Untamed Shifter Love Read online

  * * * *

  Hours later, they reined in their heavily breathing horses. Balen was pleased to learn his betrothed was an accomplished rider. He’d loved racing her through the meadow and then wandering the endless forest trails before racing back through the meadow again.

  He hadn’t returned to the castle. Instead, he’d led them to a private glen beside a small pond he enjoyed swimming in. He produced a basket from behind one of the broad trees and a large, soft quilt. He laid it on the grassy bank while the horses took their ease. Alena sat down upon the blanket.

  “You’ve done some planning, I see,” she said.

  Together they emptied the basket. After lunch they finished off a bottle of wine.

  “I would like my father to be here for our wedding,” Alena said. Upon their ride they’d discussed marrying as soon as possible.

  “Is he fit to travel?” Balen asked. He was anxious to marry Alena, not only to secure her safety, but too, he wanted her in his bed.

  She shrugged. “I’m not certain. I do hope he will be in condition to soon.” She packed up the empty dishes and put the basket aside. She laid back and stared up at the blue sky.

  “You are tired,” Balen noted. He shifted, feeling his cock harden at the sight of his betrothed laying down beside him.

  When she smiled at him and shook her head in denial, he bent and kissed her on the lips. He was surprised when her hand came up against his chest to caress him. The kiss deepened, the tips of their tongues met and danced.

  Balen pulled away. “We should not,” he said, making to rise. He was only too aware of their location. Though private, anyone could interrupt them at any moment.

  Alena reached out to take his arm. “You wish to wait until we’re wed?”

  He nodded once, and stared at her hand, amazed at the heat of her touch.

  “Truly? I had thought…” Her voice trailed off, but he couldn’t miss the note of regret.

  He settled back down beside her. “What would you like, my love?” he asked.

  Her tongue flicked out to moisten her lower lip. “I want you, my lord.”

  “You do not wish to wait?”

  She shook her head and reached for him. He kissed her again. When their tongues met, he did not pull away, but delved deeper. Her hands moved to his shirt, and swiftly, he removed his clothing before helping to remove hers.

  He stared down at her naked body and marveled over her beauty. He’d imagined her like this, laying naked before him. His dreams were but a pale comparison to reality. Large, full breasts, tipped with rosy pink nipples taunted him. Her waist was narrow, and her hips flared out seductively. Long legs enticed his eyes to travel to where her thighs met to conceal her secret delights.

  He didn’t know where to begin.

  * * * *

  Alena watched Balen, intently aware of his hot gaze sliding over every inch of her body. Being outside surrounded by nature, with threat of discovery, only added to her excitement. She’d imagined this moment, but not like this. Instead, she’d given herself to Balen behind a locked door, in the comfort of a bed.

  A soft, warm breeze caressed her naked flesh. Bird songs serenaded them. Tall, sturdy trees stood sentry.

  This was far better.

  The sight of his naked body was beautiful. Muscle accented his broad chest and flowed throughout his powerful arms and legs. She smiled at the sight of his huge feet, but her breath froze as her gaze traveled upward to his cock. Standing erect, its massive size made her eyes widen in alarm. Tentatively, she reached out to take it in her hand. Smooth silk covered his long, hard length. She’d never seen a man’s cock before. His was surely the most glorious of all. She stroked her hand up and down, prompting grunts of approval.

  “Do I please you, my lord?”

  He nodded and reached out with greedy hands for her breasts. He dipped his head to fasten his mouth on her nipple, tugging at it teasingly, making her back arch up in delight. Alena reveled in the sensation and noted the instant changes in her body. Her breath came in quick little pants. Her skin grew hot and tingly. Yearning gnawed in her belly and that hidden place between her thighs making her ache for him. She lifted a hand to delve deep in his thick, blond tresses.

  His fingers trailed down her belly and between her legs, urging her thighs to part. As he laved her other nipple, his finger dipped inside her, eliciting a gasp. Never could she have imagined the intensity his touch created in her body. She concentrated on his mouth, and then on his finger, soon joined by another, probing deep inside her. Her head rolled from side to side.

