Secrets

A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Secrets

ISBN #978-0-85715-592-4

©Copyright Jambrea Jo Jones 2011

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright July 2011

Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

The Seeds of Dawn

SECRETS

Jambrea Jo Jones

Dedication

To Valerie Tibbs. My V! You are my conference buddy and I love you. Thank you for all your support and always being there for me.

Rhonda, you make me smile. Thank you for being a great online friend. Marika and Brandi, thank you for answering a desperate call for help. Lol.

And to Joy. Thank you for being patient and not hurting me when you read the first draft.

Chapter One

Shit! Max slammed his beer onto the bar creating a big party foul with the amber liquid sloshing out of the bottle. Couldn’t he have a moment to enjoy his drink? Was that asking too much? It must be, because the fates were not on his side. That damn reporter was nosing around again. She’d been dogging his tail for weeks. Every turn he made, she seemed to be there. Normally he would like the attention because of how hot she looked with her short brown, almost black, hair and her dark brown eyes that were starting to haunt his dreams, but she wasn’t after him for a quick fuck. She wanted something more, a story on him and his pack. Not happening, no matter how cute she looked. It seemed as if the reporter had shown up the night Bella had told him to watch out for the brunette at the end of the bar. And that evil wink Bella had given him? Max sure hoped the brunette Bella spoke of didn’t turn out to be this reporter, but that twinkle in Bella’s eyes told him not to overlook the possibility.

And, just his luck, the woman sauntered his way and it happened again, that feeling deep in his chest like his heart was going to be ripped out. Every fucking time she got close, he would feel these urges he didn’t want to think about.

Fuck. It wasn’t his night.

Why can’t you get the hint? Fuck off—I’m not going to tell you anything, Max said as the woman settled onto the stool next to him. He took a swig of his beer, hoping she would get the hint and leave. Usually he left before she got this close, but he wanted to confront her and get it over with because this shit tired him no end and he hated being chased out of his favourite bar.

And hello to you as well, Maxwell. No niceties from you, I see—straight to the heart of the matter. Not that I’m surprised. Maybe you’ll let me introduce myself this time before you run out of here again with your tail between your legs. Oops, did I say that out loud? She winked at him. My name is Valerie, by the way, Valerie Thomas. You’re not scared of little ole me, are you? Valerie ended with a grin.

She held out her hand, obviously expecting him to do the polite thing and respond in kind with a handshake. She waited with a smile on her face, but Max just looked at her hand until she pulled it back. Taking her hand in his would not be happening, with the hunger rolling through him. And when had she learnt his name? Fuck, and had she just said Valerie? He did a double take.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. That was the name his dad had whispered through his head before he died. Max took a closer look. He’d never really studied her before now, but damned if she didn’t look like the vision from his father.

If he touched her, especially now, he might just throw her down on the floor and be done with it. Taking a deep breath around her seemed like a bad idea. Her scent wrapped around and through him. Damn town should learn how to shut up. If he found out who’d talked—

 Look, I just want a little information on your family. It’s a little odd having all of you live in that house. You are all related, right? And what happened there a few weeks ago? Is it some kind of cult? What can you tell me about Russ Masters? Who—

"Enough!" Max roared.

Max just managed to hide his grin when Valerie jumped at his loud command. Maybe he could have a little fun.

Not going to happen. She is too dangerous.

He couldn’t let his libido take charge on this one.

Can’t you get the hint? I’ve never responded to you before now. Showed no fucking interest and left before we could talk. So let me say this flat out so you can understand. Stop with the questions. I’m not going to answer them. No one around here will. Let me sit here and drink in peace. Just shut up! Max said in a harsh voice, anything to get her away from him.

I’m not leaving, Max. If you don’t answer my questions, someone will, no matter what you say. I just wanted a little inside perspective before I write my article. I don’t want it to be one-sided, but if you won’t talk and I can’t get anyone else from your family to speak to me, then I’ll run the story as-is.

Are you still talking? I don’t give a flying fuck what you write, just leave me and my family alone. Max threw some money on the bar and started for the door, but he could feel her behind him. He hoped like hell she wouldn’t follow. He could only hold on to his wolf for so long, and it wanted a piece of the reporter.

