Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Violet

“Now that is out of the way,” Conner smiled, “care to join me for the fun part? I am going to bleed him out.”

Violet didn’t need to look at Landon to feel the excitement coursing through him the moment Conner admitted committing insult against Karim’s tush. The irony was it had also been Violet’s choice of discipline. But little good did it do. Lazulli was the same ass, she remembered from Devil Creek. Goddess, but it seemed like another lifetime.

“At least you have no illusions,” her wolf supplied.

True.

There was no doubt in Violet’s mind she belonged with Landon. Though the nagging voice in her head questioned if Landon felt the same. It was one thing to know of Erika and Aidan’s betrayal but often emotions laid buried. Violet’s eyes landed on Landon’s broad shoulders and she hoped he no longer harbored feelings for his Fated. She got over her Fated mate, but her Chosen could easily break her. They said nature used the mating bond to tie the knot between Fated pairs. The Taken had a much deeper bond as they chose to be with each other day in and day out without an innate connection. It was true. There was no world in which she could imagine herself with someone other than Landon.

Landon was her soul mate in all ways the Fates intended. He could easily see through her. Violet shifted her attention to Conner, ignoring the questioning look on Landon’s face.

“Little good would it do,” Violet replied, focusing their attention on her person. “He doesn’t deserve a quick ending. He needs to live until he finally grasps how insignificant he is.”

“Remind me not to get on your bad side,” Conner’s voice held respect and a touch of fear if Violet was right. “Lazulli’s punishment had only just begun. You’ll have cute Lanlets running around in no time. Now, that will be karma gutting him more painfully that I could with a dull blade.”

“Lanlets?” Violet prompted.

“Lan-don and Vio-let equal Lanlets. Catchy, eh?” Conner joyfully explained.

“Dull blade? That’s cold, man. Cold. But I like it,” Landon’s voice sounded amused.

“It’s the perfect revenge,” Conner agreed.

“The perfect revenge is ignoring him as he is an insignificant part of our lives,” Violet replied.

“Instead of crawling under a rock, the prick keeps asking for more,” Conner argued.

“He is Jacob’s problem. The less you have anything to do with him, the happier you’d make me,” Violet smiled shifting her eyes from Conner to Landon and back. They reluctantly agreed for her benefit, but Violet knew it would not be the end of it. While leaving Karim in Jacob’s custody did not mean she forgave him, she didn’t want his shadow casting over her happiness now.

Landon and Conner were too hot-headed sometimes and could easily get in trouble with Pack Order if they damaged a sworn Beta. As the conversation shifted to Gagnon, Violet finally relaxed.

Unlike Jacob’s plan which relied on a legal agreement between three Alphas to dispose of Gagnon, Conner’s focused on his birthright and the claim he could have over Shadow Waters. Pack Order could not deny his right to challenge the sitting Alpha for the position. It was a family matter that needed to be settled for the good of the pack. Unlike the previous time when Conner met Gagnon, the Alpha challenges could not go unanswered. Gagnon would be forced to face Conner till death or submission; which in this case would be equal to death. The plan avoided collateral bloodshed and deceit, which Wayne was tasked to prevent between the three Alphas needed to execute Gagnon. But the price for such a cleaner outcome came with significant risk. Violet was not ready to lose the cousin she just met. Could the young shifter defeat the much older and cruel wolf? Conner was Alpha-blooded, but did he have it in him to take a life, and not just anyone’s life – but the life of his own biological father?

Violet silently observed Conner as he laid out his plan. Only when he was done talking, did Landon and Jacob give their input. It seemed like they had decided to go with Conner’s Alpha Challenge plan as they added suggestions for entry points and exfil should things go south.

“I don’t need to remind you, but Gagnon’s name won’t do you any favors. If all goes well, you need neighbors who would not stab you in the back,” Jacob continued. “But you already know this otherwise you wouldn’t have sent Vincent here.”

“My intentions were never not to parade Violet by my side,” Conner replied. “But I know that being seen supporting hers and Landon’s ascension would speak louder than words in my favor. One look at my face and they’ll start talking.”

“Gagnon’s bastard, the Breeder he failed to contain, and the twin Beta, your territory will be flooded with guests,” Violet retorted.