  He pulled his fingers free and moved overtop of her, between her legs, guiding the tip of his cock to her passage.

  “There will be pain,” he warned gently.

  “I know.” She could bear anything, so long as he put an end to her torment.

  Slowly, he entered her, pushing deep inside. He breached her maidenhead and stilled, waiting for her to relax. The discomfort passed, quickly replaced by desire. She lifted her legs and ran her hands down his back to urge him on. He withdrew and surged forward, stroking her again and again, each plunge growing swifter. Her hands grabbed his ass and squeezed, feeling his muscles strain. She moved her hips, matching his rhythm.

  “My lord…” Her nails dug into his skin. She wanted—needed—something, but knew not what.

  Balen took her hands and held them over her head, no doubt feeling the sting of the scratches she’d raked down his back. He kissed her hard, his tongue darting into her mouth, matching the tempo of his strokes.

  “Come for me,” he said.

  Alena gripped his hands tight and tensed as her passion built and built, until finally shattering. She cried out, and seconds later, Balen stilled and hollered his own release.

  Sweaty, and sated, the pair held each other close.

  * * * *

  That night, beneath Terron Castle, Balen stood before a table with Tristan at his side. From a saddlebag he pulled out a cloth, set it on the table, and unwrapped a dark green plant topped by a purple flower.

  “Out on a ride today with Alena I was able to gather this.” He felt a heat in his groin at the thought of how they’d spent the rest of the afternoon.

  “Wolfsbane?” Tristan recoiled.

  Balen regarded him grimly. “Yes. And before you ask, I know what it’s capable of.”

  “So the question is what do you plan to do with it? Does this have anything to do with Alden?”

  “It’s not just the problem of his presence, which I detected today. He’s close. It’s also to do with our pack and ending the curse.”

  Tristan stared at him. “The curse? You think to end it with this?” He gestured to the deadly plant.

  “It’s risky, but if we die as a wolf, we revert back to a man. There is an antidote.”

  Tristan stared at him incredulously. “And you believe if we kill the wolf, we’ll end the curse. You’re willing to risk death for it?”

  “And to save Alena,” Balen confirmed. The only way to end the threat Alden posed to Alena was to kill him, or at least send a brutal message. Either way, it must be done as the wolf. As a man, he dared not risk killing, or even physically threatening Alden, for fear of being prosecuted and leaving Alena once more vulnerable. Getting rid of Alden, by way of the wolf, would set his pack up for being hunted and killed. But if there were no wolves to find…

  He wrapped up the wolfsbane, careful not to touch it with his bare hands, and set it aside. The shelves near the table held many small vials, mortars, pestles, and several dried plants and herbs. Balen set out what he needed and went to work.

  * * * *

  Alena knew that Balen was up to something. In the form of a snowy white owl she perched outside the tiny window used for ventilation from the bowels of Terron Castle. From here she easily overheard Balen’s dangerous plan. For her, he would attempt to end the curse of the wolf. Hearing his and Tristan’s conversation, it was obvious to concede that the rumors about the Cole bloodline
were true.

  She’d hoped that Balen was indeed, such as she, an anomaly. But if he looked upon his metamorphosis as a curse, then what would he do when he ultimately discovered what she was? Would he perchance want to risk his ‘cure’ on her as well? The thought disturbed her. He may be willing to do anything to cast off his alternate identity, to become a normal human being, whereas she rejoiced in hers. To experience the freedom and thrill of flying through the night sky wasn’t something she was eager to relinquish.

  Today, she and Balen had discussed their wedding. Though they’d not yet set an exact date, they’d been in agreement to do the deed soon. She’d relayed her wish to have her father present here on that day, if he recovered enough to make it a reality. Balen agreed to wait, but he was pragmatic. If her father showed no signs of recovery before All Hallow’s Eve, the next full moon, then they would marry despite his absence. Alena couldn’t fault his plan. They both knew the threat Rory presented. She had no doubt the rogue would find a way to lure her back home and attempt to accost her on the road, unless he grew restless and set upon her sooner.

