Dire Cravings: Arctic Wolves Series, Book 2 Read online

  “I agree, Cassandra, but it doesn’t change my earlier statement. I can no longer adhere to the contract.”

  “You never really did. We entered into this agreement long before Teak entered adulthood. You and I both said that you’d sire at least two pups on me after Teak became a man. He’s been a man for twenty-four moons. Now, you come to me and ask to be freed from the contract you initiated?”

  He had been the one to come to her. She’d been the only one worthy of his offspring. But that was before Olivia.

  “Cassandra, I must do this.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s none of your concern now, but know it has to be this way. I do not wish to hurt your feelings further or cause strife between us.”

  “I see.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “The newcomer, Olivia.”

  Blue nodded.

  “You’re sure about her?”

  “One is never really sure, but my instincts say yes, she is my mate. My stýrimaður. My one.” It was the equivalent to their Eros. Blue was certain Olivia was his other half.

  “Then it is the goddess smiling down on you and offering you a chance to be whole again. I would never take that away from you, Bödvar, you should know that.” Cassandra’s voice, although strong, still held a note of sadness.

  “Thank you, and say nothing to the others, I wish to bring this up to Victor myself before I address things with Olivia.”

  “Good luck, you’re gonna need it. I don’t see her taking your brand of affection willingly.”

  He didn’t see it either. As it stood, they both rubbed each other the wrong way. It was up to him to smooth that out. Make sure she was agreeable to his attentions.

  “I will speak to your father.”

  Cassandra smirked. “Good luck with that, as well. Thorn will not be happy, but I’m sure once you explain the situation, he will understand. Would you like me to go and check on our guest?”

  Always helpful. That was Cassandra. Why couldn’t the gods have seen fit to match him with her for real? Their lives would have been long and peaceful. But how much longer did I intend to stay in this place? It wasn’t something he thought about because, in Blue’s mind, he’d never believed he would find his other half. And even if there were even a tiny bit of hope residing in the dark recesses of his mind, he figured it would be with another wolf, not a human.

  His and Olivia’s lifespans would match. When she died, he would, as well. As it should be. A Berserker tied themselves completely to the one they mated. There would be no other for him, ever again.

  4

  Olivia enjoyed her conversations with Nerina. She was funny and not at all how she’d been portrayed by the news media—as a ruthless killer.

  “Bet you want to murder your ex, Santiago,” Nerina joked.

  “Definitely. The bastard. He and the board members forced me on this vacation. I could have done without the running scared for three days in the woods. And the wolf. Nerina, seriously, that thing was huge.”

  “You mean Blue?”

  If her face could have contorted any more, she knew she’d look even more foolish than she probably already did. Her mouth ajar, Olivia tried to suck in air. She knew her eyes were likely the size of saucers. Blinking to clear the fog in her mind, she starred at a laughing Nerina.

  “That big-ass wolf was Blue?”

  “If it was black, then yes. The others here are varying shades of white, grey, and brown. Victor’s wolf is all white. Like, snow white. He blends in with the forest during winter very well. But Blue is the only black wolf.”

  Great, he’d not only scared the shit out of her, but he also followed her for three days. Why did he wait so long to reveal himself? The next time she saw Bödvar, she was going to give him a piece of her mind.

  “He practically chased me for three days,” Olivia complained.

  “Maybe. Or he was making sure there were no threats toward you. Pushing you in the direction of the mountain.”

  “I already targeted the mountain. I figured,”—Olivia sighed—“hell, I figured I’d be safe.”

  Nerina placed her hand on Olivia’s thigh and squeezed. “You are safe. We won’t let anything happen to you while you’re here with us.”

  “I won’t be here long, and you have nothing to worry about, Nerina. I won’t tell anyone. Who’d believe me anyway?”

  “That’s true, but there are some out there who do believe. I worked for someone who’s connected to my dad. They aren’t werewolves, they’re human. That Victor is letting you go down the mountain says a lot.”

