CHAPTER

SANI

“I need to meet with the pack.” He wouldn’t subject Tereza to his father.

Tereza yawned. “You go do that. I’m going to take another nap. I’ve used a lot of magic today and last night. I’m exhausted.”

Sani breathed in Tereza’s intoxicating winter scent and held her close. Tight as he held her, she snuggled closer in her sleep. His canines pushed at his gums and every instinct roared to bite Tereza. He had to force his wolf down — again. The beast had nearly fought his way out.

But there was a right way of doing things and he wouldn’t give Tereza the mating bite until she understood what it meant and wanted it as desperately as him. Just because she was a fairy and Other World didn’t mean she knew how shifters claimed their Fateds. Although, while they’d been in the magic, there had been something wolf-like about her. That was probably wishful thinking on his part. There had been hundreds of wolves in the pack magic. Plus, she was exhausted from using so much magic saving the world today, and he wanted her fully aware and participating when they took that huge mating step.

For now, he loved her as he’d never loved anyone before, indulging in her scent and the peace of having her in his arms. His body couldn’t decide if he was tired or energized. There was work to be done A report to give. A case to crack. Someone would interrupt his tranquility if he didn’t make an appearance at the Council House soon. It wouldn’t be hard for shifters to track him here. Tereza would be discovered, and Alpha drama would ensue. He could spare her that and let her decide when to reveal her secrets.

Sani kissed Tereza’s forehead and whispered, “I’ll be back quick as I can.” She didn’t stir. He debated leaving a note, but Tereza knew where he was going and why. She’d probably sleep the whole time he was gone. Better to get things over with so he could return before she woke up.

He didn’t bother getting dressed. It was faster to run across pack territory in wolf form, and a flannel shirt tied around his phone, boots, socks, and jeans made a convenient bundle. His wolf was practically frisky as the animal bounded through the winter woods.

Some of his work was easy to deal with. When he was almost to Mika’s place Sani shifted to human, dressed, and scrolled through his contacts to find Ciaran, who answered on the first ring.

“Sani, good to see you came through the eruption unscathed.”

“Likewise. How are things in the city?”

“There was some panic at first, but since the eruption came to nothing there’s a bit of a party atmosphere.”

Keeping in mind Ciaran’s preference for not talking about Strygoi on the phone, Sani tried to be circumspect. “With all the goings-on, have there been any developments?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.” Ciaran sounded gleeful. “We’ve spotted the minion that got away and are taking steps to apprehend him tonight.”

Taking steps. Yikes. That sounded ominous. Perfect for dealing with scum that trafficked witches. “Anything I can do to help?”

Ciaran laughed. “No. It’s being handled by some of the injuries parties. I’m going to sit back and watch the fireworks. You’re welcome to join me.”

Normally the idea of watching some witches get some vengeance on a mage’s minion would be fun, but he’d seen enough magic today and Tereza would be waiting for him when she woke up.

“I think I’ll stay out of the way. Let me know if there’s something the pack can do. In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye out for strangers.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you and Kayin know what happens tonight.”

“Okay. Hey, I almost forgot with all the craziness today, but I saw your golden wolf this morning.”

“Where? Was she hurt? Is she safe?”

“Uh…” The wolf had seemed happy and friendly with Baba Yaga. If she liked someone, there probably wasn’t a safer place to be than with the Rus witch and her huge brother. Sani knew the stories though. Baba Yaga wasn’t always nice.

“Sani?”

Better to rip off the band-aid. “I saw her with an acquaintance from Rus.”

Ciaran was silent so long Sani checked the screen to see if the call had dropped. “Ciaran?”

“I’m here. By chance, does this acquaintance from Rus have a brother and like unique architecture?”

Sani supposed a house that walked around on chicken legs could be considered unique architecture. “Yes.”

“That explains a few things,” Ciaran sounded thoughtful. “Where did you see them?”

“They didn’t stay in the area. I might be able to track them.”

“I might need to take you up on that offer. I’m glad she’s not alone. Hang on a moment.” Ciaran’s voice was muffled as he spoke to someone else, then he was back. “I’ve got to go. Thanks for letting me know.” The call disconnected.

Sani tucked his phone away and jogged the rest of the way to Mika’s house. There was a small chance he could give Mika a detailed account of what had happened in the mountains that morning and be done with things. Hopefully, Mika would be home rather than at the Council House. Maybe his brother could act like a brother instead of sn Alpha for once and offer some advice instead of barking Alpha commands.

Not likely. But today, with what Sani had already seen and felt, anything was possible.

