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  Pret Ops: WarWolf

  Emma Ray Garrett

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright ©2007 Emma Ray Garrett

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  ISBN: 978-1-59596-649-0

  Formats Available:

  HTML, Adobe PDF,

  MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader

  Publisher:

  Changeling Press LLC

  PO Box 1046

  Martinsburg, WV 25402-1046

  www.ChangelingPress.com

  Editor: Crystal Esau

  Cover Artist: Reneé George

  This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

  Pret Ops: WarWolf

  Emma Ray Garrett

  The hunt is afoot.

  The War Wolf is taking a working vacation. He’s going to visit his mother in Alabama and while he’s there, he might as well look into the spike in violence along Mobile’s riverfront. The last thing he expects to find is a turf war between the human mafia and the Heteroclites, a preternatural group led by Robert Marshall and Jeremiah Dean.

  When Jeremiah gets a call from an old friend, who has some bodies of the preternatural sort in her morgue, he decides a visit to Alabama is a fine way to spend some R&R. But when he meets up with Joshua Black, the infamous War Wolf, a plan to fulfill one of his deepest fantasies comes to life. All Jeremiah has to do is convince Joshua that in order to stop the mounting violence between the human mob and the Heteroclites, they’ll need the help of the only female the Ascendant vampire can’t forget.

  Karia Logan left the Incubic Class for many reasons. Now, she’s a talented ambassador for the diplomatic branch of the Corps, and she loves her job. So, when she’s ordered to go on a covert mission, she isn’t thrilled. Her newest assignment will take her back into black ops, testing both her abilities and control. To make matters worse, she’s going to be working with the two men she can’t get off her mind.

  Some call the War Wolf intimidator, others a monster, but no one calls him Josh.

  Prologue

  New York Sewer System, 1949

  “War Wolf!”

  William Marshall bellowed the call as he fell under the rapid-fire assault of a rat-man. Goddamned sewer filth. I hate fighting in these tunnels. William hooked his attacker’s ankle, jerking the stinking creature off its feet. Putrid water splashed up under the rat’s weight and William turned his head to keep the liquid out of his face. A growl, so low his human ears barely registered the sound, echoed from further up the tunnel. The hair on the back of his neck lifted. William knew that sensation and he opened his eyes.

  From deep within the pitch-black channel, two tiny red dots glowed bright. William watched the ruby points grow larger. He held his breath, feeling the familiar punch of awe and a little fear. Within a meter of his position, the orbs became clear.

  Two eyes met his own, and William instinctively ducked his head. The creature vaulted over him without a sound, landing on the wererat Marshall had tripped. The shapeshifter squealed in terror. It knew what stood on its chest. The petrified sound stopped sharply, a moment of silence before the sickening crunch of crushed bones and torn flesh.

  William focused his magic, heightening his eyesight so he could clearly take in the scene before him. The beast from the dark moved away from its prey, shaking out a coat of ebony, magically illuminated from within by blue light. The creature looked like a werewolf at first glance, despite its odd coloring. But when it turned its head and rose to two legs, the reality of the creature was clear.

  It had a wolfen face with a troll’s cranial ridges. It also had long, straight, jet-black hair, like a human, but its taloned hands flashed silver in the light, a sure sign of goblin blood and Sidhe power. The monstrous size of the creature, the gleaming red eyes unique to this being, bespoke of something made by gods and not man. The form and face of this individual stopped all but the most foolhardy in their tracks, and William Marshall was no fool.

  It stood nearly eight and a half feet tall, with shoulders half that wide or more. Muscles rippled, flexing and bunching beneath the strangely lit fur covering every inch of its body. William watched, momentarily fascinated by the sheer power the War Wolf wielded so instinctively. It was graceful, fluid, and terrifying to the enemy, who scattered at its approach. In their haste to escape, several wererats fell before the beast and suffered the same fate as the first. Bodies crushed under its weight, throats torn out and necks broken.

  The War Wolf cleared the tunnel and then made its way back to William’s side. William dug a road flare from his BDU pocket and snapped it open, the bright flash of light making him squint. The beast was changing, shrinking, its features becoming more human.

  “Thanks, Joshua.” William held his hand out.

  “No need, General Marshall. It’s my job.” Joshua Black took the hand offered him, giving a brief, tight shake.

  “No one in the Corps is a better soldier than you, Black. I’m damn glad to have you.”

  Joshua nodded, but didn’t respond verbally. It wasn’t his style to comment on the obvious, or to acknowledge personal compliments. “I have teams positioned at the two remaining exits. We should have the rogue metamorphs in custody by now.”

  “Good.”

  The two men made their way out of the channel. They came upon a small group of young Orphic Class mages and William nodded to them. He’d just passed the quartet when he heard a whispered comment.

  “What the hell is that thing? Is it even on our side?”

  William stopped and made to turn around and chastise the speaker, but Black’s hand stopped him.

  “Let them wonder. Let them fear me. My Guardians follow me without question and that’s all that matters. If friend and foe alike think me a monster, it’s only better for the Corps.” The Sidhe glow beneath Joshua’s skin was fading, but he still shone with power and magic.

