Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Violet

“I came for you. On behalf of your parents,” Karim told her, never letting her out of his intense gaze. Violet found it disturbing and would have looked away from his unblinking stare, had it not been considered a submission. She didn’t want any ideas about her acceptance of his station flying around in Karim’s limited mind. He was never going to be anything other than her painful past.

“Don’t,” Violet warned him.

There were certain things Violet chose to overlook in Karim’s speech, and then there were things she was fierce about. Family was one of them. Her parents were a topic she had no intention of discussing with him of all people.

“Their wish has always been for you to be with your mate,” Karim told her. His intonation clearly showed he was that mate for her.

While everything in her screamed to tell him to go to hell and never bother coming back, she decided to go with a more civilized answer, which wasn’t totally void of a bite.

“Yes, and I finally found him,” Violet agreed with Karim, while she looked at Landon. Violet didn’t know just how she ended up with someone so amazing, but she was not going to question her luck.

“He’ll always be your chosen, not fated,” Karim was quick to argue.

“What’s wrong with you?” Violet snapped at Karim’s arrogance. “You did not even have the dignity to reject me in person, but now you want me! Are you for real?”

“They are alive,” Karim ignored her outburst, his whinny voice filling the quiet room. In fact, everything about Karim was annoying – from the way he carried himself, to the way he spoke and even breathed. Violet wondered just what she had seen in Karim back in the day to consider him a worthy mate. Boy, did she want to laugh at herself.

Violet took a deep breath. Landon’s cologne calmed her down to the point that she would not attack the visiting Beta. The bond with Landon was strengthening, and Violet could not wait to smack a love-bite on his neck.

“Your parents tried leaving but were caught and punished. When Gagnon banished them, he made them a promise to make you his Breeder,” Karim gave her parents’ account of the events. Violet was not interested in hearing the story from him.

Her parents were dead. She had felt their mindlink shatter. There was no happy ending on that front.

“The pack probably told you they were dead to prevent you from seeking vengeance. But old blood ties,” Karim continued.

“Old blood rise,” Violet recalled the Northern’s saying her mom often recited.

“Exactly. Your escape is the one true testament to that saying. You managed to focus Pack Order’s attention at Gagnon. You inspired so many people. You are famous up North,” Karim informed her.

There it was. The true reason why he was here.

If there was ever a doubt in her mind why he wanted her back, it was put to rest. Karim wasn’t here out of love, or to seek her forgiveness. He certainly wasn’t there to make amends. He wanted popularity. Power.

Violet grinded her teeth. The nerve the bastard had to even show his face in front of her.

“Your Alpha could have called Jacob, or sent Xander.” Violet couldn’t help herself but mentioned Xander. He had been the only one who she would have enjoyed seeing.

Karim clenched his teeth at the mention of the Gamma.

“Too bad, so sad,” Violet’s sarcasm invaded her thoughts. It seemed Karim was still jealous of Xander and Violet’s history.

“I know he is your favorite,” Karim snapped hinting at some inappropriate closeness that existed only in his deranged mind. “Leave Xander to his Fated.”

“He found her,” Violet happily exclaimed, noticing a smile on Landon’s face. Whether his grin was approval of her good mood, or because Xander was no longer a competition, Violet didn’t know. Frankly, in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t matter. Though Landon did not seem to be the type to be jealous of anything or anyone, she couldn’t spend much time on wondering about his reaction. Karim’s stern expression hinted of trouble. Something was going on with Xander. “They are together, right?”

“They are. But it’s been a rough adjustment for both of them,” Karim replied.

“Why?” Violet immediately questioned. She still felt guilty about marking him and wished she could do something to help their situation.

Karim’s eyebrow shot up but he remained quiet. His expression clearly challenging her to come to the conclusion – she was the source of problems between the couple.

Violet chose to ignore Karim all together and focus on Landon.

“I have to make things right between them,” Violet told Landon.

“She’ll understand,” Landon assured her. “But if you want, we can invite them over. I am sure Jacob wouldn’t mind.”

“They can’t travel,” Karim replied, calling the attention to his person again. “She’s on bed rest.”