Mika and Madison had taken up residence in a cabin a fair distance from the village. It was their way of telling everyone to keep away. Sani didn’t care. Mika wouldn’t hesitate to barge into wherever Sani was. And Madison wouldn’t let Mika murder him.

His brother was on his back in a hammock hung from the porch roof. That was new. Mika usually kept out of sight. Even more surprising were the table and four wooden chairs with thick cushions next to the hammock, like Mika actually needed places for company to sit. He never invited guests, rarely tolerated visitors who ventured here, and didn’t let anyone linger long enough to need a chair.

That had to be Madison’s doing, although she wasn’t using the new seating arrangement. She straddled Mika’s lap, feeding him bits of food from a plate balanced on his chest. Not just food. Desserts. Mika had a sweet tooth he didn’t want anyone to know about. Of course everyone did. No one said a word though.

Indecision made Sani’s steps falter and something behind his ribs twinged. He’d never been jealous of Mika. But this sweet serenity…it almost hurt to see, and it seemed like sacrilege to interrupt. The sensation only lasted a moment. Sani had Tereza. Soon their relationship would be public and he didn’t care if she fed him cookies and cake in front of the whole world.

“Hi, Sani.” Madison glanced at him. “Come on up.” Her Berserker senses were extra sharp. That was probably good. No telling what might happen if someone startled a Berserker.

Of course, Mika snarled. “I’m going to ki—”

“Be nice.” Madison stuffed some cake in Mika’s mouth, efficiently shutting him up.

With his primary method of intimidation neutralized, Mika aimed a death glare at Sani, eyes glowing golden as his wolf rose to the surface. Cake didn’t do anything to block the pack link.

One of these days, Sani, I am going to kill you.

Sani grinned. Hey, I didn’t shove cake in your face.

She did it because of you, Mika shot back.

Madison smiled. She tipped Mika’s head back, a definite gleam in her eye. Sani did not want to know what that gleam meant.

What do you want? Mika growled. Too bad a mouthful of cake didn’t make him sweeter.

Tereza. The answer and her mage filled Sani’s mind.

His brother’s eyes slid over to him, studying. Sani stared back.

“We need more snacks.” Madison somehow made getting out of a hammock look graceful and slipped into the house with a plate that was not empty.

Mika wiped his mouth with a napkin and crumpled it in his fist. “You have two minutes.”

Maybe that’s how long it took Madison to get more desserts. Sani went with the easier topic first. “Can I just tell you what happened with the volcano and you can brief the Council?”

“No.” Slight annoyance.

“But —”

“No.” Greater annoyance.

“I —”

“No. Be at the Council House in thirty minutes.”

That came out as an Alpha order. Oddly, the command didn’t create an urge to obey. It felt like a gnat flitting around that Sani could choose to swat away if he wanted to. Interesting. Maybe having the pack magic run through him had some lingering affects. Best not to push it right now, but something to play with later.

“Fine.” Sani hadn’t expected anything different. Mika would never be willing to talk when he could make someone else do it. On to the trickier matter. Maybe he should have gone to Nascha first. She was so much better at managing Alpha attitudes. Too late now. Sani took a deep breath and sat in one of the new chairs.

“How did you know that Madison was…that you and she were…”

Mika arched an eyebrow. “Fateds.” He leaned in and sniffed. A furrow between his eyebrows appeared.

Sani hadn’t put any effort into masking Tereza’s scent. He wanted everyone to know he’d been with her, even though no one would know who she was since her glamour disguised her scent.

“She’s off-limits,” Mika’s Alpha voice tried to wrap Sani into submission. “You can’t.”

“Madison was off-limits,” Sani blurted. There had been a blood feud. Still was, as far as Sani knew. “Didn’t stop you.”

Instead of growling, Mika offered something between a smile and a smirk. “No, I guess it didn’t.” Then he shook his head and scowled. “Madison is a wolf. Your woman is…” He inhaled again and shook his head, unable to identify the scent. “Something, but she’s not a wolf.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Sani was tempted to brag about his Winter Fairy, but that wasn’t his secret to tell. He and Tereza could do the big reveal when she wasn’t tired from saving the world. That should count for extra points in her favor shouldn’t it? Strength was respected and more than wolves were mated into the pack.

If Tereza were a wolf, it would be easy. She’d be accepted, know their ways, and submit to his bite. No one could object. Well, Ulf would because it wasn’t his idea and Sani hadn’t asked for permission. Nor was he going to, and once he bit Tereza, it was impossible to undo.

