Not that kind of a ride, Wayne. Though I wouldn’t necessarily mind it,” Violet suggestively wiggled her eyebrows at Landon who chuckled. Violet suspected it was mostly at Wayne’s expense. “If Pack Order really wanted to arrest me, they would have done it by now. There’s something else going on, and I don’t plan to waste my time waiting for it. I want to live. Right now that translates into feeling the wind in my face. Who knows, I might even snack on your neck, Lan.”

“It’s official. You two are too sugary even for me,” Wayne complained.

Violet laughed at Wayne’s joke and gave him a friendly pat on his back.

“You’ll find your one and then you will be the cause of diabetes,” Violet couldn’t stop herself.

“For once, I wouldn’t mind being the punch line of the honey joke,” Wayne replied and then clapped his hands. “If they arrest you, I am your first call.”

“Yes,” Violet replied reciting his number. Wayne looked pleased with her.

It was shortly afterwards they escorted Wayne to the parking lot. As they neared, Violet got apprehensive about riding the bike. Although she had proposed it, she did not necessarily feel safe. There was a reason why bikers were called donor cyclists.

“Don’t worry, I have driven with a passenger before,” Landon explained as he straddled his bike, handing her his helmet. Violet instinctively took it before realizing he did not have one. “I won’t go fast, besides what kind of a bodyguard would I be, if I don’t take care of your safety first?”

“But I want you to go fast,” Violet complained, looking conflicted between him and the helmet.

“When we have two helmets. Until then hop on,” Landon told her, patting the seat behind him.

Her hand moved over his shoulder as she braced herself swinging her leg over the bike and sitting.

“Don’t dismount when we stop at traffic lights. Lean in as I lean. If you want to stop, just tap twice on the shoulder,” Landon instructed her, reaching behind him to press her sneakers into the rests, making sure she was secured. Even if it was for safety purposes, Violet help it but get excited at having his palms wrapped around her ankles. “Scoot, closer.”

She followed his instruction, eliminating almost all space between her inner thighs and the back of his legs. Her hands slid under his jacket, feeling the exposed skin between the buttons of his shirt.

Landon

It was one thing to drive at full speed with the wind in your face, and a whole other to do so with the love of your life. Because that was what she was. Just like Violet knew she wanted to feel the wind in her hair, Landon realized just how desperately he needed her in his life. Violet had begun healing wounds Landon would never admit existed neither to himself, nor to another. He was her first choice and definitely not second in any regards.

There was a difference between overcoming your insecurities and pretending you resolved them only to have them resurface. Self-doubt led to indecision and missed opportunities – that was not a possibility in Landon’s life. He had goals and the plans how to make them happen.

Everything started and ended with the here and now – his Violet.

When Violet mounted the bike, Landon felt betrayed by his own body. Adjusting her feet to the foot rest was bad enough to give him a permanent hard on. His instincts backfired even further as she obediently scooted closer and closer, until her legs hit the back of his. Landon gritted his teeth, reminding himself there was a time and place for everything. Her hands held him tight, fingertips slipping under his jacket and shirt, resting south of his waist, making the blood pool in his groin, leaving him lightheaded. Landon forgot all the objections of riding into the sunset with her.

“I am not going to let you slip through my fingers,” he promised her.

“Pack Order won’t break us,” Violet agreed.

Violet never ceased to amaze him. Her mind was sharp and she knew exactly what to reply to make him want her with everything that he was. It was that special something which ignited his imagination; challenged him, and appeased him all at the same time. Landon couldn’t even pretend to understand it, but it felt right and that was what mattered.

“There is a kick,” he explained, while Violet squeezed her thighs together, her knees pressing in the back of his thighs. Her hands drifted to his prominent hard on, only for Landon to groan.

Violet had temporally agreed not to rush into a marking. Landon knew such compliance would not last longer. It was evident she purposefully put his resolution to test. Second guessing his decisions was something he never did, but Violet made it impossible not to think about their predicament. The animal part in Landon wanted to dominate his Skin, and to take what he deemed his. Landon knew Violet would gladly accept such offering.

So why was he fighting against their deepest wish – to belong to someone?

The misunderstood righteousness of wanting it to be a choice not necessity had a lot to do with it.

“Drive, you, sexy Beast,” Violet purred into his back, pressing her breasts into his back.