  It did. Olivia had to keep it that way. She was getting off the mountain. As soon as she was well enough, she was ghost. Not a single trace.

  “There’s no reason to think that the Hunters will come after me is there?”

  Nerina tilted her head to the side for a moment, almost like she was listening to someone talking to her.

  “Anything is possible. But you have nothing to do with what’s going on here, so the only trick to all of this will be getting off the mountain. Blue can assist with that.”

  “Luna, Olivia.” Cassandra stood in the doorway of the dining area. Her long, black hair was piled on top of her head. No longer in wolf form, she glided towards them with the grace of a princess. In a way, she was. She was Victor’s sister, after all.

  “I’ve come to check on Olivia.”

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “Cass, come and sit with us.” Nerina held out her arm, and Cassandra went willingly and sat next to her at the table.

  “Nerina, I meant to ask, do you drink blood like the Hunters?”

  “Yes, but only monthly now. I don’t need to drink as much. I eat regular food, just as Hunters do, but I don’t need blood in the same capacity. It’s weird, but I’ve never actually shifted into a wolf. I may never.”

  “From what I’ve seen, it looks like it hurts.” Olivia looked over at Cassandra and smiled.

  “You get used to the pain after the first few shifts,” Cassandra offered.

  Their conversation died down when a man Olivia had not seen before entered the eating area. He was older, and he resembled Victor.

  “Thorn.”

  “Luna. Daughter.” His eyes dismissed Olivia. Being scorned by the male would not have bothered her normally. She was used to people looking past her. Men especially didn’t take notice unless they were interested in her physical assets. But this guy, Thorn, he was observant. She could tell. He’d seen her but purposefully chose to ignore her.

  “Daughter, you’ve spoken with Blue?” came his brusque voice.

  “Yes, Father, and I can tell you have, too. But you’re being rude, we have a guest.”

  “She’s an outsider.”

  “Much like I was, Thorn,” Nerina interrupted.

  “Yes, Luna, but your case is different.”

  “How so?”

  “Luna, Cassandra and I have other business to discuss.”

  “Not here, Father, please.”

  “Why? Because of the human? Someone who will dilute his line?”

  Nerina gasped, and Cassandra looked bewildered.

  “It’s not for us to interfere. Fate has chosen for him. You know this better than anyone.”

  Olivia had no idea what was happening. But one thing was clear, she was the only human in the mountain that she knew of, and she had no intention of diluting anything. Whatever the hell that even means.

  “Excuse me?” Olivia tried to interrupt, but Thorn turned glowing gold eyes on her. His top lip lifted in a sneer as he exposed long canines.

  “You don’t get to speak to me, girl. You have no idea what you’ve done.”

  “Me?” Olivia stood, and Nerina got up as well, pushing Olivia behind her.

  “Thorn, you need to calm down. I’m sure there is some misunderstanding. What are you talking about?”

  “The breeding contract between my daughter and Blue. He’s terminated it because he thinks this woman is his mate.”
/>   Blue’s mate? What in the ever-loving fuck?

  She couldn’t have heard that right.

  Olivia wasn’t a zoologist, but she knew what that term meant. Mating in the context of wolves meant sex, babies, lifelong commitments. She wasn’t about to procreate with Blue, and she for sure wouldn’t be having any babies with him. She agreed wholeheartedly with Thorn.

  “You have nothing to worry about, Thorn. I have no intention of mating with Blue. Like, at all.”

  Thorn eyed her for a moment, his eyes shredding the layers of her skin. If he could remove her from his sight, he would. And it wouldn’t be gentle.

  “She has no say in it,” came a familiar voice. Blue.

  “When were you going to tell Victor about the contract?” Nerina asked, looking between the three of them.

  “I planned to talk to Victor when I was ready to fulfill the contract with Cassandra, but when Olivia showed up, that all changed. She is my other half.”