“They’ve already started arriving,” Jacob replied. “We need to use the momentum. We can’t detain Karim and Nolan’s people indefinitely. We’ll have the ceremony then we’d need to move fast.”

“You better work the crowd while the ceremony distracts them,” Landon replied.

“It’s not something I need to decide,” Conner replied looking at Violet. “Are you comfortable with this?”

“Yes… I mean no,” Violet replied shaking her head.

“What is it?” Conner’s concern sounded genuine.

“If it helps take down Gagnon then go for it,” Violet replied.

“But,” Conner prompted.

“I am worried,” Violet carefully picked her words as not to seed doubt in his mind for the upcoming challenge.

“The Family bond,” Conner smiled brightly at her. “You already care about my well being.”

Unlike Conner who saw the family bond in her words, Landon knew better. The small smile on his lips gave reassurance, which only meant he knew the root of her worries.

“How about we go for first blood?” Landon asked Conner.

Violet gasped. What in the world was he doing?

“I’ll test his abilities, so we’d know if this plan would work,” Landon kept his face straight while he mind-linked Violet.

Violet paled at his explanation, her eyes shifting between the two. Her worries were now double fold. Surely, Landon knew how to fight, but Conner had Alpha-blood.

“I can hold my own, Vi,” Landon promised her, sensing her struggle.

“It will surely be interesting. Where Conner has Alpha blood, Landon has experience sparing with great Alphas,” Jacob joined the conversation with a smirk on his face.

There was little doubt in Violet’s mind that by great alphas Jacob meant himself. Males and their Egos! Though Violet couldn’t deny Jacob’s words brought some peace to her heart. Still, a potential fight between the two meant one of them would get hurt.

Landon rolled his eyes at Jacob’s words then walked over to Violet.

“Why do you think Alphas hire Fixers like Vincent and me to do their bidding?” Landon asked her while his fingers toyed with a strand of her hair.

“Because they can’t get shit done,” Violet responded honestly then added as an afterthought, “no offense, Jacob.”

“None taken,” Jacob winked at her, adding. “I am one of the great Alphas, remember?”

“Right,” Landon said rather impatiently cutting off Jacob’s rant about his skill. “I can hold my own against an Alpha without being one. So in order to do my job, I need an Alpha to spar with. Training matches like this happen behind closed doors with no witnesses. I can’t risk inheriting a pack if I dent or break the said Alpha.”

“Goddess, forbid you ended up in a pack, much less in a ranked position,” Violet teased him.

“That’s what I said,” Jacob laughed at the blush creeping in Landon’s cheeks.

“He who defeats an Alpha becomes the Alpha. A pack was the last thing I wanted,” Landon ignored Jacob.

“Was?” Violet caught the significance of the past tense.

“You have already accepted being the Beta Female here. I love you so I’ve made peace with the duties reserved for your mate,” Landon explained his change of heart.

“Oh,” Violet replied reaching out to him. “That was a really sweet thing for you to say.”

Violet stepped closer almost touching Landon’s body with hers then asked in a hushed voice, while her hands straightened his V-neck, “So are you that good or is he that bad?”

“Are you concerned about mine or his well being?” Landon prompted.

“Oh, no. Don’t answer,” Jacob interrupted, laughing wholeheartedly at their exchange. Vincent cleared his throat and focused Jacob’s cheerful humor on him. “Don’t act as if you didn’t half the usual fees for your work to get face-time with Alphas or second in lines so that you can train with them. Did McCabe promise you a position in Shadow Waters?”

“Aye. I’d need a solid Beta,” Conner replied with a smile while Vincent raised his hands in surrender. “So what are my chances against Gagnon?”

“It depends how bad you want the title,” Jacob answered.

It was one of those cases where motivation was everything.

“If you are anything like Violet, you’d do great,” Landon replied.

Violet looked up at him. Only Landon would see her decision to mark a man, who is not her Fated as something inspiring, while in reality, it was merely a necessity to survive. Landon’s hand clasped over her shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

“You are truly amazing,” Landon sent through the mind-link.

“Then first blood it is,” Conner answered.

Landon

“You don’t have to watch this,” Landon whispered in Violet’s ear. Nose buried in her hair, Landon was not able to get enough of her sweet scent. In order to alleviate her worries, he had unintentionally quadrupled them. She was now even more concerned about Conner’s abilities. She didn’t want any harm to befall over Landon, but that would also entail he was not ready to seek out Gagnon.