Landon smelled her arousal even over the oil from his Harley as it kicked to life. Although Violet was the one who wanted the wind in her face, Landon appreciated the change. If she only knew how close he was to claiming her right there and then on the back of his Harley, she would have never urged him to take off.

The motion, the speed and the adrenaline rush of riding with his girl was all he ever wanted. The destination never seemed as important till now.

Ethan Aberdeen

Everyone had their own place where they could think and channel their most productive self. While some chose nature; others valued meditation. For Ethan it was the office of Doctor Kaleo. It was the only place that even after the accident he felt like himself. It was his way to hold onto the last piece of his old life – his confidence. It sure helped the young doctor entered only after he was seated.

His medical history had never been hidden from her. She knew, yet she did not bring up his disability, earning his respect.

“Oh, hello, Alpha Aberdeen,” she greeted with a smile on her face. Doctor Nalani Kaleo was an exceptional woman, whose compassion knew no boundaries. Ethan always wondered why she chose to remain a lone wolf, refusing to join any of the packs surrounding the dental office. There was an unspoken understanding between them – she didn’t acknowledge his wheelchair, and he didn’t ask her for pack allegiance. It worked especially since Ethan did not want to jeopardize this hour-appointment by discussing her history. It would be inconsiderate and inappropriate. “How are you doing today?”

“Good. And you?” Ethan felt better than ever now that he was in her presence.

“Great. I was beginning to think we would never get passed the rains of last week. Finally some sunshine is headed our way,” Doctor Kaleo’s topic for small talk always revolved around weather. It seemed fitting. It could not have been easy coming from an island to no other than the grumpy north-eastern weather. “What can I help you with today?”

“Here for my spring cleaning,” Ethan joked.

“That’s actually a good one,” her lips stretched into a big smile as her eyes quickly scanned his chart. “It’s been less than three months since your last appointment.”

“I just love the freshness. Besides aren’t dogs at higher risk for periodontal disease?” Ethan shrugged.

“Hmm,” Doctor Kaleo agreed. “Prevention is key – I would rather see you for a quick check up than extensive procedures. Are there any new medications, hospital visits or diagnosis since the last time we’ve met?”

“No,” Ethan denied. “But I wanted to ask about silver fillings. How do they work in shifters?”

“Well, they are a mixture of metals, hence the name amalgam. The silver is trapped and coated with other metals we don’t have reactions to. The only way we can be exposed to silver or mercury is when we prepare the mix of metals, which we no longer do by hand. We have machines to do that. Silver can also be released when we are cutting the filling without using the water spray to cool it. The increasing surface temperature evaporates the mercury from the mix, causing the mixture to weaken and to release all metals. Thankfully the humans have always been concerned about mercury so they have done all the research in the mater, developing safety protocols and alternative materials.” Dr Kaleo finished.

“So what if you have a fever?” Ethan questioned her further.

“The rise in the surface temperature of the mixture needs to be significant, which does not happen during fever or we would have witnessed mercury and silver poisoning rates climb over the last 150 years,” Dr Kaleo explained then proceeded to start the cleaning.

“Even during the mating heat?” Ethan wiggled out of her reach.

“There’s little research in the matter. While humans worry about mercury, shifters are cautious of the potential silver release. It is safe to say, both groups avoid the material. Besides it is unethical to conduct research with controlled groups when we can safely avoid the issue all together,” Dr. Kaleo continued, reclining the chair.

It was a signal for Ethan to open and let her work. Ethan was always fascinated by how organized her approach was. She always measured his gums, comparing to previous measurements before thoroughly cleaning his teeth. They felt really smooth and fresh. Ethan wondered if she did clean teeth in wolf form. He didn’t ask. He couldn’t shift any more so there was no real point of knowing the answer.

By the end of the appointment, his mind was preoccupied with the information she had given him. There was only one question to be answered.

“How would Creed interact with silver fillings?” Ethan casually asked.

Dr Kaleo visibly tensed then almost whispered, “Alpha, should I be concerned about you?”

“Oh, Goddess no. No Creed for me,” Ethan chuckled, wondering why he hadn’t thought of the quick conclusion the good doctor could make. “Someone slipped Creed in my friend’s chardonnay. She was extremely lucky she survived. While we are happy she did, I wouldn’t be a good Alpha if I don’t raise questions which could possibly lead to improved odds for those who knowingly or unknowingly taking the drug. You never realize just how messed up the world has become until it hits home, you know.”

