Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

***

Landon

Landon sat through the meeting, hearing everything and saying nothing. When Alyssa made the request to speak with the Howler’s Alpha and Beta, she had no idea it was him she would face. She kept glancing at him, while she explained her separation from Karim. The reason why she was here was Alpha Devon’s request. He wanted his Beta back. Landon smiled at the insult of that. Karim was going to be rescued by no other than his ex. Although neither Jacob nor Landon remarked on it, they shared a look. Things had to be dire up north for an Alpha to send his ex-Beta female to fetch his disobedient Beta.

Sometimes Fate did work in mysterious ways. Alpha Devon would be a powerful ally to a newborn Shadow Creek. Conner would need the support of the surrounding Alphas when their little political coup worked. Not that Devil Creek would turn against him. Their Gamma Xander was mated to Conner’s sister after all. But it was still good to reinforce allegiance.

Landon had no doubt the Alpha bestowed this mission on Alyssa with the hope of putting the past to rest. It was her chance to make amends with Violet. Little did he know, Alyssa would run into her Fated, who just happened to be a neighboring Beta. Now that was why patience was so highly regarded in the were-community. Fated mates always found their way to each other when they least expected them. Karma was a fine bitch, who liked tearing old wounds open.

Alyssa was not left unscathed. The puffy red-rimmed eyes showed her turmoil. She was here to save her Taken only to discover her Fated.

Landon found himself wondering when Aidan and Karim’s friendship began. It was surely in the Academy, years before Erika and Alyssa complicated their lives. Betas from different packs communicated more frequently than their Alphas as they could easily put egos aside. It was a social position, one that interpreted the Alphas vision to the pack members. So how come Aidan and Alyssa never meet? Was Aidan drawn to Karim, simply because of her scent? That could explain Aidan’s preference to spend time with Karim instead of Landon. Not that Landon would ever admit that he cared who Aidan spent time with.

One thing was certain. Karim could not be released until the take-over took place. There were too many questions surrounding the Beta. Karim’s phone showed frequent communication with burner numbers. The even more alarming fact was the content of those messages. Someone was giving Karim information about Violet’s whereabouts. Not only that, but they were also dictating Karim’s action. Luckily, Landon had already sent Vincent with Violet and used the time to properly vet Jacob’s best Enforcers for potential guards. A crazed ex, a disgruntled client and even a jealous spouse he could handle, but would this be enough against the mystery puppeteer?

Landon rubbed the back of his neck, realizing he was as whipped as he always dreamed of being with his mate. Violet was his life.

Jacob’s voice caught Landon’s attention. The Alpha easily negotiated allegiance with Devil Creek, and agreed to release Karim after Conner took over for Gagnon. Having in mind, Alpha Devon’s Gamma Xander was now mated to Conner’s sister such condition was easily accepted. It gave them time to isolate from the equation – Creed and Shadow Waters. Landon had no doubt that the moment Conner took over, they were bound to hear even more gruesome details about his father’s reign.

Once the contracts were sighed and Wayne had given his approval, the meeting was over. Yet, Alyssa remained seated in her chair.

“I’m ashamed of the pain I knowingly inflicted on Violet. I should have never stood in her way to Karim,” Alyssa addressed Landon. “I was young and stupid; and thought my family’s wealth would secure me a worthy mate. I should have never pursued someone who was not mine. But the prospect of motherhood blinded me. Dreams come true, but at a terrible price,” Alyssa continued talking about the loss of her child. Jacob shifted uncomfortably. “I am glad Violet found someone deserving.”

“The past is the past and we can’t change it. It brought Violet to me, so I can’t complain,” Landon answered.

“Goddess, you look so much like him,” Alyssa gulped, her mouth hanging open as she admired Landon.

“I am nothing like him,” Landon growled.

“You aren’t him,” Alyssa quickly agreed, “but do you think I have a chance?”

“You’re asking the wrong twin,” Landon flatly told her, standing up and signaling he was done taking questions from her.

“I am sorry,” Alyssa replied and followed Landon and out of the room.

Landon shut the door behind her then leaned against the oak.

“You should take your own advice,” Wayne told him and when Landon did not follow, the werebear explained. “The past is the past and we can’t change it. I’ll only add, that’s why we live in the present.”

“I am,” Landon replied.

“No, I am. Violet is, but neither one of you are,” Wayne argued shaking his head. “Your brother is your Achilles’ heel. Your anger towards him blinds you, so for Violet’s sake, let it go. And you, Alpha, live a little. Gia would hate this political snob you’re becoming.”

Jacob fought a growl at the mention of his mate, but Wayne ignored the tension his words created. Landon sighed. Wayne was right. He had to let go of the past to live in the present. But that didn’t mean he had to forget. No. He just needed to ship his family back north.