“Stay away from her,” Mika jabbed a finger at Sani. “Focus on the case.”

Fortunately, Sani had the latest information on that. “The investigation has moved to Port Storm. Kayin and Ciaran have a suspect in custody.”

Mika wasn’t distracted. “Stay away from her.”

Sani threw up his hands. “I can’t. I can’t not see her. It’s like…like the wind purposely carries her scent to me.” This wasn’t going well. He’d hoped Mika would understand and help smooth the way. Sani’s shoulders slumped, imagining the lecture Mika was about to deliver.

Duty. Maturity. Responsibility. It would be nothing to the scathing rebuke their father would rave at him. Mika took a long time answering, studying Sani closely. “You mean it.”

“Why are you so surprised?” All the frustration of the past years found release in those words. When would someone take him seriously? Tereza did. A sense of calm reduced his rising blood pressure. “I love her.” Sani met Mika’s gaze, not flinching.

“Watch it,” Mika warned. “You break that chair, Madison will kill you.”

Sani looked at his hands, clenched white around creaking wooden armrests. He let go. Mika’s eyes bored into him, looking for the truth. From the depths of that glower, a glimmer of understanding and hope emerged.

“If you’re serious, I’ll back you up.”

Good thing Sani was sitting. All the rigidness in his body whooshed out and he would have collapsed. Sani managed a nod. “So what do I do?” The about Ulf part was implied.

“Whatever you have to.” Mika shrugged, looking for Madison. Sani’s two minutes were up.

That was about as much as he’d get out of his brother. More than he expected, in any case. Sani stood and replaced the chair as Madison reappeared, refilled plate in hand. She handed a cupcake to Sani, getting a disgruntled growl from Mika.

Sani scooted down the porch steps to make his escape with the treat.

“Sani.” Mika’s voice halted Sani’s flight.

Sani stuffed the whole cupcake in his mouth, “Yeah?” he mumbled through frosting and cake.

Mika rolled his eyes. “If you’re not serious, you’re on your own.”

That was the brother he knew.

“So, that’s what happened.” Sani shrugged as he finished recounting his morning to the Council. His audience was bigger than he expected. In addition to Ulf and his cronies there were a few Alphas from other packs present. The building was full of Alpha vibes as happened whenever there was a crowd of them in one place, much less under one roof.

Sani’s summation had left a lot of specifics out, but he truthfully didn’t know exactly what the witches had done. And if Mika hadn’t mentioned the transfer of the pack link, Sani certainly wasn’t going to.

“The witches and Druids didn’t know who caused the eruption?”

“Could it happen again?”

“Where were you exactly?”

“No one living in the area knew anything?”

Questions flew from all directions, the demand for answers implied. What did they think he’d done? Taken a survey while the volcano was erupting? Sani was losing patience with this inquisition.

“If you want more details, I’m sure Baba Yaga would be happy to explain what happened, if you can find her.”

The room went blissfully silent. Everyone knew Baba Yaga’s reputation. Not even an Alpha wanted to run afoul of her.

Nascha interjected. “Members of our pack prefer not to live in areas frequented by humans so regularly. We’re in the process of contacting pack members we haven’t heard from yet. Thank you, Sani. If you hadn’t been out patrolling we wouldn’t know as much as we do.”

Whew. Sani could have kissed his sister. After that, there wasn’t much to add. Meeting over, most people headed for the door. Sani pushed through the pack members and Alphas remaining to mingle. Time to get back to Tereza.

“Sani.” The single word in his father’s gruff, unwelcome voice dashed any hope of that.

Suppressing a sigh, heart sinking, Sani stopped in his tracks. The others filed out. Nascha gave his arm a squeeze. Mika offered an inscrutable look. Madison gave him a thumbs up.

When everyone was gone, his father nodded toward the benches in an unspoken order to sit. The prelude to a lecture for sure. Sani sat, forcing himself to meet the stare of death. It was the same pointless test, every time.

How long before you falter?

Sweat beaded on his brow. That stare could kill. Mika had the same ability, though he saved it for enemies. Usually. Not so their father. The man was old-school Alpha.

Today, Sani met Ulf’s eyes and felt no need to break the staring contest. His father’s ever-present scowl deepened. Silence hung in the air. He steeled himself for today’s lecture.

Spent too much money? No. He hadn’t spent much lately. Too many women? Not these days, no. And never again, not with Tereza in his life. Not that Ulf had any room to lecture on promiscuity. Slacking off on the job? He’d been working his tail off on all that the ranch demanded of him, not to mention perpetually sweeping up the debris left in the aftermath of his father’s rough-riding ways. And working with Kayin.