  William pursed his lips, but agreed. Joshua Black asked for nothing so William felt as if he had no other choice. The War Wolf said let it go, so he’d let it go.

  Chapter 1

  Incubic Class HQ, Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Dean’s Personal Quarters, 1999

  “So, what brings you here, Captain Logan?” Jeremiah Dean lounged on the sofa, his shirt open to the waist, exposing spectacular abs.

  “You know why I’m here.” Karia unzipped her jacket and tossed it on the nearest chair.

  “Do I?” His black eyes narrowed, his gaze moving over her body, leaving fire in its wake.

  “Can it. You’ve been trying to get in my pants since I showed up here. I’m tired of slapping you down. You know I want you. I know you want me.”

  “Really?”

  His sensual mouth turned up at one corner and Karia felt her irritation rise. Forget it, Ari. He’s too interested in playing games. “You know what? Never mind, Colonel. I’m not in the mood to play.” She leaned down for her jacket. “See you around.” Tossing the coat over one shoulder, she turned toward the door.

  A strong hand wrapped around her upper arm, jerking her back into a solid wall of muscle. “You’re not leaving yet, Ari.” Jeremiah’s voice was low and hard.

  “I’m not? And why is that, Dean?” Karia’s voice was soft, arousal making her mouth dry.

  “Because I’m going to fuck
you until you’re hoarse from screaming my name.” His lips brushed against the shell of her ear and goose bumps rose over her skin.

  “Prove it.” She jerked her arm from his grasp, dropped the jacket, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Threading her fingers into his long, dark blond hair, she tugged sharply, bringing his mouth to hers.

  Jeremiah’s arms trapped her against his body. He tore her hair from its bun, wrapping the long strands as tightly as Ari held his. His lips captured hers, aggressive and hot. Their mouths and tongues battled, wet skin sliding over wet skin, hot breath mingling. She pulled back slightly to look in his eyes.

  “Just to make sure we’re clear. This doesn’t mean we’re friends. I don’t even like you.”

  “That’s fine with me. Friendship is overrated.”

  After more than two years fighting against attraction, Ari surrendered. It felt so good, his mouth taking hers, his hands making her burn everywhere they touched. She moaned loudly, tightening her grip in Jeremiah’s hair, nipping at his lush bottom lip before tangling her tongue with his again.

  Their clothes disappeared with feverish haste. She knew this first time would be hard and fast and hot. She didn’t know how they got to his bedroom, but the feel of his hot skin against hers took more than her breath. Her knees hit the bed and Dean released her with a light shove.

  Karia fell back, taking in his glorious body, the thick cock and broad chest, and wiggled back to make room for him. She spread her legs in invitation, trailing one hand over a breast, pausing to circle the tight nipple, before slowly smoothing her hand over her ribs and stomach. She stopped above the neatly trimmed hair at the vee of her thighs. “What are you waiting for?” Her voice was husky with need.

  “I’ve been imagining this for a very long time. Just enjoying the view, Ari.” Jeremiah slid his hands beneath her knees, opening her wider as he knelt on the bed. He smoothed over her thighs and her body quivered under his touch.

  His hair was loose, the silky strands teasing her skin as he leaned over her. She hummed her pleasure, arching into him, wanting him closer, hungering for the press of his body. When his mouth trailed down her neck, over her collarbone, his soft lips teasing the aching point of her breast, she gasped loudly.

  Karia brought her hands up to cup his face, turning him to look at her. “We can go slow later, Jeremiah. I want you now. Don’t make me wait any longer.”

  He groaned at the raw desire on her face. How could he deny her?

  Stretching up, he took her mouth roughly, his cock throbbing where it pressed against her soft belly. Jeremiah settled himself between her legs, gliding his hands over her arms, lacing their fingers together tightly. He stared down into her eyes, watching every reaction as he stroked his cock over her pussy, butting the head against her slick entrance.

  Her blue eyes widened. “Yes.”

  Part of him wanted to draw out the first intimate glide of his body into hers, but the edginess in Ari’s face, the sexy way she bit her lip, shoved aside all thoughts of slow or gentle. Tightening his grip on her hands, Jeremiah thrust his cock deep. The heat, the tight clasp of her cunt, moved him to press harder, deeper into her. His eyes never left her face and the look of fierce pleasure painting it drew a lusty growl from him.

  Jeremiah pulled back, relishing the liquid rush of her passion and the undulations of her hips and cunt. She wiggled beneath him, her movements making him burn. She dug short nails into the backs of his hands, pressed her feet flat to the bed, and surged upwards. Her cunt enveloped him again, fast and deep. He moaned and let go.

  Ari held her lower body off the bed, thrusting up at Jeremiah each time he pounded his cock home. She couldn’t believe having his cock buried between her legs could feel as good as it did. He stretched her, filled her, took her and Ari wasn’t shy about letting him know just how good his fucking was.

  “Jeremiah! Fuck, yes, make me come! Harder!” She watched him grimace, felt the shudder of his body as he neared completion. Jeremiah tore his hands from hers, leaning back on his knees. He took her waist in his grip, lifting her back from the bed, pulling her up and onto his lap.