Now that was a plan.

“Good luck,” Wayne clasped Landon’s shoulder before Landon opened the door for him.

“I’ll need it, Brother,” Landon replied realizing the werebear had quickly become the older brother he always wished to have.

“Nah, we are Besties,” Wayne teased with words Violet used to describe them, before walking out of the room.

Landon looked at Jacob who shook his head, tapping on the paperwork Wayne had actually come in to hand deliver. The sealed manila envelope contained a proclamation that announced Nolan’s retirement and appointed Vincent as his successor. Jacob opened the envelope, scanning the pages.

“Binding?”

“For the time being,” Jacob replied, handing him the stack of papers.

It fell upon Landon to obtain Nolan’s signature, before presenting the documents to Hildeguard, once he returned with Violet.

“I’ll go see him,” Landon replied, taking the paperwork.

It wasn’t that he dreaded entering the detention facility. Landon simply had better things to do than to obtain signatures on pieces of paper. His mind wondered to Violet and if she would like his surprise. The dress was modest, yet sexy and he knew his mind would fail to imagine her in it. His cell vibrated and Landon quickly glanced at the screen. While he had hoped Violet had texted him, he was equally happy to see the Amazon notification. He finally had a girl he could shop for. He smiled hoping it was the lingerie he had ordered. He couldn’t wait to see her in it.

Violet

Violet knew her new mating status would cost her some of her clients. She understood they couldn’t discuss pack’s dirty laundry with another pack’s Beta female, and accepted it. Landon was worth losing all of her clients. He redefined her existence, and although she would never stop helping people, her priorities changed. She was no longer alone but surrounded by love. At the end of the day, when all was said and done, she was happy to put her pillow next to his.

Or use his arm for a pillow.

Violet smiled at that. Her hands itched to feel his skin once again, while she secretly longed to catch a whiff of his delicious scent. He was amazing. Who else but Landon would be confident enough to send her a sexy dress to wear in a strip club of all places? True, the dress proudly displayed the mating mark on her neck, but its also turned heads with the unique combination of modest front and soft shape fitting material, exposing her back and barely covering her mid thighs. The dress uniquely showed his trust in Violet and their relationship, and that just there made her want to ditch Velvet and run home to have him undress her or tear it to shreds.

Either way, she didn’t care as long as she could experience him again, and again.

Violet pressed her nails into her palm trying to regain some control over her mind. Landon could wait. She was in Velvet for a reason.

The door opened and a client walked through, sitting in the sofa adjacent to her accent chair. Once they started talking, Violet easily focused on the problem at hand. Putting people at ease, helping them reach their potential and true happiness – now that was her life mission. She was passionate about it and it showed in her work. If it wasn’t for the reminder alarm beep every forty-five minutes, she would have never stopped her sessions. Today of all days, her schedule should not fall behind.

Mama Wesley’s meeting was not going to be as peaceful as teatime and photos. No. If Violet’s gut feeling was right, and it usually was, Ms. Wesley had an agenda of her own. Violet doubted it was hers or Landon’s happiness. Whether it was to bring Alyssa and Aidan together or to distance herself from Erika, it wasn’t clear, but Violet knew that Landon would be hurt regardless. And Violet would not allow that.

As her the last client left her small office, she quickly mindlinked Landon, “Done. Coming home.”

“Don’t change,” Landon’s request made her smile and blush at the same time. Great minds did think alike and the least she could do was to show him the fit of the dress. The growl over the mind-link told her he had been listening in her thoughts.

When Vincent finally neared the Pack House, Violet’s heart leaped, expecting her hunk of a mate to greet her at the doorstep.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Vincent asked as he caught on her disappointment and hesitance to exit the car as he pulled up to the staircase.

“Nah. I don’t want to impose my company any further. Thank you for watching my back. I am sure Lan is waiting for me inside. Bye, Vincent,” Violet softly closed the passenger door, and quietly made her way in the Pack House.

An image of Landon strangling Aidan flashed in her mind. Violet recognized the living room and quickly entered it, finding the twins on either side of the room. Her abrupt entrance focused everyone’s attention on her, making her feel uncomfortable for interrupting the family gathering. The Wesley’s family reunion started without her, and she didn’t need Landon’s visual to know it was awkward. There were too many buried feelings and unspoken truths which only increased the painful tension.

Violet walked over to Landon’s side, her heels clicking against the flooring. Her palms pressed against his chest, then slid up to his shoulders feeling his muscles relax under her touch, her fingers wrapping around his neck as she brought his head lower to hers, her lips pecking his, only for him to deepen the kiss, his hands moving over her lower back. Violet half-expected Landon to turn caveman and grab her butt but he kept his cool letting her lean into him and ignoring the stares.