“Your territory?” Dr. Kaleo inquired.

“No. Inferno,” Ethan clarified.

If it had happened on his territory he would have been food for the crows. His pack was as settled as gun powder and Creed would guarantee an explosion.

“Creed serves no purpose. Even its recreational usage is deadly. Pack Order has waged war against it. The problem with Creed is that as long as it produces euphoria and high in humans, there will always be market for it in the big cities and human settlements. You have better chances developing a vaccine against a virus than fighting the market’s laws of demand and supply.” Dr. Kaleo replied.

“Could there be a reversal agent? Like the rescue medications for opioid overdose?” Ethan inquired.

“There is a lot that is not known for this synthetic,” Dr. Kaleo shrugged her shoulders. “I am sure Pack Order is already looking into the matter.”

Ethan huffed. Pack Order was busy chasing Violet and Landon if the latest gossip was true. The average Joe was not their priority.

“Is there at least a way to figure out how a slender she-wolf survived, while Beta Noah of the Howlers didn’t?”

“You’re asking me to guess and it goes against all that dentists are trained to do. We like order, research and certainty, and there are so many unknowns in this equation.”

“Your personal biased opinion would be,” Ethan tried to wiggle an answer from her, only for her to shake her head, giving him a wide smile.

“You’re gonna get me in trouble,” she replied. Although Ethan knew she did not mean it as a flirtation, it sure sounded like one in his mind. After all, this was his sanctuary, where he was still Ethan Aberdeen before the wheel chair. He couldn’t stop himself from returning her smile, making his best pleading face which raised more skirts and dropped more panties than he could ever remember. “I am not trying to dodge your question, but you need basic data and a bigger sample to be able to draw a statistically significant conclusion. I am no expert. You need someone fluent in Pharmacology to get to the nitty gritty of how the drug interacts with the body. Once you know that basic stuff, you can make guesses about dosage interactions, routes of administration, body mass and metabolism. And if that didn’t make your head spin, tracing what was different in both cases can then answer your question.”

Different.

Simplifying things was a second nature for Ethan. It was easy for him to accept Creed had the exact same formula and characteristics in both cases. Even Landon’s presence in Violet’s house was irrelevant as it was only supportive. That left only two major differences between Violet and Noah – gender, weight and mating status.

And only one of those tied in a fact that was already known. Shifters died, humans – survived. Who was to say the rejected shifters were not in between-ers? It would have certainly explained why Violet had never experienced the high, and why her temperature changes haven’t been life-threatening.

The only other explanation could be easily verified with Violet and Noah’s dental records. Lucky for Ethan, Landon was in unique position to per quire both.

Creed was a threat to all shifters. Ethan had no doubt many Alphas would readily turn in any and all information that could potentially save shifter’s lives. He would soon have the dental records and Dr. Kaleo could interpret the findings for him in this retrospective analysis.

Ethan smiled at the opportunity to see Dr. Kaleo again.

Landon

Landon stopped miles up north when his stomach reminded him it has been hours since their breakfast. He parked, while her hands still remained firmly planted on him.

“We’re here,” Landon told her, feeling her press down on his shoulder while she dismounted.

“This is not where you live,” Violet’s disappointment was obvious.

Landon chuckled, “No. It is where we eat.”

Landon wrapped his hand around her waist, walking over to the Steakhouse. The barbecue scent was heavy in the air.

“Am I not your meal?” Violet questioned, her lower lip turning out in an adorable pout.

Landon shook his head pulling her closer to his side, and capturing her lower lip with his.

“You’re my dessert.” He replied showing her just how hungry she made him feel. “I don’t keep food in my house as I am never there.”

“So we would end up there at some point,” Violet quickly caught on, excitement dancing in her eyes. If she was this happy to see his home, Landon couldn’t wait to witness her reaction when they finally arrived. He could hardly contain himself from spilling the surprise that awaited there. Instead, Landon decided to tease her.

“I plan to spend the night between your legs.”

It was true.

A confession of sorts.

“What about the evening?” Violet questioned back, creasing his shirt under her palms. It teased him to no end.

