The Change (Fated Series: book1)

Marcus

“Pablo Alvarez!” Nessa hissed, while chills run down her spine. Marcus’ arms quickly found themselves around her in a very calming, soothing manner.

What the hell was going on and why was Nessa suddenly sparing a murderous glare that could easily freeze hell over? She hadn’t displayed this much hatred against Brandon and boy, did she have a lot to be mad at him about. Which only meant that Pablo Alvarez had done much worse, to successfully manage to install himself on her black list. Therefore, Marcus’ too. Nobody who inspired so much hatred from his peaceful Nessa deserved to live.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Marcus saw Teresa nod in agreement.

“Damn!” Joel cursed under his breath.

“The old weasel is not even a part of the succession line!” Stevens argued.

“And there’s a reason why that is!” Teresa replied defensively, only to have Frank place a reassuring kiss on her temple, pulling her into his arms.

Apparently, both Teresa and Vanessa were heavily affected by whatever this Pablo did. Marcus trailed his palms down Nessa’s shoulders and inhaled her scent. She was anxious for some odd reason. Did she think that Pablo could hurt her? His fingers moved over her skin and slowly her body began relaxing into his touch. He rested his hand on her waist, his fingers cupping the outer side of her hip, pulling her closer into his body. Touch or body contact was all that a werewolf needed to calm down.

“Calm down, honey. It won’t bring Marie back,” Frank gently whispered to Teresa. It was a hushed tone, aimed for his mate alone, but that did not mean that no one else heard the exchange. Marcus was in fact well aware that everyone did.

It was interesting to observe how Stevens tensed at the intimacy between the mated couple. Was he really that much into Teresa Heinsfeld? There was something amiss and Marcus was determined to get to the bottom of things. The tentative friendship that he had with Stevens at this point was fragile at best. The only good thing that came out of it was that he had a very devoted pack member behind enemy lines. Nicole would warn Ness if danger was expected from Blue Moon.

Of course, she would pick her own mate over her friendship with Vanessa, but something was telling him that her loyalty to his mate was going to prevent possible back stabbings, between Blue Moon and Blackwood. Which was as good as Marcus could hope for. At this point, even a tentative friendship was better than obvious opposition. After all, the mastermind behind it all remained at large.

Pablo Alvarez.

Marcus thought back, recalling his Alpha training. Oh, how he wished he had focused and retained all that Monarchy information. The pieces he remembered could not explain things.

There were five big royal families, all decedent from the first Monarch. However, he could only think of the names of the three, most influential families: Altoyns, Geary, and Alvarez. After all, it was public knowledge that the Alvarez’s were the instigator for the dismantlement of the Monarchy under Altoyns, who were now retired in their estate, close to Pack Law grounds. So much for his knowledge.

Marcus looked at Nessa who fidgeting beside him. What was she stressed about?

And who was this Marie person, Marcus wondered. It seemed ironic how Ness was always making an issue of the nicknames he had or the ways he shortened other’s names, accusing him of deceiving her, while it was Nessa herself who was keeping vital information that was suddenly proving to be of much higher importance than a pet name could ever be.

“Why do we hate Pablo Alvarez so much?” Marcus asked no one in particular, but his eyes landed on Nessa who only shifted in his arms. He expected the answer from her and by the looks of her stiff posture, what she was about to tell him was something unpleasant.

“He’s Jonathan’s father,” Nessa’s low voice came to his ears. Marcus’ eyes widen in surprise.

What?

Wait, wasn’t Jonathan a Graves?

Marcus kept his eyes on Nessa urging her to continue, while all of the sudden Teresa snapped.

“That little shit was never fit to be a father. Especially to Jonathan,” Teresa hissed at her own daughter only to have Marcus snarl at her. She might be supporting his attempt to convince Nessa a pup would be an excellent addition to their fierce duo, but Marcus could not get passed the disrespectful manner with which his mate was addressed. Nobody had the right to talk to his Nessa in such a way. Mother or not, Marcus’ wolf felt the need to surface and punish the outburst accordingly.

Frank quickly recognized the situation and scolded his own mate, “Tery, Nes loves Jon as much as you do. Don’t pick up on her.”

Frank quickly intervened, before Marcus had the chance to give Teresa a piece of his own mind.