  He was near. Her senses tingled and the breeze brought faint trails of his scent to her. Balen had sensed him as well. No doubt it being the reason why he worked even now to prevent him from stealing her away.

  She flew off into the darkness and ascended over the land which was to be her home. Soaring near and far, high and low, she searched the land for her nemesis. She combed through the small town, the forests, and the fields before she finally gained success. A tiny campfire alerted her to the band of men tucked deep among the thick trees half a league from Terron.

  Silently, she came to rest high atop a tree limb to look down upon them. The soft snores and occasional snort confirmed they were asleep. From the array of weapons and the rough appearance of Rory’s cohorts, Alena feared he was deep into this escapade. She couldn’t understand the tenacity of the man. She’d made it perfectly clear she had no wish to be with him. Why couldn’t he take no for an answer? Perhaps it wasn’t only her he coveted? Maybe it was her father’s land and estate he desired as well? Whatever it was, he did not appear to be a man to accept defeat gracefully. The only way to end this dilemma would be to scare him off. If that didn’t work, they would have to do whatever it took to stop him.

  Even if it meant his death.

  Chapter 3

  The next morning at breakfast Alena couldn’t mistake the glint in Balen’s eyes. The smile he shared with her revealed he’d enjoyed yesterday’s afternoon romp, and no doubt desired an encore. Judging by the smudges beneath his eyes, it appeared it’d been his turn to spend a restless night. She wondered how long he had worked on his antidote. She assumed it was what had kept him in the castle cellar so late.

  As for herself, she’d returned to her open window shortly after discovering the band of wretches in the forest. Obviously, Balen was aware of their close proximity. Knowing the drastic measures he was prepared to take to protect her and his pack, she feared she must change her plans. She’d had every intention of revealing her true nature to her betrothed, but she’d also hoped to have more time. Necessity would force her revelation to come sooner rather than later. She was certain that together, combining their skills, they could deal with Rory without risking Balen’s life or endangering the pack.

  “Sleep well, my love?” He brushed a kiss across her lips before sitting down.

  “Yes, thank you. You?”

  He shrugged.

  “Does something trouble you?” she ventured.

  “Nothing for you to worry about,” he assured her.

  “I thought we might ride out today?” She knew he would not mistake the innuendo she presented. The thought of him taking her outside again, surrounded by the forest, made her squirm with excitement.

  He arched an eyebrow and leered suggestively. “Another picnic, perhaps?”

  She nodded conspiratorially.

  When he took her hand beneath the table, Alena was tempted to press it against the juncture of her thighs. Her boldness startled her. Only yesterday she’d been an untried virgin. Although, she knew it was desire that had kept her up many a sleepless night in the past, especially after a visit to their home from the mysterious and handsome Lord Cole.

  After breakfast they went their separate ways; Alena to her rooms and Balen to the castle cellar to continue his work. Around noon the pair met up in the barn as planned. She noted that this time he had a picnic basket and blanket. So he planned to head right to their private spot and forgo a long ride. Good. She was more than ready for him. Although, after he made sweet love to her, she planned to expose herself to him even more intimately.

  Should it prove to be her downfall, she knew not. Showing her true self to him may set his heart as hers forever, or turn it completely to stone. She prayed it was the former.

  * * * *

  Balen brimmed with eagerness as they guided their mounts toward the glen by the pond. The place where he and Alena had made love yesterday. And where they planned to do it again today. Her passion had surprised and pleased him greatly. He knew they would be well matched as mates.

  They dismounted and he saw to the horses while Alena set out the blanket.

  “Are you very hungry?” she asked.

  By the predatory look she wore, now leaning back upon her hands, legs out before her, he got the impression she was as anxious as him.

  “This is my fault,” he said, followed by a dramatic sigh.