Goddess, his communication skills were so choppy, she was glad she did not have to put up with his conversational style day in and day out. Pulling teeth seemed like an easier task.

After what seemed like an hour-long pause, Karim added, “She’s pregnant.”

Violet smiled brightly.

“It’s not his,” Karim quickly informed them.

“It’s still his mate’s,” Violet argued not understanding why it was a big deal in the overall equation.

“No, it is not,” Karim explained then sighed, “When they have a pup together, it would be difficult to decide who should get the title.”

The long pause and the sigh gave away his true feelings about it. He was identifying with their situation. He had rejected Violet so that he could be the father to his pup with another and pass to them his title.

“Because passing the title is the most important thing,” Violet’s bitterness finally found a vent.

“It might seem petty to you to consider it this early, but these things tend to fester between brothers,” Karim looked at Landon as he said it. The implication was clear – he was giving Landon and his brother as an example.

“Only if you allow them,” Landon’s response was leveled, detached.

“The chain of command should remain clear and cannot be diluted, or people get killed,” Karim continued.

“Has it ever crossed your mind that a rank might not be as appealing to me as it is to you?” Landon questioned.

“Is that so?” Karim smiled then challenged, “Is that why or should I say how you became the Howler’s Beta?”

Landon fierce growl surprised Violet, who immediately looked up at him. He was beyond angry now.

Violet replayed Karim’s words in her mind, only to gasp. It wasn’t just the rivalry between two Betas who had a female to impress. Karim had accused Landon of his predecessor’s murder.

Landon

Landon was known for his reasoning and calm demeanor. He read people and situations alike and made a living out of it because he kept his shit under control. Somehow the Devil Creek’s Beta managed to summon all the anger and bitterness Landon had ever dealt through the years. One hundred and eighty seconds difference in Landon’s birth certificate from his brother translated into years of second-guessing, dismissing or underestimating Landon’s rank in the pack. A lifetime of hard work was still not enough to erase the distrust of Landon’s capabilities.

Karim’s insult was buried deep in his question but still very tangible.

Landon would not tolerate his name tarnished. Sure, he had taken lives. He was likely to do it again, but every single kill was sanctioned. In all of his stupidity, Karim had insinuated Landon was involved with Noah’s death.

“Why don’t you say what you really mean?” Landon growled at Karim, stepping around Violet, keeping her behind his back.

“They say every rumor has a grain of truth,” Karim wetted his lips.

“Just shut the hell up, you narrow-minded, misinformed little twat,” Violet interrupted Karim, whose eyes glazed over with rage. Landon smiled at the fierce defense of the brunette, the rage from the insult transforming into an appreciation of his mate. Landon wrapped his hand around her waist pulling her into his front, but Violet was on a mission to defend his honor, “You come back in my life, ask for my forgiveness then insult my man. Oh, no, no, no. You better apologize to him right now, or I won’t stop him and he,” Violet pointed over her shoulder at Landon, “will end you.”

Violet’s gesticulating captured all of their attention. There was nothing sexier than your mate’s confidence in your abilities. She had made it known Landon was her hero, while in reality, she was his champion. Karim surprisingly kept quiet through all of the finger-pointing.

When Violet was done with Karim, and he had still not made a move to apologize, she sighed then turned to face Landon.

“He’s not worth the paperwork,” Violet told Landon, then locked eyes with Wayne, making the wear-bear break contact with her first. She was a force to be reckoned with. Too bad for Karim, he let her slip through his hands. Now she was Landon’s and he had no intention of doing the same mistake.

As the silence stretched, Violet took Landon’s hand in hers, tugging him out of the room. Landon wordlessly followed her to her office. There was no point in arguing with the woman, who had just defended his honor and prevented a major conflict between the two packs. Besides her fiery defense had stirred something more primal. In both of them. He could smell her arousal and had no doubt the men in the room could do the same.

The moment he closed the door behind him, Violet jumped him. Landon smiled against her lips as his palms cupped her butt, supporting her weight as her legs locked behind him. The urgency, with which her body rubbed against him, left no need for words. Landon sat Violet on the edge of her desk, creating just enough space for her fingers to find his flier and to free him. Seconds later, he was within her. This wasn’t a slow or gentle joining. It was hot, messy, but equally satisfying.