Frank then proceeded to explain to Marcus, hoping he would distract him and his wolf from the insolent remark. “Pablo is the head of the Alvarez family. He married and mated Ramona Rodriquez and had Fernando. However, before all that, he had a steamy affair within the Court, with one Marie Graves, resulting in a baby boy, Jonathan Graves. Marie’s father was Captain Henry Graves, the Sea Wolf.” Frank's calm voice seemed to soothe both Teresa and Nessa and then as nobody made the connection he explained further, “The same Sea Wolf, who actually was the founder of Sea Trading International.”

“Jonathan owns that?” Marcus asked in astonishment.

Sea Trading International was one of the biggest companies, carrying cargo overseas since the early 1940s. The Sea Wolf was known as Captain Henry Graves to all humans, but in the werewolf community, he was known as the Fierce Sea Wolf, a demon who battled not only the severe weather but influenced many trades and treaties between Alphas. After all, he was one of the first Naval Pack Law Officers, who ventured into undercover work through his hobby which resulted in a financial Empire. It seemed fitting his grandson would eventually make his way into the Pack Law High Command.

“Among other things,” Frank replied and then continued. “Marie lost parents in one of their voyages and was raised in the court until she became of age. That’s where Pablo first met her. Although he never did recognize Jonathan as his first born son, Pablo managed to entrance Marie, even after taking a Choice Mate.”

“She was his soul mate and he simply could not get over the fact that his son’s grandmother would be a mere human. That’s why he never claimed Jon as his,” Teresa spat and then took a deep breath collecting herself. “When Ramona Fernandez came to court, everything changed. She was the young widow of Juan Sanchez, who passed away in a line of duty. Therefore Pack Law had to take her in and the Court to welcome her. Pablo was mesmerized and soon his own mate and son became expendable, meeting with a convenient car accident that resulted in one fatality. Jonathan barely escaped with his life. He was eight at the time, shifting and aimlessly roaming the territory until Pack Law found him.”

If Jonathan has shifted so young and alone, that only meant one thing – he was powerful. Much more powerful than Marcus has originally thought. It almost seemed like a poor attempt at a joke that such a powerful wolf was actually serving as the Second in command of a mere battalion.

“Jon never cared about titles,” Rifkin supplied as if reading Marcus’ mind.

It made sense. In a way, why bother raising in Pack Law ranks, while one day Jon might as well have to face them as the enemy or worse command them against the remaining Royals. His loyalty would be put to a test. A test Marcus hoped would never come to be as it was certain that it would only lead to vicious bloodshed. A WAR.

Why did everything have to get so complicated? Couldn’t he just have simple revenge over Emma’s death and then move on with his happily ever after with Nessa? Didn’t he have his hands full as it was? Now he had to handle a Royal Dispute.

“We petitioned Pack Law to give us custody of Jonathan, as he was part of Tery’s family, but Monarch Kincaid Altoyn denied it. The boy had to stay with his father,” Frank continued his story. “At thirteen, Jonathan stood up for himself and became an emancipated minor in control of a multi-billion company, whose rage eventually let into a Pack Law juvenile rehabilitation program, after which he swiftly transitioned into Pack Law.”

That was news to Marcus. It explained Jonathan’s reserved and distant behavior. A childhood like his had to be pretty darn sad.

“Pablo has always had it in for Jon,” Teresa continued. “It didn’t sit well with him his bastard had a higher rank than his legit pups. Fernando after all is two years younger than Jon.”

“So Jon inherited the rank because of Pablo’s status? How are you connected to them?” Marcus asked Nessa who shook her head.

“Jon’s higher rank comes from his mom's side, which always ticked off his father,” Nessa whispered, and then as silence settled in the room, Marcus kept his attention on her. “The Alvarez family rank has always been lower than the Graves one. Whether Pablo recognized Jon or not, Jon would have always had a higher rank than any child that Pablo could father. After all the succession line is between the five Royal families: Altoyns, Gearys, Graves, Alvarez and Hudsons and they are ranked in the same order. It just so happens that Jon is the last Graves heir.”Nessa quickly explained to Marcus.

“And...” Marcus prompted. It was about time to know the whole story.

“Pablo is power-hungry. If he eliminates Jon, Fernando would stand a better chance at the Throne.” Nessa supplied.

“What Nessa is trying to say is that in the grand scheme of things the Graves family has one heir, the Geary's only female unmated heirs. This means it would be relatively easy to deal with them. Either make them abdicate in favor of Alvarez or eliminate them permanently.” Teresa explained and then looked at Nessa who was cuddled into Marcus’ side.

