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Overview
Secrets: They have a way of sneaking up on you.
Max Rockwell is the muscle. Give him a good fight and he is ready to go. Sick a sexy reporter on him and he is doomed. The pack secrets are safe with him. He wouldn't spill them even if his life depended on it. But what if it isn't his life he has to worry about?
Valerie Thomas wants a story and the smoking hot Max will give her want she wants. What she gets is more than she bargained for. Creatures she couldn't even begin to imagine are after her all because fate is a bitch.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780857155924 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Totally Entwined Group |
| Publication date: | 07/11/2011 |
| Series: | Seeds of Dawn , #2 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 115 |
| File size: | 230 KB |
| Age Range: | 18 Years |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
"Shit!" Max slammed his beer onto the bar creating a big party foul with the amber liquid sloshing out of the bottle. Couldn't he have a moment to enjoy his drink? Was that asking too much? It must be, because the fates were not on his side. That damn reporter was nosing around again. She'd been dogging his tail for weeks. Every turn he made, she seemed to be there. Normally he would like the attention because of how hot she looked with her short brown, almost black, hair and her dark brown eyes that were starting to haunt his dreams, but she wasn't after him for a quick fuck. She wanted something more, a story on him and his pack. Not happening, no matter how cute she looked. It seemed as if the reporter had shown up the night Bella had told him to watch out for the brunette at the end of the bar. And that evil wink Bella had given him? Max sure hoped the brunette Bella spoke of didn't turn out to be this reporter, but that twinkle in Bella's eyes told him not to overlook the possibility.
And, just his luck, the woman sauntered his way and it happened again, that feeling deep in his chest like his heart was going to be ripped out. Every fucking time she got close, he would feel these urges he didn't want to think about.
Fuck. It wasn't his night.
"Why can't you get the hint? Fuck off — I'm not going to tell you anything," Max said as the woman settled onto the stool next to him. He took a swig of his beer, hoping she would get the hint and leave. Usually he left before she got this close, but he wanted to confront her and get it over with because this shit tired him no end and he hated being chased out of his favourite bar.
"And hello to you as well, Maxwell. No niceties from you, I see — straight to the heart of the matter. Not that I'm surprised. Maybe you'll let me introduce myself this time before you run out of here again with your tail between your legs. Oops, did I say that out loud?" She winked at him. "My name is Valerie, by the way, Valerie Thomas. You're not scared of little ole me, are you?" Valerie ended with a grin.
She held out her hand, obviously expecting him to do the polite thing and respond in kind with a handshake. She waited with a smile on her face, but Max just looked at her hand until she pulled it back. Taking her hand in his would not be happening, with the hunger rolling through him. And when had she learnt his name? Fuck, and had she just said Valerie? He did a double take.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. That was the name his dad had whispered through his head before he died. Max took a closer look. He'd never really studied her before now, but damned if she didn't look like the vision from his father.
If he touched her, especially now, he might just throw her down on the floor and be done with it. Taking a deep breath around her seemed like a bad idea. Her scent wrapped around and through him. Damn town should learn how to shut up. If he found out who'd talked —
"Look, I just want a little information on your family. It's a little odd having all of you live in that house. You are all related, right? And what happened there a few weeks ago? Is it some kind of cult? What can you tell me about Russ Masters? Who —"
"Enough!" Max roared.
Max just managed to hide his grin when Valerie jumped at his loud command. Maybe he could have a little fun.
Not going to happen. She is too dangerous.
He couldn't let his libido take charge on this one.
"Can't you get the hint? I've never responded to you before now. Showed no fucking interest and left before we could talk. So let me say this flat out so you can understand. Stop with the questions. I'm not going to answer them. No one around here will. Let me sit here and drink in peace. Just shut up!" Max said in a harsh voice, anything to get her away from him.
"I'm not leaving, Max. If you don't answer my questions, someone will, no matter what you say. I just wanted a little inside perspective before I write my article. I don't want it to be one-sided, but if you won't talk and I can't get anyone else from your family to speak to me, then I'll run the story as-is."
"Are you still talking? I don't give a flying fuck what you write, just leave me and my family alone." Max threw some money on the bar and started for the door, but he could feel her behind him. He hoped like hell she wouldn't follow. He could only hold on to his wolf for so long, and it wanted a piece of the reporter.
Max didn't care about the story. The pack had lived through worse, and if Russ wanted to ignore it, then he would too.
Max had almost reached his car when a terrified scream echoed around him.
God damn it,this really isn't my night.
He turned and ran towards the sound. He didn't expect the sight before him and stumbled to a stop in shock. A giant leopard in the parking lot would do it. Valerie was cornered as the leopard stalked her. He only knew of one were-leopard around here and Zareb didn't leave the house unless forced to, plus Max didn't think the other shifter would be assaulting someone. 'Fuck' didn't even begin to describe the feeling flowing through Max's body. He didn't like secrets and somebody had one. Max didn't stop to think. He changed into his wolf form and charged the leopard before it could reach the girl. The two collided in mid leap.
