Free Destiny Unchained by Leia Shaw Page A

lecture me about honor. I have none.”
    All traces of sympathy faded in an instant. “You’re
not doing this alone, vampire.” His expression was immovable – an
alpha stare if she ever saw one. “You’re a good fighter, but I’m
stronger. Don’t force me to prove it.”
    She weighed her options carefully. There was no doubt
the werewolf would follow her every step of the way, no matter what
she said. She would kill a man for less. Her gaze travelled the
length of him, noting the way his muscles bulged when he flexed.
Yes, he was stronger. But was he faster? Her body twitched,
readying to find out.
    He must’ve read her intention because he grabbed her.
His grip was unyielding around her upper arm, but his voice dropped
to a husky whisper. “Don’t run, Talia. Work with me. Take a chance.
What do you have to lose?”
    Their gazes locked and she couldn’t seem to tear hers
away.
    “More importantly, what do you have to gain? How bad
do you want this guy? What are you willing to do to stop the murder
of innocent children?”
    Anything. She would do anything. Sneaky werewolf hit
the right spot.
    She sighed and her resolve fell away. By the way he
dropped her arm and stepped back with a satisfied smile, he knew it
too. “All right. We’ll try it. But the minute it gets
uncomfortable, I’m out.”
    He chuckled. “Oh, Natalia, I guarantee it will be
very uncomfortable.”
    Before she could respond, he grabbed her hand and
pulled her through the trees.
    “Come. One of my pack camps is close by. I’ve been
meaning to check up on them anyway.”
    “ Your pack? You mean you’re an alpha?” This would be
more than just uncomfortable.
    He grinned. “No honey, I’m the alpha.”
    She cursed under her breath. “That explains so
much.”

Chapter 10
    “This is the worst idea ever,” Natalia said as they
drove west toward one of Cristian’s pack ranger sites. The man was
delusional to think this would end well.
    He smirked. “Scared?”
    “Of a pack of mangy mutts?” She shook her head. “I
think not.” She shifted in her seat. Unsettled, maybe.
    A low growl started in the back of his throat. “I
grow weary of your insults, Natalia.”
    The corner of her mouth turned up. “Good. Then let me
out. Otherwise, get used to it.”
    “No.”
    She turned to glare at him. “No?”
    “No. Every time you insult me, I’ll demand a kiss.”
His lips twitched.
    She arched a brow. “Demand?” A vision of Cristian
pushing her up against a tree and stealing a kiss with firm hands
and a growl slipped into her mind. Her stomach fluttered at the
unwelcome image. She licked her lips, remembering his earthy
taste.
    He smirked. “I think you like the idea of me
demanding things from you.”
    She fought back the rush of blood to her cheeks. “No,
werewolf. You’re getting me mixed up with your pack. I’m not some
submissive female falling at your furry paws in worship. Your alpha
status means nothing to me.”
    The chaffing smirk didn’t leave his face. “We’ll
see.” He turned the jeep down a dirt road. “By the way, you owe me
a kiss for your furry paw comment.”
    She snorted. “Not on your life, Fido.”
    “That’s two.” He grinned. “Keep racking them up. All
the better for me.”
    She ignored him. The trees thinned and a row of
quaint, wooden cabins appeared, bordering a primitive, rocky
parking lot. Cristian pulled up next to three other jeeps and shut
off the ignition.
    “Remember where you are,” he told her before opening
the door. “Don’t say anything stupid. It’ll be harder for me to
save your ass if something goes wrong.” He looked her over and
frowned. “Actually, it’s probably best if you just keep quiet.”
    She rolled her eyes. “You mean there won’t be a
welcoming party?” The cool air swept her breath away when she
opened the door. “Contrary to what you may think, I can handle
myself. I’ve been alive centuries longer than you.” The last part
was a guess, but experience