“But how is this related to Emma or the feud with Blue Moon?” Marcus asked Teresa.

“Distraction. If Pablo diverts the attention of Kincaid Altoyn to two blood-thirsty and powerful Alphas,” Teresa started focused on Marcus and then her eyes trailed to Stevens, “he would not have to explain his dealings within Northern Hills, which is conveniently located close to Pack Law and Altoyns residence.”

“Diversion,” Marcus repeated.

It did make sense. Who would think to search for an assassin in their own backyard, when pack territories, miles away are in turmoil?

“And where is your place in all this?” Marcus asked Nessa, who smiled.

“Mom’s on the further side of the Graves family line. Heinsfeld on the other side can trace the roots to a branch of the Altoyn’s clan,” Nessa replied and looked at Marcus.

“Double jeopardy?” Marcus looked down at Nessa, tangling his fingers into her hair. She just rolled her eyes at him.

“I would never be important for the Monarchy. There is a lot of folk before me. So relax, Alpha, or am I too much for you to handle?” Nessa challenged him.

“It’s what makes it so much exhilarating when you finally submit to me or call me Alpha,” Marcus playfully smirked at her.

“Marcus!” Nessa exclaimed and quickly pushed her hand onto his lips, preventing him from speaking further as her cheeks flushed bright red. Marcus chuckled under her fingers and then slowly kissed her fingers, licking her palm, which quickly made her snatch her hand away.

“Alpha Ned, I would appreciate it if you refrain from such behavior in my presence,” Frank said coldly.

“Frank, let them be,” Theresa said and then winked at Marcus. “I want me those grand pups.”

“Ma’, focus. With everything that’s going on, Jon would not be able to handle this well,” Nessa said and then shot a glare at Marcus, adding though the link “Behave!”

“Or what? You’d spank me?” Marcus shot back to her via the mind link. Nessa reached to swath the back of his neck for his comment, but he quickly wrestled her and restrained her arms, pulling her into his lap.

“Stop manhandling me,” Nessa squeaked.

“You’re mad that you tried and lost,” Marcus replied and pushed his chin against her shoulder. She quickly patted his head as if he was a puppy.

“Let go now.”

“Never,” Marcus hissed and tightened his arms around her. She huffed and then slowly relaxed in his hands, making herself comfortable in his lap.

Jonathan

Jonathan felt anxious.

It was not only due to Juliet’s proximity. As hard as it was for him to sit by her side and keep his hands to himself while she obviously stewed in her seat, he knew she would not appreciate any official display of their relationship.

As soon as Joel stood up, Jonathan shot up from his seat. He didn’t have to explain to his old friend his mate was in distress and that he needed to check up on her. As they took their leave with their host Alpha pair, Jon quickly followed Juliet’s scent only to discover the tug of a headache settling in. He knew that it was HERS and that she must have let her guard down.

He didn’t bother knocking on the door. He didn’t want to make her fret or walk to the door in her condition. Was she prone to migraines because what he felt was not an ordinary headache? He quickly opened the doors to her room and as silently as he could close them behind him. His eyes landed on her tinny frame cuddled up on the couch.

“What are you doing here?” Her voice was strained and tired.

“Shh,” Jonathan said as he squatted down in front of her he quickly moved his hand over her forehead. The little jolts of electricity snapped his mind back to reality. She was warm but had no fever. The last thing they needed is for her to go into a full-blown-out HEAT. He quickly moved to the minibar in the room and fetched her water and ice. He quickly returned and gave her the glass, whispering, “Do you get migraines?”

A nod was all she managed.

“Hydration will help stop its progression. What’s wrong?” Jon asked, keeping his voice low so as to not intensify her headache. As her answer didn’t come, he moved his hand over his face and tried to calmly ask while inside his wolf was demanding blood. “What did that prick do now?”

“Jonathan, he is still the father of my son,” Juliet exclaimed and Jonathan focused on her. She quickly gulped the rest of the water and then shifted her eyes away from him. “Nessa kicked him out of the territory.”

“And?” Jonathan prompted. He knew using his wolf’s dominance to prompt a response from his mate was wrong, but at the speed that she was taking, this was going to take weeks.

“And, and… Can you be more detached than this?” Juliet snapped and then locked her eyes with his. “What do you want me to say? Should I start with how angry I am that he didn’t even tell me in person, or how frustrating was to sit at that damn dinner with you so close to me? Or should I tell you how I broke down when my pup asked me why I was still here while his pa was home?”