“I am not a snotty pup who can’t control himself,” Landon mindlinked her, his fingers gently playing with the black lacy strap across her spine. Every time he ran his hand up and down, it brushed against her skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake. The warmth of the fireplace was heating the skin of her legs, awaking a need only Lan could sate.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Violet whispered against Landon’s lips, only for his eyebrows to suggestively wiggle and for his gaze to lower from her face to her cleavage and to finally rest at her midsection, his palms fanning over her small belly. “Not that type of late.”

His reaction showed he was expecting such outcome, unintentionally disclosing they were ready for even bigger commitment to each other.

“Yet,” Landon added making Violet laugh at his enthusiasm, shaking her head, while he held her close to his body, allowing her to feel his hardness. “I missed you. How was work?”

His question was casual, bluntly ignoring everyone else in the room.

“Busy,” she answered, unsure if he realized just how much attention they’ve gathered.

“What kind of work do you do dressed like that?” Erika questioned, causing Landon to growl.

Violet’s smile did not falter as she turned to Erika.

“Oh, no. This is all Landon. I usually only wear a thong,” Violet proudly informed Erika, causing Aidan to spit his drink in his mom’s direction. Landon openly laughed at the whole exchange.

“A stripper, Landon?” Aidan recovered quickly.

“Dancer and barkeep,” Violet quickly replied, only for Aidan’s eyes to widen. Violet could only guess he was offended by her interruption and correction.

“And you let her dance?” Erika questioned.

Landon’s laugh was dry, “What I do and don’t do with my mate concern only us. Mind your own mate while you still have one.” Landon’s words held a certain bite referring to Alyssa who had sat down next to his mother and was actively looking through the photos that were intended for Violet.

There it was. Mama Wesley’s intention was never to really share photos with Violet. No. It was the excuse to help her spend time with Aidan’s Fated, thus interfering with her son’s relationships once again. Violet was glad Landon wasn’t the focus of such motherly attention.

Erika’s eyes filled up with tears at Landon’s words as her insult towards Violet backfired. As the distress on her face was met with indifference from Landon, Erika turned to Aidan for help. Aidan gave a glare towards Landon but otherwise never reached to console Erika. Her eyes landed on Mama Wesley who had already picked her side.

Violet felt bad for Erika. Betrayal had a bitter taste.

“It’s her own doing,” Landon’s voice echoed in her head. Violet looked up at him only for Landon to brush his nose against her cheek, before pecking the corner of her jaw.

“Landon,” his mother’s voice sounded through the silent room, cautioning him to show compassion.

“What?” Landon’s voice was gruff, stand-offish.

“Don’t use that tone on me, young man,” his mother threatened him.

“Maybe it is time for you to go home to dad,” Landon’s voice was steel, leaving no room to wonder he did not harbor any warm feelings for neither of them.

“Gee, I feel like I lucked out family-wise,” Conner’s accent eased the tension in Violet’s back. Conner casually leaned against the doorframe, hands crossed in front of his chest, studying the people in the room. “Please, proceed.”

“And you are?” Aidan asked, starring at Conner, no doubt trying to determine his rank.

“Conner McCabe,” Conner replied intentionally not telling him his rank. “But I am a Preston at heart.”

“Valencia’s son?” Ms. Wesley quickly picked up on the family resemblance and at Aidan’s confused face, she explained. “He’s one of Gagnon’s bastards.”

“The first,” Conner smiled at her showing all of his teeth. Aidan responded by growling and standing up in a protective stance in front of his mother.

Violet found it telling he did not try to protect his wife Erika. Redbloods and Shadow Creek packs never saw eye to eye.

Landon allowed the interaction to play out then smoothly interfered, “Sit down, Aidan. Conner hates him as much as any Redblood.”

“A tad bit more,” Conner corrected Landon. “How about we share our love for Gagnon over dinner?”

Conner smoothly invited them over for dinner and took charge of the group ushering them to the dining room, leaving Landon and Violet alone.

Violet hugged Landon tighter, making him focus on her instead of his own thoughts.

“We can skip dinner,” Violet offered.

“I am not missing a gourmet dinner because of them,” Landon replied, rubbing his hands over her shoulders. “Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on Conner before he picks his own vendetta against Red Bloods.”

Landon

It was true what they said. Hope did die last. As his hope to see his mother as the loving woman he once believed she was evaporated, Landon felt blessed with the way things turned out. Erika was a power-hungry manipulative woman, who used the most sacred thing for a wolf against him. He even felt sorry for Aidan to be bound to such a person.

From the first time Landon held Erika’s hand, through their brief courtship to seeing Aidan knotted in her, Landon subconsciously knew something was off. Now he could clearly pinpoint it. He was never going to be enough for her. Erika loved the spotlight, enjoyed his admiration for her, but ultimately craved recognition as Beta-female.