“I know,” Violet told him her lips brushing over his jaw angle.

Landon was still in awe just how perfect she fit into his arms. Fates might not have deemed them worthy of being Fated mates, but they worked like a heck of a couple. Choice mating was stronger. It was reinforced by the conscious decision to make the relationship work, thus creating a deeper sense of understanding, longing, and love.

“First drop of his blood and I’ll stop,” Conner interrupted their moment.

That just about did it. If Landon was willing to entertain the idea of throwing the match, now he was determined to win.

“What makes you think it will be his blood?” Violet shot quicker than even Landon could respond. Pride filled Landon’s heart. His Taken mate stood up for him even though she was scared for his well being. It wasn’t that he needed her to fight his battles. No. Her words spoke of her trust in his abilities. It resonated with something primal in him – he was a good provider and his mate knew it.

“Au,” Jacob exclaimed at Violet’s commitment to seeing Landon victorious.

While Landon was excited about her confidence in him, he knew better than to underestimate Conner’s strong bloodline. Conner would be more resilient as Alpha-heir, bastard or not – blood was blood and it didn’t turn to water because he was not legally acknowledged. A strategy began taking roots in Landon’s mind: one that would ensure his victory but also Violet’s meant Landon needed to get the upper hand first.

“How about we make this interesting. Winner gets a free pass. I take on the loser,” Jacob offered, promising to train with the loser. Landon was now even more motivated to win his match with Conner.

Conner smiled, stretching.

“All I need is lover-boy there,” Conner replied and following Jacob and Ryan to the training grounds.

Landon watched them leave before kissing Violet’s temple.

“I love you,” Landon replied brushing his lips over her cheek to his mark. “I’ll be back in no time.”

He then proceeded to follow Conner to the training mats. Vincent made his way towards Violet. The two started a conversation in hushed voices, which sadly Landon could not overhear.

“First drop of blood and you better separate or Violet will have your hide. It’s already hard for her to see you go at each other. Keep it clean,” Jacob took the role of a referee.

Landon nodded at Conner, who was busy stretching his neck. Little did he know the match would be over before he knew it. Landon had no intention of spending a second longer than absolutely necessarily away from his little mate.

It was like he said. Conner had attacked and while Landon had taken the brunt of the hit with a groan, he had drawn first blood by digging his shifted nails into Conner’s arms. Violet’s expression was priceless, she was torn between being relieved it was over and happy they didn’t hurt themselves more than the twenty-four-hour evidence that will shortly disappear.

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” Conner swore, anger lacing his words at losing the fight.

“Too fast for you?” Landon laughed then brotherly wrapped around his hand over Conner’s shoulders. “You pack a mean right hook, Brother. Next time, don’t show off and don’ toy with your prey. Go for the kill. Gagnon is not going to think twice before he snaps your head. You’ve grown on us, and we’d hate to lose you,” Landon explained.

“You are cunning,” Conner replied.

“I’ve been called worse,” Landon responded. “Now enjoy training with my Alpha. You’re welcome.”

Landon patted Conner’s back handling him over to Jacob, while Landon made his way to Violet.

“You seem disappointed,” Landon stated. She was as confused as Conner.

“I envisioned you sweaty and shirtless,” Violet complained.

“It can be arranged,” Landon decided to please his mate.

“Is it too late to add naked?” Violet teased him.

Landon chuckled then coughed.

“Are you okay?” Violet’s concern melted his heart.

“Nothing that wouldn’t heal before the ceremony,” Landon told her, wrapping his hand over her shoulders. “So you saw me victorious. See, you shouldn’t have worried so much.”

“That was sneaky,” Violet commented.

“It was creative thinking. Gagnon would fight dirty so Conner needed to keep a lookout for something sneaky,” Landon shrugged then waved over his shoulder. “We’re hitting the shower.”

“You didn’t even break a sweat,” Violet reminded him.

“You wanted me naked,” Landon teased her.

Violet slapped him across his chest then remembered Conner’s punch and started to fuss around him.

“Promise you’ll kiss make it better?” Landon couldn’t help to jest.

Jacob’s laughter was the last they heard before the doors closed behind them.