“You can tell me everything. I am your mate,” Jonathan replied with an even tone. There was no point in shouting or snapping at her. He knew that this, her acceptance of them, would eventually come with time.

“Yes, you are, but I am mated to another,” Juliet deadpanned.

“It does not change my feeling for you. I could not care less if you were a virgin, a mated she-wolf, widower, stripper, or hooker. I don’t care about your life prior to me. I want you and the rest of your life to belong to me. I accept you unconditionally. Do you accept me?” Jonathan asked.

“It’s not as easy as that,” Juliet said.

“What’s holding you back? I already told you that I will claim your pup as my own,” Jonathan snapped.

“You are Pack Law,” Juliet said

“I’ll resign,” Jonathan quickly replied.

“I have a pack to protect,” Juliet offered.

“Then it comes in handy I know a thing or two about the warfare,” Jonathan cracked a smile.

“I am the Alpha,” Juliet's serious face was entertaining at best.

“I never cared about titles,” Jonathan shrugged.

“You’ll have to bow to me as an Alpha,” Juliet demanded.

“Sure, you’ll be my Alpha and boss in public, but in private,” Jonathan trailed and winked at her. In private he could show her a thing or two.

“I am serious! You will have to bowl at my authority!”

“Sure, whatever gets you going,” Jonathan shrugged. After all, who was he to judge what gets her off? She was his and he really did accept her in every single way possible.

“You’re not taking me seriously! This is all but a joke to you. The Pack Law Commander and the Alpha. Ha-ha,” Juliet sarcastically snapped. “But it is not a joke to me. As screwed up as you think my life is, I want to remind you it’s MY life. I don’t need your condescending smug face to know I made mistakes. Roland is not one of them and I will not have you bring him down! And that’s exactly why we can never be together!” Juliet snapped and Jonathan's face hardened. His wolf retreated at the implication of her possible rejection.

“Careful now,” he cautioned her.

“See, even now you are trying to rein me in, to control me, to manipulate me using our bond and my wolf’s desire for yours against me. I told you my life is complicated. I am the Alpha. I need the respect you obviously lack. I’m sorry. I have a pack and a family,” Juliet said and Jonathan felt the impending pain even before she said: “I, Juliet Grey, Alpha of the Rover Grove, reject you Jonathan Graves as my mate. I’m sorry. This would never work!”

“Because you wouldn’t let it,” Jonathan snapped at her then sarcastically added. “Oh, but don’t you worry, I will let you be the mighty Alpha you think you are. Go to your jackass of a Choice Mate, because you deserve each other. I not only accept your rejection, my beautiful Juliet Grey, but I, Jonathan Graves, reject you back.”

The pain was burning in his chest and by the looks of it, the migraine he had so tirelessly tried to prevent had fully developed by the time he finished his words. That migraine would be the last memory of their now shattered bond.

He pivoted on his heel and quickly left the room.

It still amazed him that many Alphas were indeed such cowards.

Jonathan

Jonathan knocked on the door. There was only one person who would understand.

Ned swung the door open, glaring at him. The state of undress of the Alpha made Jonathan well aware of what he was interrupting. He didn’t need a cold glare to know his presence was unwanted.

Well, too bad for him.

Jonathan returned his glare, holding the Alpha’s gaze. For all Jon cared, Ned could turn purple from holding his breath. Jon was not budging. In fact, Jonathan could do this all night long if he had to, though he didn’t have the luxury of time. He needed to speak to Nes.

NOW.

There were unwritten rules that Pack Law implied when dealing with Alphas.

Approach Alphas politely.

“I’d like to speak with Vanessa, please,” Jon informed Alpha Ned as politely and calmly as he could. Despite the rush of adrenaline and the pain he was feeling, Jon knew that Ned would easily agree with him if he was formal. Professional.

“Sure, in the morning,” Ned replied.

Alphas are stubborn. Use persistence, and show strength.

“Would you get her, or should I do it myself?” Jonathan asked.

“You are on my territory, pup!” Ned growled at him.

If Alphas do not comply, approach their mates.

“Vanessa!” Jonathan raised his voice, summoning Nessa in sight, dressed in a tank top and shorts. She was surprised to see him and quickly made her way to the door.

“What’s up?” Nessa asked, but a threatening growl came from Ned. Alphas did not like it one bit when their influence was surpassed or when their mates showed themselves half-naked in front of other males. Vanessa of course did not register his frustration and instead tugged Ned’s hand. “Stop growling, you’ll wake up the whole pack.”