  Her brow furrowed in puzzlement. “What is?”

  “One afternoon spent in my arms and I’ve turned you into a brazen lover.”

  Her face lowered and he worried he’d embarrassed her. But she met his gaze and smiled seductively.

  “I find I cannot help myself.” To prove her point, she stood up and began to slowly remove her dress.

  His clothing came off more quickly.

  Taking her in his arms, he lowered them to the blanket. He kissed her passionately, running his thumbs over her hardened nipples. Kisses trailed down her neck and chest, and lower to her belly.

  Alena entangled her fingers in his hair while he roamed even lower. His breath came out in hot pants as his tongue flicked against her other hard nub. He suckled, hearing her gasp, felt her fingers tighten and her hips lift in greeting. He eased two fingers inside of her, and then another, teasing her clit all the while.

  When he shifted to position himself to claim her, she surprised him by urging him onto his back. She rained slow, seductive kisses on his chest, working her way lower, just as he had done to her. He startled, feeling her warm breath against his cock. She took him in her hand and began to stroke the long length of him. He nearly came undone when she put her mouth on him. Her tongue and lips caressed his shaft while she fondled his balls.

  “My love,” he moaned.

  When he feared he would lose himself completely, he moved her onto her hands and knees before him. He admired the fine shape of her from this angle, head bowed, rear end up in the air, awaiting his attention. He ran his hands down her soft skin, over her ass and between her legs, opening them wide. Hand on his cock, he guided it into place. As he eased forward she looked back at him through a tangle of blonde curls, and smiled.

  Her look turned to one of surprise as he sank into her depth and began to move with slow, deliberate strokes. Gasps and low moans escaped her lips. She urged him on, pleading with him to go faster. He complied. Her breasts swayed and he reached out to grasp them in his hands.

  After several minutes, she dropped her head lower and he took hold of her hips once more. His thrusts grew faster and faster. Together they reached their peak, crying out in ecstasy, before collapsing on the blanket.

  They took time to share the picnic lunch and a bottle of wine, then resumed their lovemaking until dark shadows began to creep across the sky. The chill in the air alerted Balen to the late hour. They’d lost all track of time. Throughout the afternoon Alena had attempted to tell him something. He’d been
so overcome with desire that he’d distracted her shamelessly. Now he wondered what had been on her mind.

  He kissed her to wake her from slumber. “Dearest, it’s late. We should head back,” he said with regret.

  As they finished dressing, Balen’s horse tossed its head and snorted. It used its front hoof to paw at the ground in agitation.

  “What is it, boy?” He went over to calm the huge horse and heard a rustling in the forest. He cursed. His senses had been compromised by his lust. Quickly, he set his mount loose and smacked its bottom. “Run home!” he said.

  Alena hurried over to him. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  He grasped her around the waist and lifted her onto her horse. “Go back to the castle. Now,” he said without explanation. He smacked her horse’s rump, making her grasp the reins tight when it bolted toward Terron.

  Balen stood alone in the clearing and waited, his senses quickly becoming fine-tuned and alert for danger.

  Moments later Lord Alden emerged from the forest. Everything about the man struck Balen as menacing. He could well understand Alena’s repulsion for him. He was a large man, only an inch or so shorter then Balen’s six four, and almost as broad. His hair was brown, worn in tight curls to his collar. His eyes were a cold blue.

  He came up before Balen and frowned. “Where is Alena? What have you done to her?”

  Balen scowled at his familiar use of her name. “My betrothed has returned to Terron Castle. Though her whereabouts are no concern of yours.”

  “Of course it concerns me. It is me that Alena loves. Not you. She only came here to break off your betrothal agreement. She said she owed it to you to do so in person, and alone. I warned her you would take advantage of the situation.” His gaze raked over the messed up blanket and he scowled.

  Balen took an intimidating step forward. “That is not what Alena tells me.”

  Alden smirked. “She was only to tell you that she no longer wishes to be wed. She was not about to admit she loves someone else. She fears you too greatly.”