Violet

Violet was not quite sure how they ended up mating over her desk or how they had managed to do so without discarding their clothing. As soon as she freed him, his hands moved under her dress, lifting the wedged undies off her core and replaced them with something more substantial. Pressing against her opening, her folds softly parted, exposing her to his invasion.

Whoever came up with the term panty-dropper sure meant Landon. There was nothing more enticing than her male. Violet moaned. Her body opened responding to his dominance, taking him in one swift motion. Never before had she felt so weightless. Her muscles gripped him for a second before he rocked back only to thrust back with enough force to lift her off the desk. Yet, there was no pain. Violet was full and complete with him lodged deep. His palms pressed onto her hips, keeping her in place, as he drove in again and again. Violet’s arms and legs wrapped around him, bringing him closer and preventing his retreat.

The blissful energy he was creating sounded through the quiet room, mixing with their grunts and moans. Warm tingles erupted from wherever skin touched skin. Both Violet and her wolf accepting this deserving male as a mate.

It wasn’t until her canines pierced his skin that she realized what she had done. As the coppery liquid filled her mouth, she eagerly swallowed. The completion of the mating settled into her body, allowing them an unrestricted access to the other’s brain.

“Goddess, you’re amazing,” his thought echoed in her mind.

Instead of answering, Violet took one last mouthful of his blood before pecking her claim on him, teasingly tracing the dents her teeth left on him. Words seemed to evade her as always, so she did the only thing she could do. She opened her mind to show him just how much she needed him.

“You’re mine,” Violet finally shot through the link.

Landon shuddered, accepting her claim. His head nudged hers up from her claim, his eyes promising a devotion few experienced in a lifetime. Their lips met in a fierce passion of tugging and nibbling, pressure and feather touch contrasting and complimenting each other.

Her palms rubbed over his wide shoulders, fingers sliding under from his neck opening. Landon’s hands searched and molded her body to his, his hot mouth leaving a cool trail of saliva in its wake.

Violet’s skin was afire. Every cell of her body craved him – his scent and essence equally enticing as she was on the verge of having him again. His impetuous stride rewarding them with the closeness they craved.

His rougher and quicker pace passed the urgency to her body. His groans meeting her moans, creating a beautiful symphony with the slapping sounds of flesh against flesh. He was slipping, probing and filling her. As warmth seeped through her body, she was reminded they haven’t used protection. Sure, she had been on the pill, but was it enough? Suddenly the possibility of bearing his child became appealing more than ever. He was hers. It was only right for her to get all of him.

Her forehead rested against his shoulder, her breath over the fresh claim. His fingers massaged her body in their afterglow.

“Thanks from scratching my itch,” Violet breathed into his neck.

“My pleasure,” Landon smiled then pressed a quick peck on her temple, before wrapping his body around her, pressing into their joining. “Finally, I am claimed.”

Violet pressed a light kiss over his neck, Landon’s breathing paused in anticipation of what she would do next. Her tongue felt the dents of her teeth, making him groan his acceptance.

“It took her long enough,” Violet whispered against the wet trail her tongue left, making him shiver.

“The best things come to those who wait,” Landon replied smugly, making her chuckle.

“I feel like a jelly,” Violet told him, leaning back against the desk. Landon pulled her hips back to him, keeping them locked together. She rested on her elbows, looking at him, “Greedy much?”

“I can’t get enough of you,” Landon replied stroking her thighs as he rocked back and forth.

“Welcome to mated life,” Violet teased, only for Landon’s hands to wrap around her ankles and lifted each one over his shoulders.

“You won’t be able to air this room for a week if we do all the things I want to do. There is a reason why this is called a quickie,” Landon replied teased her with a series of strokes before he eased out, sitting down on her chair and sliding the chair to the table to help clean up with his tongue.

“You don’t need to,” Violet tried to stop him, only for his palms to press her thighs open.

“I want to,” Landon replied, sticking his tongue out and running it over her folds. “I made the mess, I get to clean it.”