“You wouldn’t be able to walk or ride in the morning,” Landon promised her.

“I’ll take my chances.” Violet grinned, a little blush creeping up her cheeks.

Landon loved seeing her like this – relaxed and flustered by something he had said. The loud rumble from her stomach interrupted them ushering the couple to step in the Steakhouse. The barbeque smell intensified as they took a booth at the back with a view of the dense forest. Ordering beer, steak and fries, Landon had eyes only for Violet, completely missing the advances of the waitress as she brought out breadsticks and butter.

Violet didn’t.

“Heartbreaker,” Violet hungrily bit into a breadstick with aggression that no food inspired.

“What?” Landon asked, stealing a bite from her breadstick as he tugged her into his arms.

“You just didn’t see the waitress presenting her,” Violet put her hands over her breasts adding, “at you.”

“Darn it. I missed it,” Landon joked, only for Violet to slap at his thigh. Landon quickly caught her hand, interlocking their fingers and brought their joined hands over to his lips. “I have eyes only for you.”

“I’ll let you off the hook because I am so generous and since I loved riding with you.”

Landon laughed then applied, “Anything for you.”

“How about a claim?” Violet questioned.

“In due time,” Landon replied fingertip tracing her palm with his forefinger.

“So what happens next?”

“I’ll take you to my place, and never let go.” Landon cryptically replied.

“Oh, I am shaking in my panties,” Violet laughed.

“It’s good a practice for tonight,” Landon replied, making her laugh even harder.

It hadn’t been long after they had finished their meal, when bike revving announced the approach of the Dragons. Landon swore, catching Violet’s attention.

“I’m undercover with a motor club. Those are their mufflers,” Landon whispered in her ear, making it look like he was about to peck her neck. “Just go along with me, okay?”

Violet nodded, and Landon pecked her neck just in time to miss Chains’ entrance. Unlike other clubs, the Dragons were a tight knit family that looked out for the neighborhood. Sure, they dealt with guns and ammo, but it was just enough to keep the block safe.

Chains cleared his throat twice before Landon stopped nuzzling Violet’s neck.

“Long time no see, Cutter,” Chains greeted. “We were actually on the way to your place to check up on you.”

Landon was Cutter, the Sergeant of Arms, skilled at proficiently shredding paper and skin. It was as close to translation of an Enforcer as there was one in a motor club. It looked bad that Cutter had left them without so much of a word, but Violet was his perfect cover. It was also the truth and it showed.

“I couldn’t stop myself. I still can’t,” Landon replied looking at Violet.

“You’ve found your ol’ lady,” Chains’ reply was gruff and Landon knew it was not an invite but a demand for introduction.

“Who would blame me for not wanting you, old hogs, meeting her just yet,” Landon replied, causing the the MC group to erupt in chuckles. There was only so much leeway one could get with the President. “Vi, meet the Dragons. Chains is the President, Smoke on his right is the VP, and all the others are bold and ugly enough to introduce themselves.”

“Hey,” Violet greeted, shyly waiving her hand.

“I never thought I’d see Cutter distracted by a woman,” Chains replied.

“Thanks,” Violet replied, then patted Landon’s chest. “I’ll go get the food.”

“Here,” Landon quickly gave her his wallet which she accepted without question just like an old lady would. Landon did not miss the little sway of her hips as she walked over to the bar to collect the two to-go meas. The food promised a night of sating of all cravings.

“You are not riding with us any time soon,” the VP Bull chuckled.

“Darn it, if I had such a hot piece of ass, I wouldn’t show my face either,” Wreck replied, watching Violet pick up the take out from the bar.

Landon stood from the table holding back a growl at the appreciative glances directed at Violet. Landon reminded himself these were only humans, and their link couldn’t compare to what they had.

“If you don’t want Cutter to smoke you, you better close your jaw, Wreck,” Chains instructed and Landon gave him a thankful nod. There were only few things that could evade Chains. “Go. We’d expect to see you both at Church.”

“We’ll do,” Landon replied, before walking over to Violet at the bar and wrapping himself around her.

“Protective much,” Violet teased.

“You have no idea,” Landon replied.

“But I do,” Violet laughed pressing against his hard on then teased, “Cutter, we’ve got to relief that pressure.”

“Goddess, help me,” Landon exclaimed then guided giggling Violet outside.