  “Make us both come, Ari. Slam your slick cunt onto my cock and ride me.” He leaned forward, his mouth capturing a nipple. He drew it into his mouth, sucking hard.

  She felt the tight press of his teeth against the delicate skin. “Bite me, Jeremiah. Bite me while I fuck you.” Ari wasn’t a bite junkie, but in that moment, she wanted the powerful vampire to have a lasting reminder of this night. She knew she’d never forget it.

  When his teeth pierced her areola, she screamed. The small pain rippled through her body. Her cunt throbbed in time with each pull on her nipple. She raised herself onto her knees and began a pounding downward rhythm. Burying her hands in his hair yet again, she drove herself onto his cock, plunging faster and faster, yelling her passion, urging him to suck faster as the ball of release exploded deep in her belly, spreading outward, her pussy contracting viciously around Dean’s perfect cock.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck! I need more!” Ari was frantic, the violence of her release shattering her.

  Jeremiah lifted his head from her breast and took her hips in his hands. He raised himself onto his knees, holding her tightly to him, and he gave her what she wanted. He fucked her so hard he knew they’d both be bruised, fighting through the choking grip of her convulsing cunt, fighting to get deeper. His balls contracted and he called out to her. “Look at me!”

  She pulled his hair and lifted her eyes to meet his. Her mouth was open on a soundless scream and Dean tightened his clasp. His cock exploded, the power of orgasm pulling the muscles of his lower back and ass taut. He roared, giving her every bit of his response, sharing the intensity of his release as she had shared hers. His come pumped into her cunt and she shook in his arms as she orgasmed a second time.

  When the last burst of ejaculate left his cock, Jeremiah wrapped his arms around Ari and collapsed to the bed. He rolled a little to the side, protecting her from his weight but keeping his slowly softening body buried between her sopping wet folds.

  Their breath heaved, sweat slick bodies sticking to each other. When she shivered with aftershocks, he moaned and thrust softly into her, making Ari gasp. “Damn, Dean.”

  “Yeah.”

  They slipped into sleep, neither of them wanting to say anything more about the incredible experience.

  * * *

  Karia looked down at Jeremiah and fought the urge to climb back into bed with him. This night was a one time only thing, she had to remember that. Dean was the biggest rogue, the most charming player alive, and she had no desire to be another notch on his belt of conquests. Her assignment to the diplomatic offices of the Corps couldn’t have come at a better time.

  She knew Dean better than he thought. Leaving him, disappearing after one night together would guarantee he never forgot her. Ari wasn’t sure why she really cared. More truthfully, she didn’t want to admit why she cared. Either way, in twenty-five minutes she was shipping out. If things worked out the way she’d planned them, she’d never see Jeremiah Dean again, and it was for the best.

  With a small smile, she left the bedroom. They’d taken each other several times, but it was the last time, the slowness, and the gentle give and take, that she’d recall in her dreams. Her body ached, but her heart did too. If only he’d stayed the arrogant ass, maybe she could have kept her emotions out of this. But he hadn’t.

  Ari stopped at the door and looked back toward the bedroom. “Goodbye, Jeremiah.”

  Chapter 2

  Present Day

  Ambassador Logan bowed deeply to the Leonid queen. “Your majesty, may this treaty be done in its time, so that peace may follow.”

  Her Majesty, Pride’s Heart, gave a low rumbling sound of agreement. “I believe this is now possible, thanks to you, Ms. Logan. The Hyenian Empress and I understand each other, something that millennia of our people have never bothered to do before. In truth, we must stop fighting amo
ngst ourselves or we shall be too weak to face outside threats.”

  “Together we are stronger than we are apart. The added trade incentives as well as the educational visa program only took away any possibility that we two should leave without the treaty signed.” The werehyena leader rose from the round table and came to formally bid Queen Pride’s Heart good-bye. “I look forward to speaking with you soon, Your Majesty.”

  “Likewise, Empress Sunyar.” The two women bowed to each other, bid their guards to follow, and exited the negotiation suite at the Recondite Corps Diplomatic Tower in Johannesburg.

  Karia watched them leave and a familiar feeling of satisfaction filled her. This was why she’d left the military branch of the Corps. There was absolutely nothing to compare with knowing you’d made a real difference in the world. Resolving the longstanding conflict between the Leonids and the Hyenians was more than just a back patting event. It would change the dynamics of the metamorphic communities in Africa, something that would benefit the entire world.

  A soft knock at the door drew Karia’s thoughts. “Come in.”

  “Ambassador Logan, you have a call on line three. It’s General Rubenesso.”

  Karia frowned, wondering what the General of the Recondite Corps wanted with her. “This is Ambassador Logan.”

  “Ambassador Logan, please hold for General Rubenesso.”

  “Of course.” The line clicked loudly in her ear before the usual elevator music began to play. Why would Rubenesso be calling me? Ari had a bad feeling, but her rumination was cut short when the general picked up the line.

  “Ambassador Logan. Nice job on the Pride-Clan treaty.” Rubenesso’s voice boomed in her ear.

  “Thank you, sir. I, uh, only just completed it.”

  Rubenesso laughed warmly. “Queen Pride’s Heart loves her cellular phone.”