Landon

Violet was wondering what to wear, when Landon sat on the bed, admiring her behind. It seemed they had had a thing for showers as the second he suggested it, she had all but ran to her room. Landon had showered her with kisses, distracting her enough so she wouldn’t notice angry bruise outlining Conner’s punch. The bathtub in her adjacent bathroom had helped hide it long enough for the healing to start repairing the burst vessels. Holding her in his arms, while the warm water washed away their anxiety, now that was the life. Landon pitied the poor souls who didn’t take time to enjoy and share their lives with someone. And Landon was guilty of taking his own advice very seriously. He had made love to her multiple times, then caressed and bathed her until their skin pruned. By then the bruise was nothing but greenish discoloration.

Landon’s attention focused on the lacy panties and bra she had on, which revealed as much as they covered and made him throb for her again. Mated life involved a lot of mating. Landon smiled to himself. Who could even think of resisting the Temptress in front of him? She was his. Pride swelled in his chest. He lucked out.

“If you keep looking at me like that, you’d be late for your ascension,” Violet told him over her shoulder.

Landon honestly didn’t care. He was good just where he was at.

“Oh, I believe we ascended today already. Like several times,” Landon teased her, making her look at him over her shoulder. “Not that I would mind a repeat just about now. Just so you know.”

“You still want some of this,” Violet shook her bootie in front of him.

“Always,” Landon replied, opening his arms for her in a silent invitation. He didn’t need to beg long for her caress. She almost immediately turned and headed his way with a slight pep in her step, reminding him of her dance for him in Velvet. Violet kissed the now yellowish bruise, letting him know she was more than aware of it but chose not to discuss it. Landon felt guilty for hiding it. But it had proven, Conner was more of an Alpha with training than regular Gamma would gain in a lifetime.

“You like?” Violet questioned once she started doing those sinful figure-eight moves.

“I love, but you already know that,” Landon held back a moan as she grind against his lap.

“Hm.”

Landon did not know what was sexier – the view or the little moan that escaped her delicious lips.

“I am about to ascend,” Violet teased him, increasing the tempo until Landon started meeting her moves with his own. Grinding against her like this felt incredible, and carried him back him back to the simpler times when all he would dream about was his mate, never suspecting of the heartache he was about to face.

Landon placed his palms over Violet’s hips, rolling his hands over her backside to the front. Violet immediately picked up and moved her pelvis forward and back, nestling deeper into his lap.

Goddess gracious.

Landon bit his lip, only for her finger to tap against it.

“I wanna hear you,” Violet demanded pushing him to back to lay on the bed.

Landon pulled himself up to the bed, keeping Violet over his lap.

There was nothing sexier than to see his girl dance over him, reminding him of his first lap dance, teasing him sinfully before finally riding him out into ascension.

Violet

The ache between her legs was a delightful reminder of their matings. Satisfied, yet still hungry for her mate, she caught the knowing glint in Landon’s eyes. The mating bond hid nothing and gave her all the confidence she needed to walk down the aisle smelling of arousal and him, just like he had asked her. At first, she had laughed at the absurdity of the idea of parading their matings in front of the pack, but Landon’s cerulean eyes had soon convinced her otherwise. The scent of their mating would only promise the pack stability in their ranks. Pride passed through the mating bond. Rejected wolves needed reassurance they are wanted and treasured. This public display of their affection was just as important to them as their claim on each other.

Violet secretly loved his possessiveness. He was publically declaring her as his and while for some his caveman ways of doing it would be offensive, she didn’t mind it. In fact, she welcomed it as she wanted to scream from the top of her lungs, he was with her. She had found her real mate and he more than wanted her. She was his world.

Her only regret was not going commando. The crisp evening air was unforgiving to the wet material of her underwear. The stiff fabric rubbed against her still sensitive bud, making it throb in desperate need for Landon. While it was a slight inconvenience for Violet, Landon’s eyes left no doubt he was mentally stripping her naked. The visible bulge in his pants further confirmed his position on the matter.

Jacob looked at them sternly reminding them to behave themselves. There was work to be done. Since there was neither an Alpha Female or a Gamma female, Violet had to step in and participate in the ceremony, binding her mate to her Alpha.

“Let’s get this over with,” Landon’s though passed through the mindlink.