“Go to bed!” Ned commanded.

“Stop it,” Nessa hissed, pushing the door open. “Come on in, Jon.” Nessa finally invited him.

Ned growled again, his torso moving in Jon’s way. The message was clear “don’t enter”. Nessa on the other hand had different plans as she stepped in front of Ned, letting her back rub against his torso, which quickly silenced the growls coming in from him. Ned’s arms quickly snaked around her, which left the door unguarded. Nessa quickly kicked it open for Jon to come in, scolding Ned over her shoulder.

“Marcus, he’s either coming in or I’ll go out to talk to him somewhere else.”

“You are not leaving my sight,” Ned growled at her.

“I’d actually prefer to talk to you in private.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Ned snapped, arms bulging around Nessa. Jonathan rolled his eyes and entered, closing the door. “So what could not wait for the morning?”

“How did you get over him?” Jon ignored Ned altogether and asked Vanessa whose smile vanished.

“I’m so sorry,” Nessa said and then rushed out of her mate’s arms and hugged Jonathan, who caught her awkwardly. “I am so very sorry. I should have let Marcus dispose of him.”

Something passed between the mates and Ned awkwardly patted Jonathan’s back in encouragement.

“I’ll let you two talk. Call me if you need me.”

And with that he went off to the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. Jonathan appreciated the illusion of privacy as he damn well knew Ned would be able to follow their conversation with ease. Nessa on the other hand did not waste time and pulled him onto the sofa next to her.

“How do you feel?”

“Like a truck ran over me?” Jonathan asked and she nodded.

“You rejected her back?”

“What was the point of postponing the inevitable? She would never leave that nincompoop,” Jonathan sighed, teeth grinding. “In all honesty, I thought it would be harder on my wolf than me, not the other way around.”

“It’s her loss, Jon.”

“Do you think it would have changed her mind if she knew who I really was?”

“Do you want to be with someone who chose you simply because of your status?”

“No, but it still hurts. He hurt her, yet she chose him because apparently, I am not serious enough to know to recognize her as my Alpha,” Jon said and then looked at Nessa. “I am the first to admit, I don’t give a shit about Alpha titles, but I would have respected her and even let her boss me around. You know, after all, happy mate, happy house. But she was so focused on condemning me as a distraction, a vigilante who does not know when to submit!”

“I guess all Alphas get a kick out of it,” Nessa shrugged.

“How long do I have before it hits me harder?”

“A week at best.”

“Good, then it gives me time to go out swinging at Pablo.”

“Jon.”

“I saw you lash out. I won’t be able to control it and it is better to unleash the beast, channeling him into a proper cause. Take care of things for me.”

“Jonathan, you are not saying goodbye to me. You can bind a Choice mate,” Nessa offered.

“I knew I was damaged goods even before I met Juliet. It was bound to happen and I’ve taken measures. I wanted to come to see you before I go warn Kincaid about Pablo. After all, a much-needed family reunion is in order,” Jon snarled sarcastically.

Nessa

Even after talking to Jonathan the night before, Nessa refused to give up hope. Jonathan would come out victorious. As long as he had revenge to exact, he would have something to live for. And if Fate was gracious enough, he would find a nice woman who can bound him to her, before his wolf completely took over. She was so deep in thoughts that she did not even acknowledge the three snarling wolves that came down the hill. Cameron was lying steps away from her in his gold-brown wolf coat. His relaxed posture could only mean that they were part of the pack. Her eyes drifted lazily under her sunglasses.

A beauty (not that she considered herself one) and a beast (not that Cameron was any threatening casually napping a few steps to her side) sunbathing. She grinned, looking up at the sky. Puffy clouds were playing hide and seek with the sun and it was more apparent than ever that these were the last couple of sunny days before Fall came in full swing. The red, brown, and yellow leaves she was lying on were evidence of it.

That was surely something that she could use in one of her books. The scenes would be quite intense – a beauty lost in her own world, being guarded by a monster…. Woman and wolf casually playing in the red, brown, and yellow colors while the wind swirls around their bodies….

Cross that….

In the snow. White puffy snowflakes danced between their bodies….

Much better.

Pink cheeks, a goofy smile on a woman’s face, who is playfully throwing snowballs at the black wolf that is about to pounce at her. The woman sidesteps from his made-believe attack and throws herself into his frame, shrieking and laughing as her body collides with his, the momentum making her roll several times, tangling wolf and human into one ball of brown-black hairs and fur.

