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Category: Erotica/Gay-Lesbian Erotica/Romance
Description: Dae, the veterinarian shapeshifter from "Change of Heart," and his mate/assistant, Sean, have settled nicely into their new life in South Florida at the Hunter Moon Veterinary Clinic. That is, until Dae gets a letter from his estranged brother, who implores him to return to the Wyoming Pack of his birth and help save them from a sociopathic alpha. Things haven't been going well for the Pack of Dae's birth. His parents and one of his brothers are dead, his sister has been attacked, and worst of all, the Pack alpha, Alastair, seems intent on destroying the rest of Dae's family one member at a time. Forced to confront his past, Dae finds that sometimes the most painful, powerful changes have nothing to do with the skin we're in, and everything to do with the heart.
eBook Publisher: Torquere Press/High Ball, 2011 www.torquerepress.com
eBookwise Release Date: March 2011

15 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [121 KB]
Words: 26442
Reading time: 75-105 min.

After a few moments wrapped tightly in Dae's arms, his face buried in the crook of Dae's neck, Sean seemed to relax. His body melted against Dae's, his arms encircling Dae's waist. "Yeah, you've been a bitch, and yes, you should have told me," Sean said, his voice muffled against Dae's skin. "And yes, I know you love me. I just hate it when you close yourself off from me, Dae. You don't have to be the big, bad wolf all the time. I'm a big boy, and I can help shoulder the burden, okay? Now, what exactly did your brother say, anyway? I didn't read the letter, and can't imagine what he'd tell you that would make you want to go back."

"Someone knows about the Pack, Sean. There have been attacks on the compound. Jaeger said that it started with a few ugly, anonymous letters, and some signs tacked up on lampposts in town. They were stupid, ignorant rants about 'that hippie commune,' which is what the humans think we are, accusing us of practicing black magic. The Pack elders told everyone to ignore them. They hoped that even if the authors tried to expose them, no one would believe it and the attackers would lose interest and stop. It didn't end, though. It escalated. There were attacks on the livestock; somebody butchered several dozen head of sheep and left the remains for the Pack to find. But then..."

"But then, what?"

"They didn't stop at the sheep. The bastards attacked a person next. It happened on Pack territory, but outside of the main compound. She was out on the range, inspecting the fences on the western border of the ranch when three men jumped her. They... well, suffice it to say that it was all the elders could do to keep the younger males from shifting and ripping every human in town apart in revenge."

"Oh, man... Did you know her, Dae?"

"Yeah, I did. I do. She's my sister, Sean. My baby sister, Cherise."

"Oh, shit, Dae. I'm so sorry," Sean gasped. His pretty blue eyes were round with horror.

"That's why I have to go, Sean. Cherise never did a damn thing to hurt me. Jesus, she was only four the last time I saw her. She was such a sweet little kid," Dae said, his voice cracking. He cleared his throat, taking a moment to get a tighter grip on his emotions before speaking again. "Jaeger said she hasn't spoken since the attack, not a word, not a single sound. She won't shift, won't eat... "

"I'm going with you," Sean whispered, his breath warm against Dae's throat. Dae tightened his arms around Sean, burying his nose in Sean's soft hair, taking comfort in Sean's familiar scent.

"I appreciate the offer, but that's not a good idea, hon."

"I wasn't asking permission, Dae." Sean's eyes were wet, but sparked with determination as they turned up to meet Dae's. "I belong at your side, especially at a time like this. Didn't I just tell you I don't need to be protected, that I'm strong enough to help you? Are you embarrassed of me? Is that it? Are you ashamed for your family to meet your human mate, Dae?"

"No!" Dae pulled away from Sean, holding him firmly by his shoulders. He stared into Sean's eyes, flinching at the pain he'd inadvertently put there yet again. "Listen to me, Sean. If anyone has a right to be embarrassed, it's you. I'm the freak in this relationship, not you. Remember? Me? The overgrown, living Chia Pet?"

Dae felt a wave of relief wash through him at Sean's slight smile. That smile told Dae that he'd been forgiven, or at least, was well on his way.

"You're not a freak. You're just...different," Sean said. His hand cupped Dae's cheek, thumb stroking gently over Dae's lips. "I happen to like different."