Max went straight for the leopard's throat with a growl. The leopard hadn't expected the attack, so Max had a clear shot and bit down hard, tasting blood. The leopard hissed as it tried to shake Max off, but Max held on tightly. Letting go wasn't an option unless forced. The leopard tried to strike Max with his claws, hoping to loosen his grip. The animal got in one good strike before making Max release him. Max continued to growl and advance on the animal. The leopard hissed once more, turned around and ran into the night. Max didn't give chase. He wanted to make sure the woman was okay then he was going back to the house to report in. Someone was going to tell him why there appeared to be a leopard on the loose in town.
After Max had shifted back, he went in search of Valerie, but her scent ended at the parking lot. At least she had fled instead of sticking around for a story. She wasn't completely stupid. Now deaf was another issue, at least when it came to his wishes. He half-expected to see her standing on the side lines taking notes. He was glad he didn't have to deal with her any more tonight — he had to get back to the pack house to talk to Zareb and Russ. Someone had some explaining to do.
Max made it back to the compound in record time. He slammed on his brakes, hardly waiting for the vehicle to stop before jumping out and storming to the front door, heading straight into Russ' office without knocking.
"What the fuck is going on here?" he raged
"Excuse me?" Russ' cultured voice had an edge to it.
The two men stared each other in the eyes until Max had the overwhelming urge to look away. He shifted his gaze to the floor and slightly bowed his head. Russ didn't enforce his alpha power often, but when he did everyone paid attention.
"Now, what is it you wanted?" Russ tented his fingers together and tapped his lips, waiting for a response. Russ' voice was soft, but Max knew his alpha was pissed off at the interruption.
"I was at the bar tonight, Russ. I saw a big cat attack that reporter shadowing me."
Max waited for his alpha to respond, but they were interrupted by a blood-curdling scream coming from the front room.
What was it with women and screaming tonight? He could do without it.
"Nooooooo!"
Max arrived in the dining room seconds before Russ to find Bella on the floor clutching her head. That was never a good sign. The last time, the shit had hit the fan, and with a reporter on his ass this couldn't be good. He just hoped Russ didn't make him do damage control. The further he stayed away from Valerie the better.
"Bella," Russ soothed. "Where is David? Someone get her mate."
It took a couple of minutes, but Bella was finally able to sit up. David had arrived and cradled her in his lap with a growl. The mating was still new, so Russ and Max backed off.
"Valerie," Bella whispered.
"What did you say?" Max seethed. No way.
"You need to help her, Max. If you don't she'll die and we are in big trouble," Bella pleaded with him.
"She's a fucking reporter who wants a damn story. What the hell am I supposed to do with her? Give her the big hairy exclusive? Somehow I don't think the local news is ready for a wolf coming-out party."
"Stop with the smartass comments. Go find her and protect her. If you can, talk her into coming back here."
"Somehow I don't think that will be the problem. That might come when she doesn't understand 'off the record'. And we have bigger problems here. A leopard attacked Valerie tonight. In our territory. I don't think Zareb is going around scaring the town folk."
"Did I hear someone say leopard?" Zareb walked into the room.
"That's right, big guy. You scaring off nosy reporters?" Max sneered.
Russ slapped the back of his head. "What did I say about being a smartass? Listen to what Zareb has to say. It will be important."
"We need to get Valerie here and then I will tell you all a little story. One that I should have shared earlier, but I didn't think things would come crashing down this soon. I thought we had time. It appears we do not," Zareb stated and left the room.
For some reason, that calmed Max down. He didn't know if it was Zareb's voice or the fact that the man seemed so in control of the situation.
"You heard Zareb. Go find her. And hurry, Max." Bella squeezed his hand.
Max grumbled, but did what he was told. The one thing he really didn't want to do. Find a reporter.
* * *
Dmitri thought luck had shifted his way with the lovely Valerie falling right into his hands. It was brilliant beyond words and it helped that Max wanted nothing to do with her. He wanted to act and kill her before the connection between Max and her could grow. He wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. He would take care of this one on his own. Bastian had been an error on his part. The crazy man had his own agenda in killing off the beast who'd changed his daughter into a wolf. He had thought by changing Bastian's allegiance he could put a stop to what fate had in store for him and his children.
Bastian had pushed too fast to end the whole pack. Not that Dmitri had to worry about him anymore. Bastian had died in his quest to rid the world of shifters. Now it was time for Dmitri to take matters into his own hands.
Dmitri hadn't come this far to be killed by some insignificant wolves. He had been bred for greatness and wouldn't be overshadowed by the bastards of his ancestors. They had muddied the waters, and he planned on fixing it once and for all. He just wished Zareb was on his side in this fight. The two of them would have been invincible, but he had chosen the wrong side, the side of their parents or the great ancients as they were now known, and he would pay for that mistake.
Then that mutt had interfered. He should have known one of Zareb's do-gooders would step up to the plate. Didn't they know how insignificant they were? None of them would be here if it wasn't for that damned vessel.