When you grow up on the short end of one-hundred-and-eighty seconds, always coming up second, you acquire a unique sensitivity in seeing through people’s motives. They told him he had to learn to share, but all Aidan did was take, take, take. Well, he was finally caught with a paw in too many jars.

There was a weird satisfaction at watching Aidan’s agitation from feeling the pull to both Fated and Chosen. Erika’s words had a hidden bark in them directed towards Violet and Alyssa, and while Landon had no problem showing her a fang, Aidan’s priorities were not as clear. He hadn’t decided yet.

The whole dinner also gave him a perspective on what he gained.

His Violet.

He smiled at her, his fingers drawing patterns over her thigh as he tried to ease her frustration. There was no doubt that she would jump to defend him against his family any course of the meal, but by the desert, she could hardly contain her resentment towards his mom. Lesley Wesley was playing favorites, not for the first time, only this time it wasn’t between the twins, but their mates. Alyssa was the obvious winner of her affection.

“Thank Goddess, it wasn’t just me,” Violet’s relief was noticeable.

“Listening in to confirm you’re not simply jealous?” Landon teased her earning him an eye-roll.

“I was never a fan of Alyssa, but between her and Erika, I don’t know who is worse,” Violet replied.

“I am so happy you are nothing like them,” Landon replied his hand slipping under her short dress.

“I see through fake people,” Violet replied.

“Hm,” Landon hummed his agreement realizing it was out loud. Jacob looked at him with interest, urging him to share. “Violet and I will be retiring.”

“Not you, too,” Vincent faked mock hurt. He was dressed in Pack Order’s blues and had already demoted officers. His second in command was surprisingly a rookie.

“Just going to bed,” Landon shook his head at the comment.

“Goodnight, Alpha,” Violet smiled brightly at Jacob then looked at Valencia and Conner, who gave her a wink, and then back to Vincent. “I’ll keep him out of trouble, Commander.”

“You do that,” Vincent replied with authority, watching as Landon helped Violet stand up.

“Good night, everyone,” Violet spoke, before walking out of the room with Landon pressed into her side, as the Beta whispering things she could only hear. Her reply, in turn, making him laugh.

Landon

Landon was startled awake from reliving his rejection through his nightmares. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes and waking Violet at the same time.

“Lan?”

“Go back to sleep,” Landon laid back, pulling her into his side. As her head rested on his chest, he sighed. He hadn’t had one since he met Violet. “It’s just a bad dream.”

“Want to talk about it?” Violet offered.

“Not really,” Landon replied moving his hand up and down her back.

“I am here if you change your mind,” Violet pecked his chest, making herself comfortable beside him.

“Flashbacks,” Landon replied after what seemed like forever, while in fact, it was just a couple of minutes. The hum from her was the only indication she was still awake and actually listening. “Seeing them brought back memories.”

Landon laced his hands through her hair, needing to feel he was not alone as he faced his inner demons.

“I see myself excited to have found my One. It is what they said it would be, and more. Sparks flew, time ceased to mater. Magical,” Landon finally whispered after another long pause. In the darkness, he could tell her. “It is then when it turns to nightmare. The shared looks between Erika and Aidan when I introduce them, and ma’ cooing her boys finding their mate. I am there screaming she is mine, but no one hears me. Then I hear her say, you’re both mine. You can’t stand in the way of the Fates. Accept us. I see him knotted in her, knowing that my mate will carry my nephew and it kills me. But I am too weak to walk away, too weak to reject her. I see her screaming at me, hitting me, telling me I am ruining everything for them by not accepting them, that her child needs a mated mother. Then she rejects me, and my heart is torn, my soul splitting as I accept it.”

Violet didn’t say anything just pressed her lips over her claim on his body reminding him he was not alone. She was there for him now and forever. He smiled at the gesture and felt lighter now that Violet knew. Now that was why mates were created. They shared any burden so two could carry it.

“You okay?” Landon inquired, trying to control his voice.

“Plotting their murder,” Violet replied, the tense atmosphere immediately lifting at her admission.

“Aren’t you supposed to say that I should let go? Forgive and move on?” Landon questioned.

“We are only fifty percent human. The other fifty wants blood,” Violet whispered, making him chuckle. “You can bring the horse to the water, but you can’t make it drink it. It’s not your responsibility that Aidan now has an impossible decision in front of him. He is just as much to blame as Erika. It is not your fault she is a title-seeker. It is her downfall. You don’t owe them anything and I understand why you want them gone.”

“But?” Landon prompted.

“But you need to let go of that anger and pain. If you can’t have a good night sleep with me by your side,” Violet teased, “then they win. You wouldn’t want that, would you?”

“Thank you,” Landon replied.

“My pleasure,” Violet responded, only for Landon to shake his head. It was his goal in life to do just that.