Whatever his father was about to say, Sani had a response.

“I’ve decided it’s time you took a mate,” Ulf announced.

Except for that. Sani’s jaw fell open. Of all the things his father might hit him with, he never expected that. “A…what?” He couldn’t have heard correctly.

Ulf loomed over Sani. “A mate. You’ve had long enough.”

Sani’s mind spun. “Why?” Mika had Madison. They could make all the baby Alphas Ulf wanted.

“Look what it’s done for Mika.”

Sani didn’t know whether to nod or shake his head. Finding Madison was the best thing that ever happened to his brother. It had pulled Mika back from a near breaking point and given him balance.

“Being mated might finally teach you about responsibility.”

Trusting me would do that, too. So would treating me as an adult or like I matter other than a stud.

“Having a mate is a good thing,” Ulf the Hypocrite continued.

Sani snorted. Like his father could talk. The man had led on dozens of women without ever committing to one. Fathered four children with three of them without a thought of monogamy. This was the man lecturing about commitment? The one who mocked the idea of Fateds?

“Something amusing you, boy?” The Alpha power radiating from Ulf beat at Sani’s skin.

Sani cringed, remembering how his father had once tried finding a match for Mika. That hadn’t gone according to plan. Who would his father deem suitable for him? None of the women on the ranch interested him. Not in that way. Not ever again.

Only one woman did. The first and last. His only. His wolf let out a ferocious growl at the idea of being anyone else. Tereza. The one person his father would never, ever accept.

“Not interested.” Sani turned for the door, choking on the stuffy air.

“Sani!” Ulf sounded equally surprised and enraged his son would defy him.

He whirled, surprising himself when he realized his fingertips were shifted into sharp claws. Whoa. Shifting form was effortless, but he’d never shifted any part of himself unaware. Or thought about attacking his father. His protective instincts were going crazy.

“As you know, I just returned from a business trip.” Ulf looked over Sani’s shoulder at the closed door. “Come in.”

A grizzled old Alpha Sani had seen before opened the door and entered. Beside Roric was a petite brunette whose cold, appraising eyes latched on to Sani. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. This was not good.

“Sani, you remember Roric.” Ulf was scarily jovial. “And this is his daughter, Sabrina.”

The blood chilled in Sani’s veins. He gave a curt nod to Roric and his daughter.

“Hello, Sani,” Sabrina cooed, undressing him with her eyes.

“Roric and I have business to discuss,” his father continued. “Take Sabrina for a walk. Show her around her new home.”

Her new home? Sani’s gut twisted, guessing exactly what kind of business his father had in mind. From the gleam in Sabrina’s eye, she was fully on board. Females usually changed packs when they mated.

Surely Ulf wouldn’t do this. Sani wanted to smack his forehead. Ulf already had. Roric and Ulf had intended Jioleta as a mate for Mika. The fact that they hadn’t consulted either member of the prospective couple never bothered them.

His father’s voice boomed in his head. I will not let my son ruin his life. You continually allow yourself to be distracted by worthless females. Ulf’s voice grew more pleased. So I found you a mate.

Dread spread through the pit of Sani’s stomach.

I don’t want her.

You will do as I say! his father thundered.

The sheer volume threatened to buckle Sani’s knees. His mind flailed for some way out, even as he recognized the hard truth. Ulf and Roric didn’t care about love. It was all about the pack and bloodlines. Mating was strictly business. A way to strengthen ties between two allied packs.

Sani ground his teeth and glanced at his father. When their eyes met, he nearly reeled from the force of his old man’s glare. The rage in those eyes could kill. There would be no compromise.

You will mate Sabrina.

No. I have —

Alpha dominance filled the room. The power increased until Sani felt like his organs were vibrating. He tried to push back. For a moment it worked. He’d never fought back before and took his father by surprise.

You can’t fight me. I control the magic of the pack.

Sani knew exactly how much magic that was since it had been channeled through him that morning. Now it was directed at him, eroding his will. Whatever link he’d had was gone now.

You will not complain or speak one word about another woman. Do you understand?

No. Just that short word was an epic battle to form in his mind.

Spots filled his Sani’s vision and pain speared into his head. He tried to build a mental wall. Form a reflective shield. Dig a hole to hide in.

“Do you understand?” Ulf roared, narrowing his eyes as he ramped up his aggression.

Sani’s knees nearly buckled under the onslaught. Sheer will and the thought of losing Tereza kept him up