"Kill, kill, kill, kill."
The voice was getting worse. It had started over a decade ago and Dmitri hadn't been able to shake it. Now he embraced it. He would kill whomever he had to. Being a shifter was supposed to be special, and now anybody could become one. His parents should have taken care of them before they got out of hand. They were all powerful, after all. But no, they had sat back and let it happen. Now shifters were a dime a dozen. Well, no more. He would be the last standing shifter. The others would die so he could start over the way it was supposed to be. Two guardian's to protect the rest. It would come to pass. He'd seen it. Maybe he'd make a few changes. It was possible. Look what that idiot pack had managed. They were supposed to die in a fire. Had that happened? No. But he had other ways. Fun ways. And it would start with the death of Valerie Thomas.
CHAPTER 2It wasn't possible. That kept running through Valerie's head. It had to be a trick of her imagination. She had not seen Max Rockwell shift into a wolf and attack that giant cat. And what the hell was a leopard doing in town?
Valerie paced her apartment. She should be scared. She'd almost been mauled. But the only thing she could think about was Max. Big, dark haired, sexy Max. Just picturing him could make her panties damp. Being next to him was cause for a change of underwear. He oozed rough and dangerous. And when he smiled, she wanted to kiss him. Not that he smiled at her. She got the scowl. That was still sexy, but in a different kind of way.
She needed to focus. Maybe meditate and call her mom, who was usually the voice of reason. Valerie sat on the couch. It was possible that shifters existed. Probable, even, what with magic being real. She had just never thought she'd see it. That could explain so much about the Master's compound. Were they all shifters? God, what she wouldn't give to get into that house. Think of the story she could have. But could she tell it? The world was not ready for that kind of news. That was why she kept her magic background to herself. She'd learned at an early age that a person could be okay with it, but people as a whole tended to panic.
Okay. Her paper wanted a story on the fireworks that had happened out at the Master's place. She had something she could run. Damn. She really needed to talk to the man himself to get it figured out. If they were shifters she couldn't run what she had planned, because they wouldn't want to draw attention.
That could be bad for her too. Yes, it was time to call her mom. Maybe Joy would be home too.
Her mom answered on the first ring. "Hey, baby girl. How are you?"
Valerie smiled. Mom always knew it was her and she didn't even have caller ID.
"Troubled. Very troubled."
"What happened?"
"Are shifters real?" Valerie bit her lip and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Why would you ask that?" Her mom sounded nervous.
"I saw something I can't explain and —"
"Maybe you should talk to Joy."
"Why would I talk to her?" Joy had grown up with the family after her mom had died. That was just how the Thomas family worked. They took in strays, starting with her.
Her mom sighed. "To answer your question — yes, shifters exist. Joy might have some answers you need. Just remember, everything happens for a reason. Maybe you should meditate on it. But talk to your sister first."
"Yes, ma'am. Is she there?" Now she was starting to get curious. Why would Joy have answers?
"Yes. Hold on a moment."
Valerie smiled when her mom yelled for Joy. Some things never changed.
"Who is it?" Joy's muffled voice came through the phone.
She didn't hear her mom's reply.
"Hey, V. What's up?"
"Mom said I should ask you about shifters."
Valerie didn't like the pause on the other end of the line. She got up and started pacing again. Her mind was going a mile a minute with all the possibilities. Why hadn't she known before now?
"I see. Do you remember me talking about my sperm donor?"
Valerie laughed. Only Joy.
"Yes, I do. But what does that have to do with shifters?"
"My mom was not the only one he 'donated' to. I have a half brother. Only he doesn't know about me. At least not yet. You've met him."
"What?" How was that possible? "Why didn't I know this?"
"I just found out when Richard died. He left me a letter. And my brother is Max —"
"Of course! Rockwell! Damn. I'm so stupid. Same last name and everything! So you know —"
"Well, it isn't obvious if you aren't thinking about it and don't expect it. And yes, I know he is a wolf shifter. So was his mom. Apparently Richard had a thing for powerful women."
"But you and Max look nothing alike."
"We must both take after our mothers."
"Wait, now that I think about it ..." Valerie shut her eyes and pictured both Joy and Max in her mind. There it was. "You have the same eyes."
"So how did you find out that Max is a shifter? I'm sure he didn't just show it to you out of the kindness of his heart. Most folks keep that kind of thing a secret. And hello, you're a reporter."
"Yeah, but I'm not just any reporter. I'm a magic wielder, same as you. I know that there are some things you just don't do a story on. Damn, I wish I could get inside that house. You could —"
"No."
"But —"
"I said no. You aren't using me to get in there."
"You're going anyway. Let me tag along."
"V! It will be awkward enough introducing myself. Who knows if Max is even aware he has a sister. I have no idea if Richard sent him a letter too."
"All right. But if you loved me —"
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Secrets"
by .
Copyright © 2011 Jambrea Jo Jones.
Excerpted by permission of Totally Entwined Group Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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