Then a hot scene started creeping into her mind. Of course, he’d have to make sure, she’s nice and warm after their snow-play.

Hmmm, that would work. She definitely had to write that scene soon. Speaking of which, she needed to talk to Marcus about their living situation. She needed to go back home.

Two weeks had managed to pass so fast.

Damn, the time was passing so fast when one was having fun. Shoot, she really needed to go to her apartment even if it was only to grab some new clothes, before the pack thought she only had eight outfits and two pairs of shoes. Oh, and she needed to pay rent and all the bills!

Damn!

“Where are you?” Nessa linked with Marcus.

“Out. You okay?” He quickly shot.

“Bored. You wolf?”

“You shifted?”

“I wish, then maybe Nic and Michelle would stop nagging me. It’s not like I can magically spur fur and poof lurch on four legs!”

Marcus could clearly picture the pout on her face.

“Nes, you are a shifter,” He reminded her, earning him a growl from her.

“You know what I mean, smart ass!” She snapped back at him.

“I’ll be right there!” Marcus said and decided to help her ease that frustration.

It was a miracle that she managed to escape her nagging friends. Well, it actually went more smoothly than she thought. After all, she could utilize her secret weapons – Vince and Aaron – to distract her friends and get them off her back.

Nessa squeaked as a coarse wet tongue licked her face, knocking off her sunglasses. The brightness made her snap her eyes shut, hand shooting to protect her eyes, while her other hand swatted away a furry wall. She opened her eyes and peeked through her fingers only to discover that she had grabbed a handful of black fur. She narrowed her eyes to focus, coming nose to nose with an overgrown wolf. The green eyes barreling into hers and little jolts of electricity running through her fingers telling her all she needed to know. She sighed and visibly relaxed as she recognized him. Not that anyone else would be ballsy enough to casually jump over her and lick her face.

“Expecting someone else?” His voice projected over the mind-link.

She patted the fur then lifted both her hands rubbing his muzzle.

“How’s my big boy?” Nessa started while the big wolf casually relaxed and purred over her. “You better have not hunted before you licked me just now,” Nessa started and his jaws opened mockingly, revealing pearly white teeth. No traces of fur or blood. “Who’s a good boy! Yes, you are! But we gotta brush those teeth! No cavities and what not!” He lowered his entire body over her, pressing her to the ground as he lowly growled at her immediate response. “You better not have flies!”

“Nes,” his warning came and she just tugged at his fur for a while. As her lifted hands began to tire, she patted his fur and then relaxed, spreading her hands onto the ground. As soon as she did that, she felt something crawling onto her finger and screamed.

A big black paw flickered off a bumble bee from her hand. She frantically tried to push Marcus away from her so she could sit and probably run away.

“Relax. It flew away! Drama queen,” Marcus shot her and quickly mind linked, “Disregard” to his Enforcers who decided to respond to her distress.

“Move,” Nessa told him and he reluctantly shifted off of her. She quickly stood up and started patting herself down, shaking her hands like a mad woman. He rolled his eyes at her squeamishness. After all, she was lying in the leaves for a while. What did she expect?!

Once she calmed down and the chills stopped running down her spine, she took a stick and looked at him with mischief before throwing it.

“Fetch,” she arched her eyebrow to which Marcus grinned inwardly. No way in hell. “Pretty please.”

“No,” he responded via the mind link.

“For me?”

His stance clearly conveyed his message.

No.

“Fine, I’ll make Cam do it.”

Was she on a mission to undermine the authority of his pack? Damn! He had to rein her in before she got a handful! Or paw-ful! Marcus chuckled at his own comeback. He casually strolled to her and then playfully nipped at her bottom before he took off.

“No, you didn’t!” Nessa exclaimed and defying all logic gave chase after him as he was a mere dog. She swore. “When I get my hands on you, you’ll be thoroughly spanked!”

Marcus couldn’t wait!

He was getting away.

Her feet were carrying her as fast as she could, but even that was not fast enough. Nessa could feel the strain in her breath. Damn, she was so out of shape. She just needed to catch him once. Then he would know not to mess around with her.

He was so close.

She extended her hand, reaching for his long tail. Pulling his tail would piss off his wolf, but she knew he would not hurt her. Just a few more inches and she’ll reach him. He dashed off. And then the unexpected happened as she leaped to catch him.

She shifted.