  “Boy, you don’t know what your other half is. I told you when you came to me and asked for permission to enter into the contract with Cassandra that it was blood-binding. All parties agreed. It was the best way to strengthen the Pack. Your blood mixed in with ours.”

  “Thorn, I cannot deny Fate, and you can’t refute it.”

  “You all are talking about something that makes no sense to me,” Olivia imparted. Four sets of eyes turned in her direction.

  “It won’t until I explain. I wanted to talk to you alone. Get you used to the idea,” Blue quietly informed her.

  Get her used to the idea. How could anyone get used to the idea of having sex with a werewolf?

  “I’m leaving as soon as I’m able. I can’t stay here.”

  Blue’s ice-blue eyes turned cold. His expression resolute. His height was imposing as he walked to stand in front of her. She could see the muscles in his jaw working as he pulled in a deep breath. When he spoke, his tone was firm, unwavering.

  “I can’t let that happen now. You are mine.”

  I’m not ready for any sort of relationship,” Olivia repeated for what seemed like the millionth time.

  His ears were starting to hurt. She hadn’t heard a word he’d said. They were back in his room and all he wanted her to do was shut the hell up. Any other female would have dropped to their knees to do his bidding. But not Olivia. Victor wanting to side with his father Thorn had threatened to make things difficult, until Blue had put him in his place. He’d gone through something similar with Nerina. Victor understood Fate. The rules didn’t apply to him. They never would. The infuriating woman was his other half. He couldn’t return the gift given to him, even if it would give his ears a rest.

  “Olivia, you’re not listening.”

  “Oh, I’m listening. You think you have some sort of wolf claim on me. I’m telling you, you’re wrong. I don’t even like dogs.”

  Blue arched a brow at her. The room grew silent when she realized what she’d said.

  “Fuck, you know what I mean. Not that I think you’re a dog.”

  “Good, ‘cause I’m not. Neither is anyone else here in the mountain. No relation whatsoever. I don’t chase frisbees, eat bones, dig holes, and I’m no one’s best friend.”

  “This is a lot to take in. Three days ago, I didn’t know any of you—any of this—existed.”

  “Welcome to the world of the unexplained,” Blue deadpanned. Fuck. He usually had more control. She was pushing every single one of his buttons. Why are you letting her? He wasn’t. She had a direct line to his hot meter.

  “Well, I want an unwelcome.”

  “An unwelcome?”

  “Yes, take me to a service road. Or the nearest town. I’ll get my ass back on a plane and head back to New York. None the wiser. I don’t want this.”

  “It doesn’t work that way, Olivia.”

  “Why not, Bödvar!”

  Now she was yelling. No one yelled at him. Women threw themselves at his feet. This one, she wanted nothing to do with him.

  “Do I repulse you?”

  Her eyes widened at his question.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Am I not pleasing to you?”

  “You’re all right.”

  Lie.

  She was lying to him. Her heart sped up when she answered. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her, dammit. Blue allowed his triumph to show as he stalked her.

  “You like me. I please you.” He stepped closer.

  “No. No, you don’t.” She stepped back.

  “Yeah, I do, Olivia.”

  “Would you stop saying my name like that?”

  “Like what?”

  “Like…how you’re saying it.”

  “Is there another way to say Olivia?”

  Blue watched as her eyes closed. The pulse in her throat beat fiercely, and her breath faltered. She liked when he said her name. Her skin heated, and she had a slight flush to her cheeks. Blue stood two feet from her, and even from their current distance, he could feel the inexplicable pull to her. Electric pulses of heat surrounded his body on all sides. He wasn’t wrong. She was his. Golden bronzed skin glowed with warmth as her body swayed in his direction. She may not understand their connection, but he knew she felt it, too.

  The back of his neck tingled with anticipation. He pulled in a deep breath, allowing her scent to suffuse him at the thought of her skin marked by his rope, his fingers, and his mouth. She wouldn’t like the idea, not at first, but with a little coaxing, he figured he could show her the beauty and the passion that came with what he offered.

