Vivian Arend - Wolf Games

When she could speak there was a quiver in her voice. “I left right afterward and never went back. I worked summers and attended UBC and I never shifted into a wolf. Missy and I kept in touch via email and phone, especially after Mom and Dad died in a car accident, but I refused to physically go back to Whistler. Every now and then I’d see pack members hanging around outside my classes, like they were keeping track of me.” She shuddered. “Once, they tried to get into the apartment I shared with Pam, but I told her they were cousins I didn’t want to see, and somehow she got rid of them.”

“I knew I liked her for a reason.”

She snorted, and wiped at her teary eyes. “Yeah, well, she thinks you’re a little freaky. You know, she’s about the best friend I’ve ever had. Brave and loyal, and fearless and fun, all at the same time. So often I wanted to tell her about being a wolf but I couldn’t. I couldn’t risk her leaving me.”

Erik handed her a hanky and she wiped her face clean. She settled back into his arms, his comfort healing her pain. They sat together for a long time, Erik rubbing her back and whispering foreign phrases to her. She had no idea what he was saying, but the words soothed her, eased the ragged edges around her heart.

“I can see why being around wolves frightens you. Not only was your Alpha a rotten bastard, the whole pack was diseased.”

Maggie ran a hand up his forearm to caress his biceps. Touching him made her feel so much better. “I’m surprised you’re not offering to go rip out their throats.”

“Oh, I’m thinking about it. But your brother-in-law, Tad, already killed the Alpha who instigated the whole thing. What I plan in retaliation for the others’ sins you don’t have to know about.”

She sat up quickly. “You’re not going after them.”

“They hurt you, you’re my mate. There will be an accounting.”

“I didn’t tell you this so you’d go off half-cocked killing people.”

Erik raised a brow. “Killing them. Okay, I had other things in mind, but now you mention it—”

“Stop it. It happened a long time ago. It’s been seven years.”

“Yet you’re still hurting. Sounds like I have cause to give them pain.”

She opened her mouth to speak and then froze. Oh damn it. Damn, damn, damn.

He was right.

Maggie scrambled out of his lap and stared down at his dark eyes in horror. A light bulb went on in her head and she could clearly see herself in the room again, the wolves still attacking her. It was like she’d locked the door and never let them go.

She paced toward the nearby trees, grappling with the revelation. She’d suffered years of mental pain and confusion. Loneliness like only a pack animal separated from family could experience. Even the physical weakness caused by locking her wolf away—none of it had been necessary.

She turned to face him. Her gentle giant, staring back with love in his eyes, concern and anger warring in his heart. He’d seen clearly so many times in the past days exactly what she needed. Was it the mate connection that made him able to cut down the walls and help her break free?

Suddenly she knew part of what she needed.

Him.

Two steps forward returned her to where he sat. “This isn’t about them, it’s me.” He moved to speak and she held up her hand. “No, wait and listen. It’s true, I’m still in pain. I deliberately didn’t see any wolves for years. I didn’t visit with my sister in person, and I haven’t been able to shift to my wolf in forever. They stole a part of me away and I let them. Ah shit, I let them.”

“Maggie…no, don’t blame yourself. They were the ones who were wrong. You did nothing to deserve this.”

She shook her head. “Don’t you see? That’s what I’m saying, I felt like I did deserve it. It was my fault Missy was trapped, so I let my wolf become trapped as well in punishment. Oh hell, I’ve been so stupid.”

Erik closed his eyes and she felt the rush of his power flow over her. She gasped at the depth of it, the richness of the sensation soaking into her very pores. When he opened his eyes he held out his hand and she grabbed it like a lifeline. “Maggie, I don’t know what to say. My brilliant plan to show you my wolf and try to ease your fears seems trite and childish as a solution.

“I feel the strength inside you. Your wolf is powerful and she wants to help you through this. Your heart is so strong, but you’ve been using your strength to carry a burden that wasn’t yours. I meant what I said about not caring if you shift. Only I’d hate to see her trapped forever when together you can be happy again. Truly happy.”

“So if tomorrow is a wolf-only challenge, what would you do?”

He shrugged. “As far as I’m concerned we can go home. This is a game, what you’re talking about is real life.”

Maggie shook her head. “No! If we go home that’s another thing they’ve stolen from me. From the boys, and the pack. No more. I’ve had enough of them taking my life away. I want to compete and I want to get my life back on track.” Tears filled her eyes again. She dropped to her knees at his feet and clasped his big hands in hers. “Help me.”

Erik rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “I agree you need to take back control of your life, but Maggie…” He cupped her face in his hand. “You’ve been reclaiming your life. Ever since you started back north you’ve taken charge and made changes. If you can’t finish it all in a few days, you’re still well on the way. They aren’t winning anymore. You’re the one in control of the game now. Okay?”

Her heart leapt. It was true. She nodded jerkily.

“Summer solstice is tomorrow. I think that should help.” He pulled off his shirt and her mouth watered. Firm muscles tempted her. Distracted her from the emotional rollercoaster she’d just raced over. The urgent desire to run her tongue over his body chased away all other thoughts. How had they resisted completing their mating until now? It was another stone to cast at the feet of her tormentors. Then he was naked, every glorious mile of him spread out like a banquet before her.

“I have no idea how this is supposed to help my wolf, but damn you’re fine.”

He laughed. “You’re drooling.”

She wiped at her mouth in response and flushed when he laughed again. “Tease.”

“I like the look in your eyes.”

Maggie lifted her gaze to his. “You’re much better looking than TJ. At least to me.”

Erik patted the blanket beside him. “I thought I’d change to my wolf, but I want you to be sure you understand it’s me, no matter what form I take. If I frighten you, just tell me to shift back and I will.”

“I’ve been around TJ’s wolf for three days.”

He frowned. “Sweetheart, I hate to remind you, but TJ is young and not as powerful as you. He’s also not nearly as big as I am. When we do have a shifter challenge there will be few wolves my size. If you can get comfortable around me, that’s the first step.”

Maggie nodded. “Makes sense.”

“Touch me.”

She ran her hands up his chest, over all that hard muscle and tight skin, leaning closer to brush their lips together. The thrill of connection shook her to the core even as their lips stayed soft and sweet. She took her time, tracing the tattoos on his shoulders and arms, brushing the stiff hair on his head. She stroked her hands down his abdomen, skirting his erection.

Oh heavens. Distraction at its very finest.

“I think I should shift now.”

She nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from the evidence of just how much he really wanted her.

“Maggie, did you hear me? I’m going to shift.” A tug on her arm made her drag her gaze back to his face. Erik wore a huge grin. “Although that’s a very nice expression you’ve got right now.”