He was right. The faster they were done with this ascension ceremony and the pack run, the quicker they’d go back to their activities.

Jacob chuckled at the obvious pull they had for each other. Violet didn’t even spare a glance at Jacob’s bare chest, as he took his place next to her. Only a week ago she would have been appreciating his physique.

Because you know better, Violet told herself. Her wolf stirred, eager to shift and be with her mate.

Violet’s fingers gripped the wooden box, her nails feeling the grooves of the decorative pattern. Every pack had a tradition for the ascension in rank. It was a high honor to witness it, and even greater – to be allowed to participate.

Jacob encouragingly smiled at her signaling her to start the ceremony. She took a deep breath before she spoke loud, projecting her voice for all to hear.

“Goodess,” Violet’s voice came out strong. All hushed conversations ceased, “guests and Howlers.”

Her greeting was met with the eager howl from all the pack members on the clearing. Violet waited out the burst of proud howls to quiet down before she continued.

“Thank you all for joining us this lovely evening. We have gathered here today to witness the ascension of Landon Wesley into the Beta rank. He comes before us to declare his allegiance to this pack and Alpha Jacob Tassone.”

At the mention of their Alpha, the pack members howled their approval. Although Jacob could no longer shift, his pack remained loyal to him. Violet made a pause, allowing them a moment to cheer him. She sneaked a peek towards Jacob, whose shoulders stood straighter, his chest puffed and proud. It was the moment of recognition and reassurance the Howler’s Alpha needed to continue with his work.

Landon made his way to Violet and Jacob, wearing matching white slacks as his soon-to-be Alpha. The white signified the purity in their attention to swear allegiance to each other. It also allowed the pack to easily distinguish them in the dim light. Whatever the reasoning, Violet thought of the ceremony as beautiful. It reminded her of the human weddings, she had never personally witnessed.

“Our wise Alpha has chosen Landon based on merit and recommendation of the late Beta Noah. He is still remembered in the hearts and minds of us all,” Violet spoke. Jacob nodded her in thanks for giving honor to their fallen pack member. After a brief moment, she continued, “Landon’s life begun as a Red Blood, but he found a home with the Howlers.”

“And you,” Ryan’s voice shouted from the shadows, making her bite her lip to suppress the smile that was trying to take over.

“Our pack is growing,” Jacob excitedly took over, “We welcome Violet Preston-Wesley as our Beta Female.”

Another cheer cut through the silent night.

“Landon, you’ve been a lone wolf for far too long,” Jacob teased Landon, reminding them all they were all close as a family.

“Do you pledge yourself to this pack from this Night forward?” Violet asked.

“I do,” Landon looked at her.

“To uphold the order, to defend and to spill your blood for this land and its people?” Violet questioned.

“I do,” Landon repeated.

“To love and worship your mate?” Violet whispered playfully.

“Forever,” Landon answered instantaneously, earning him a few whistles of approval from the bystanders.

“But above all, do you swear to confide, to trust and to follow the command of our trusted leader, dear friend and wolf superhero Alpha Jacob Tassone,” Violet teased Jacob, who shook his head at her joke.

“I do,” Landon replied.

“Come forth and announce your intentions,” Jacob invited him.

“Till my dying breath, I’ll protect and nurture this land and its people to the best of my abilities,” Landon’s voice cut through the air, demanding respect and attention.

“I accept your word and your blood,” Jacob spoke giving him a nod. It was Violet’s cue to open the wooden box. It had a velvety interior, in which laid a dagger. Violet wrapped her hand around the handle, while Jacob held the blade with his palm just under the hilt, leaving the tip of the dagger for Landon’s palm.

Violet pushed the blade into their fists then pulled it out, cutting their palms and mixing their blood. Both men then clasped their hands, showing the unity in the pack. They tapped each other’s shoulders in what could be interpreted as a manly embrace.

Then they offered Violet their cut hands palm’s up and Violet quickly dipped her fingers into their blood, before the wounds started to close. Her palms then smudged their blood in a crescent symbol over their hearts signifying their oath in front of the Goddess.

Jacob then proceeded to do the same for her, drawing the symbol over the rim of her dress.

“Welcome,” Jacob kissed both of her cheeks then projected his voice for everyone to hear, “Violet Wesley.”