Free Fated Desire: A Paranormal Romance Novel (The Twisted Destiny Saga Book 1) by Franca Storm Page A

room of sorts in the military compound. It was a former military base that had been abandoned by the humans decades ago. When Ryan had become Alpha, he’d commandeered it as a place of sanctuary for the pack in times of need. They’d taken up residence there twice over the last five years due to threats from various supes. Once was against a rival wolf pack that they had since annihilated. And the other time was due to Luca, the Vampire Prince, on that infamous day when he had betrayed Ryan, his brother. And, right now, was the third time.
    He sipped at the glass of scotch in his hand. The pack was asleep, aside from the four guarding the base—two at the front and two at the rear. They were all exhausted from their exploits during the full moon last night.
    But Josh couldn’t sleep. Not until Ryan returned. He’d left an hour ago to seek out the witch who he hoped could help him free his newfound mate from Luca’s clutches. He’d insisted on going alone, not wanting to put the pack in jeopardy.
    Josh reached for his phone, about to call him to check in again, when he was stopped by the sound of howls coming from the front entrance. He sprang from the chair and hurried out of the room and into the small lobby. He heaved open the heavy titanium doors and looked out at the fenced-in courtyard. Bryan and Steve stood at the gates, growling at something, or someone. He hurried down the steps towards the gates.
    He pushed the boys aside and was stunned by who he saw standing there.
    Ryan’s girl. Cora.
    “Is Ryan here?”
    Her tone was demanding, commanding even. He smiled to himself. So much like Ryan. He couldn’t resist having a little fun with her.
    “What makes you assume that?”
    “I can smell him,” she answered.
    Josh was startled. What? She isn’t wolf. How can she recognize his scent? He eyed Bryan and Steve and saw the same stunned expressions on their faces. He stepped closer to her and sniffed her. And there it was. Faint, but unmistakable: Ryan’s scent on her. All over her.
    “Open the gates,” he ordered the boys.
    They responded instantly to his command and pulled back the gates to allow her through.
    “Thanks,” she said as she passed through, into the compound.
    Josh watched her limp through and noticed the grimace on her face as she did so. “Are you wounded?” he asked worriedly. Shit, she better not be or Ryan will lose it.
    She shook her head. “No. I walked here,” she said, gesturing to her feet.
    He followed her gaze and saw, to his surprise, that she was barefoot. Her feet were bruised and bloody. “No shoes?”
    “I was in a hurry to leave. He took my clothes…there were just heels…I couldn’t…they’re not my thing,” she rambled.
    It was clear that she was in a state—physically and mentally. What the hell did that bloodsucker do to her? He reached for her and swept her up in his arms. He felt her protests immediately and told her, “Ryan will kill me if he finds out I let you walk around here with your feet like that.”
    His mention of Ryan had a soothing effect on her and she calmed right down. He carried her towards the compound entrance.
    “Where is he?” she asked.
    “He’s out. I’ll give him a call once we get inside.”
     
    #
     
    Ryan burst into the room to find Cora lying on the couch talking with Josh, who sat in a chair beside her. They were both drinking scotch and having what seemed to pass for a civilized conversation. Quite a surprise, given Josh’s normal attitude around women. Calling him an asshole in that respect would be generous. Ryan’s eyes raked over Cora and he started in surprise. She was wearing a dress that was ripped in several places, no doubt from her journey to get to him. She had to pass through a forest to reach the base from Luca’s place. And he noticed her feet. They were bandaged now. When Josh had called him, he’d told him all about it. She’d walked all the way? Damn, she’s a tough little thing.
    They both turned