“Well in such case, proceed,” Violet relaxed against the desk moaning as his tongue traced her folds, before dipping in and scooping some of their combined essences. His lips circled onto her swollen bud, and his tongue flicked it in a short upward motion. Violet’s hands shot in his hair as new moisture pooled. Just as her body vibrated with a new energy, Landon pulled away causing her to whimper at the loss of the contact.

“Won’t you finish what you’ve started?” Violet questioned.

“We could be here all night,” Landon told her standing up, helping her sit up.

“Tempting,” Violet responded only for Landon to chuckle.

Landon

Landon couldn’t stay away from her. Her scent of arousal dictated his surrender. It was difficult for a newly mated couple to stay away from each other. Matings happened to solidify the bond. While they both wanted to indulge in each other, they knew better. Or so Landon thought as he found it extremely difficult to pull away from the delicacy in front of him.

She had just received the news of her parents and no amount of love-making would make the betrayal any less painful. If they had left her behind, they were no better than Gagon, who kept her.

“I feel like we are ignoring the elephant in the room,” Landon started, pulling his boxers and pants on.

“It sure was a nice elephant,” Violet looked at his crotch with longing, making him swell once again.

“But it didn’t solve anything,” Landon retorted, straightening his clothes.

Violet slipped a hand between her tights, demanding his attention.

“Didn’t it?” She teased licking the wetness off her finger, his eyes watching her transfixed. “I can’t keep my hands away from you.”

“I am not one to complain. I am under your spell, but I am afraid I’d break you if we indulge any further,” his raspy voice told her his truth. “Or bruise you.”

Violet slid down the desk and straddled him.

“You wouldn’t,” Violet pecked him her palms cupping his cheek. “Your presence alone is enough to make me wet.”

“Gushing,” Landon corrected her, only for Violet to slap his chest.

“Fishing for compliments now, aren’t you?” Violet asked only for Landon to shrug.

“Who can blame me?”

“You are my only match,” Violet told him looking him in the eye. There was nobody but him and she wanted him to know it. “My protector.”

“Isn’t that the job description of a mate?” Landon teased and before she could answer, he pecked her lips. “Eh, about earlier,” Landon didn’t know how to proceed. He wondered if there ever was a good way to ask about her parents. They were either dead or soon to be dead, as nobody betrayed his mate without suffering his wrath.

“I don’t have romantic feelings for Xander,” Violet replied, only for Landon to chuckle.

“I am not jealous of him,” Landon replied holding her gaze.

“Karim?” Violet asked surprised.

“I am jealous I was not Fated to you from the start,” Landon replied, then rubbed the back of his neck. “I know it is…”

“Sweet. Actually very romantic. I wish we were Fated from the start, so we wouldn’t have wasted so much time being apart. But it made just stronger. In the end, we rectified that celestial mistake,” Violet told him, resting her forehead against his.

“When you put it like that, we are pretty awesome.” Landon chuckled, his arms holding her tight as he leaned back in his chair. “We need to talk about what Karim said.”

“About my parents?” Violet asked, then as he nodded she replied. “My parents are dead.”

The finality of her statement made Landon more curious than ever.

“I don’t know who approached Karim, but those were not my parents. I felt their bond dissolve,” Violet replied.

“Banishment will erase the bond, too,” Landon replied, uncertain if she was aware of that little detail.

“But it would cut it instantaneously,” Violet replied, waiting for Landon to nod. “I was seven, but I remember the family bonds weaken, slowly fading before they were both gone.”

The way she described it left no doubt of their fate.

“I am sorry,” Landon replied, his hands soothing her stiff muscles. Landon wanted to kick himself in the arse. Here he was thinking his family situation was fucked up, while Violet bore deeper wounds.

She never replied anything back for a couple of tension-filled minutes as she fought her own tears. She inhaled deeply several times, his scent engulfing her and calming her to an extent where she could talk once again.

“It has to be Gagnon’s people. Who else would know those details,” Violet wondered, only for Landon to growl at her suggestion. There was no question why they would want her back.

“I won’t let that happen,” Landon vowed, pressing her into his body.

“I can’t help but think they were the ones who put Creed in my drink,” Violet whispered voicing her fear. Landon growled.

It all suddenly made sense.