Max didn’t care about the story. The pack had lived through worse, and if Russ wanted to ignore it, then he would too.

Max had almost reached his car when a terrified scream echoed around him.

God damn it, this really isn’t my night.

He turned and ran towards the sound. He didn’t expect the sight before him and stumbled to a stop in shock. A giant leopard in the parking lot would do it. Valerie was cornered as the leopard stalked her. He only knew of one were-leopard around here and Zareb didn’t leave the house unless forced to, plus Max didn’t think the other shifter would be assaulting someone. ‘Fuck’ didn’t even begin to describe the feeling flowing through Max’s body. He didn’t like secrets and somebody had one. Max didn’t stop to think. He changed into his wolf form and charged the leopard before it could reach the girl. The two collided in mid leap.

Max went straight for the leopard’s throat with a growl. The leopard hadn’t expected the attack, so Max had a clear shot and bit down hard, tasting blood. The leopard hissed as it tried to shake Max off, but Max held on tightly. Letting go wasn’t an option unless forced. The leopard tried to strike Max with his claws, hoping to loosen his grip. The animal got in one good strike before making Max release him. Max continued to growl and advance on the animal. The leopard hissed once more, turned around and ran into the night. Max didn’t give chase. He wanted to make sure the woman was okay then he was going back to the house to report in. Someone was going to tell him why there appeared to be a leopard on the loose in town.

After Max had shifted back, he went in search of Valerie, but her scent ended at the parking lot. At least she had fled instead of sticking around for a story. She wasn’t completely stupid. Now deaf was another issue, at least when it came to his wishes. He half-expected to see her standing on the side lines taking notes. He was glad he didn’t have to deal with her any more tonight—he had to get back to the pack house to talk to Zareb and Russ. Someone had some explaining to do.

Max made it back to the compound in record time. He slammed on his brakes, hardly waiting for the vehicle to stop before jumping out and storming to the front door, heading straight into Russ’ office without knocking.

What the fuck is going on here? he raged

Excuse me? Russ’ cultured voice had an edge to it.

The two men stared each other in the eyes until Max had the overwhelming urge to look away. He shifted his gaze to the floor and slightly bowed his head. Russ didn’t enforce his alpha power often, but when he did everyone paid attention.

 Now, what is it you wanted? Russ tented his fingers together and tapped his lips, waiting for a response. Russ’ voice was soft, but Max knew his alpha was pissed off at the interruption.

I was at the bar tonight, Russ. I saw a big cat attack that reporter shadowing me.

Max waited for his alpha to respond, but they were interrupted by a blood-curdling scream coming from the front room.

What was it with women and screaming tonight? He could do without it.

"Nooooooo!"

Max arrived in the dining room seconds before Russ to find Bella on the floor clutching her head. That was never a good sign. The last time, the shit had hit the fan, and with a reporter on his ass this couldn’t be good. He just hoped Russ didn’t make him do damage control. The further he stayed away from Valerie the better.

Bella, Russ soothed. Where is David? Someone get her mate.

It took a couple of minutes, but Bella was finally able to sit up. David had arrived and cradled her in his lap with a growl. The mating was still new, so Russ and Max backed off.

Valerie, Bella whispered.

What did you say? Max seethed. No way.

You need to help her, Max. If you don’t she’ll die and we are in big trouble, Bella pleaded with him.

She’s a fucking reporter who wants a damn story. What the hell am I supposed to do with her? Give her the big hairy exclusive? Somehow I don’t think the local news is ready for a wolf coming-out party.

Stop with the smartass comments. Go find her and protect her. If you can, talk her into coming back here.

Somehow I don’t think that will be the problem. That might come when she doesn’t understand ‘off the record’. And we have bigger problems here. A leopard attacked Valerie tonight. In our territory. I don’t think Zareb is going around scaring the town folk.

Did I hear someone say leopard? Zareb walked into the room.

That’s right, big guy. You scaring off nosy reporters? Max sneered.

Russ slapped the back of his head. "What did I say