  “No, there isn’t.”

  “What about Liv, or Livia, are either of those acceptable?”

  “Seriously, would you shut up already?” She was leaning against the wall. He could have asserted his strength over her, but she wasn’t a wolf and wouldn’t understand. She needed to be the first to give in. To admit she wanted what he knew he could give her.

  He’d let her off easy tonight. Tomorrow was a new day. For now, she needed sleep. She’d been running for three days and was most likely exhausted. Blue closed the distance between them, taking both of her hands in his. She resisted, but only for a moment before he pulled her to his chest. Olivia didn’t fight, nor did she submit. Breathing in her fresh scent, he rumbled deeply against her ear. Knew his voice was roughened when he crooned, “Olivia, tonight, you will sleep. Tomorrow, we will talk further of things to come.”

  He let the last word come linger between them. Blue could smell the heavy scent of her arousal as her body relaxed against his with a tired sigh.

  “Get into bed and rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He left her and walked down the hall towards the communal area where others were congregated. He’d take it one day at a time. He had plenty of patience. What he didn’t have where she was concerned was control.

  Olivia’s body was warm. Just the way she liked it. Only she couldn’t feel any blankets. Blue hadn’t given her any last night, and the pillow her leg was hooked over wasn’t a pillow at all but a solid, thick thigh. The events of the day before rattled around in her mind, reminding her that the dream was reality. Too afraid to move, she took stock of her surroundings. Sometime in the night, she’d plastered herself against Blue’s massive body. A little too cozy, Liv. More than that, because of the amazing ear-gasm he’d given her before leaving the room, she’d stripped. Taken off her clothes and crawled onto the huge bed, falling into a deep, restorative sleep. She’d tried to stay awake, wanted to make sure nothing happened to her in the night. No matter how hard she tried to stay alert, however, the moment her head hit the pillow, she was gone.

  Blue’s massive hand possessively gripped part of her hip and ass. His other hand rested against her back, supporting her weight. Lying in his arms calmed and surprised Olivia. When she and Santiago had slept in the same bed, a much smaller one, it felt as if there were an entire ocean between them. She’d never woken in the middle of the night or the next morning wrapped around her ex-h
usband. Not even in the beginning. What does that say about you? Him?

  Olivia watched Blue sleep. His chest rose and fell with his deep breaths. She remembered the words of Alexandra and Penny the day before about when a wolf found his Eros. Blue hadn’t called her his Eros, but then, he wasn’t like them. He’d just stated that she was his other half. She couldn’t imagine a love that deep, that connected. And as she stared at Blue, she wondered if it was something real and within her grasp. But with a werewolf? He didn’t look scary while he slept. He looked peaceful, calm. He’d grown a thick layer of stubble overnight, not that he’d been clean-shaven before. But he had more hair now, darker compared to the blond strands fanned on the pillow. She’d noticed yesterday that he had two small braids, one on either side of his face, and he wore a silver torque around his neck. Aren’t werewolves allergic to silver?

  Her entire left side was plastered to the right side of his body. The hair on his legs and chest was soft, furry. She wasn’t going to think about what that meant, or the fact that not only was she naked, so was he, the evidence of his morning arousal resting warm and heavy against her thigh. He smelled of earth and something that vaguely reminded her of the fragrance Black Opium, only it was earthy, fresher. She’d walked through the woods at the base of the mountain and caught the scent in her nose. Her guide had said it came from the black spruce trees covering the area.

  “How long do you plan on checking me out, little one?”

  Now he was using the name she’d noticed him calling one of the other women on her.

  “I’m not little, Bödvar.”

  “Blue,” he reminded her.

  “Whatever. I wasn’t staring. I was caught off guard. You want to tell me why you’re in bed with me?”

  “Did you expect me to sleep on the floor?”

  “There has to be somewhere else for you to sleep.”