An Alpha’s Second Chance (Shifters of Yellowstone Book 3)

Alphas of Summer

A collection of 13 shifter romances

Lia Davis Dominique Eastwick Debra Jess Megan Michelau H.M. McQueen Jordan K Rose JD Monroe Kim Carmichael Tigris Eden Jessica Aspen Lorelei Moone Mychal Daniels V.A. Dold

After Glows Publishing

Alphas of Summer

boxed

set

P

ublished

by

Davis Raynes Publishing

Group

,

LLC

dab After Glows Publishing

Middleburg, Florida

Charmed Wolf © 2017 by Lia Davis

An Alpha’s Second Chance © 2017 Dominique Eastwick

Choices © 2017 Hildie McQueen

Dragon’s Desire © 2017 JD Monroe

Lone Enforcer © 2017 Jessica Aspen

Delia & The Werewolf © 2017 Jordan

K

.

Rose

Pieces of Three © 2017 Kim Carmichael

Alpha Squad: Boot Camp © 2017 Lorelei Moone

A Secret Rose © 2017

Debra

Jess

Operation Wildcat © 2017 Megan Michelau

Dragon’s Curvy Dilemma © 2017 Mychal Daniels

Cade & Anna © 2017

V.A

.

Dold

In the Cover of the Night © 2017

Tigris

Eden

Cover by Bound Two Be Covers

Formatting by AG Formatting

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

Dominique Eastwick

An Alpha’s Second Chance

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Note from the Author

About the Author

H.M. McQueen

Choices

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

About the Author

Lia Davis

Charmed Wolf

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

About the Author

JD Monroe

Dragon’s Desire

Foreword

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

13. One Month Later

What Now?

About the Author

Jessica Aspen

Lone Enforcer

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

About the Author

Jordan K. Rose

Delia & The Werewolf

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Short Seductions

About the Author

Kim Carmichael

Pieces of Three

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

About the Author

Lorelei Moone

Alpha Squad: Boot Camp

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

About the Author

Debra Jess

A Secret Rose

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

About the Author

Megan Michelau

Operation Wildcat

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

About the Author

Mychal Daniels

Dragon’s Curvy Dilemma

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Thank You!

About the Author

V.A. Dold

CADE & ANNA

Note to Reader

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

About the Author

Tigris Eden

In The Cover of Night

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

About the Author

Note From the Publisher

An Alpha’s Second Chance

A Shifters of

Yellowstone

Book

Dominique Eastwick

Dedicated to Abby for keeping me on track and, as always, for being AF. To Nadine who always is there to keep me motivated and never lets me forget I can do this. And to the men and women who love the national parks and work to ensure the parks will be here for generations

to

come

.

Chapter

1

Summer in the Mammoth area of Yellowstone exuded energy and life. Between the endless parade of cars and the tourists who packed into the park, it was always a tightrope act for Lars and the other alphas. A long agreement between the park superintendent and the shifters kept the park safe for the most part. Shifters agreed to be present in animal form so humans would see what they came so far for. In exchange, the shifters were given human jobs in the park. The elk studied animal size and migrations, bears were on fire detail, wolves, security, and bison specialized in scientific research. No one questioned their stay in the park off- season .

The only complaints his herd had were the speeding cars through and around the open areas of Mammoth Springs and the humans who never believed elk were as dangerous as bears. The young calves loved to play in the grassy area next to the inn. The hotel’s nearness to the road and its careless drivers had the mothers living in a constant state of panic, but the open space allowed for both the young to frolic and the tourists to get their fill. A nightmare

for

Lars

.

Lars Elkson, alpha of the four elk shifting herds of Yellowstone

National

Park

.

You need some serious crowd control up here, Lars, the deep voice of one of his closest friends rumbled from

behind

him

.

It would be helpful if the grizzlies would stop mating with our rangers, Lars responded, turning to greet Bruno, the grizzly alpha. Didn’t flannel go out of style in the nineties?

Technically, we only stole away one of your rangers. Morgan doesn’t count as she is a scientist. And flannel is always in style in my book. Brutus, all six foot nine of him, stepped in front of an oncoming car. He stared the driver down while a calf crossed the street to get to its mother. When he returned, he grumbled, "Remind me to keep Grant out of this area for the summer. He will blow

his

top

."

Grant, one of Brutus’ betas and top sentinels, made his opinion about tourists known to anyone who would listen. What brings you up to Mammoth? The grizzlies’ land lay to the south around the Yellowstone

Lake

area

.

Brush fire over near the campground. Lucky for us, it’s been a wet year. Otherwise, it would have been worse. Where is Jenny? He referred to the elk’s favorite ranger. "I have a message to pass along

to

her

."

You can’t have her, Lars bit out before he could stop himself. Fuck, now the damned bear would know of his attraction to the human.

Whoa. The grizzly eyed him then threw his head back to let out a bellow of laughter. "Oh, she holds no interest for the bears. Not enough meat on her bones for us. But I understand she holds a place of honor

with

you

."

She’s human, he dismissed, hoping the bear would leave it alone.

Remember who you speak to. Though Brutus’ voice remained light, it held a degree of warning.

Lars rubbed the back of his neck. For over a year, he had held his desire for Ranger Jenny Roth down deep. Unlike the bears, who often waited decades for their mates to show up, elk tended to find their mates young in life. The fates granted all elk-shifters two mates, sometimes as the same time. Yet he, their alpha, had been waiting six decades for his second to come, and she arrived in the form of a ranger whose sexy-as-hell ass filled out the green uniform shorts delectably.

His people so loved Jenny, they broke protocol and allowed her close to the herd. The calves would run up and give her a playful bump. She protected the elk, she cared for them, and they, in turn, made her job easier by staying in safe zones when tourists came to ooh and aah. Open to much, they had expressed great joy at Brutus mating with Ranger Quinn, but for all their love of Jenny, to welcome a human into their own herd would be a stretch.

When Jenny had left to do her winter months at the Everglades, he’d believed she would go to another park next year, and their paths would never cross again. He had been unprepared for her reappearance this spring. She’d searched out his herd as they made their trek back to the

Mammoth

area

.

He’d sensed her long before her form standing on the ridge could be seen. "I mean no disrespect, as you know, my friend. We have never welcomed a human into

our

herd

."

Quinn was the first for our sleuth. It starts somewhere.

We don’t have the cave system you do. Where would a human live when we move through the park in winter? Do you think I just let my mate walk away without any thought? But I have to think of her and my people. The fates blessed me with one mate. It will have to be enough.

So where is Jenny? The bear would not let this go. She would never allow the tourists so close.

He debated lying, but it went against every cell in his body to do so. It’s her day off. She is up in Gardiner with some friends.

"And you happen to know that how? Have you had

lunch

yet

?"

Excuse me? Sometimes following Brutus’ train of thought made his

head

hurt

.

I have a craving for pizza. There is a great pizza place in Gardiner. Brutus already headed for his jeep. "Come on. I’ll even make it extra cheese,

no

meat

."

He should argue, but he would love to see his mate through human eyes. It was so rare he got to see her up close. He hadn’t dared to do more than watch her from afar the previous year. For fear he would carry her off and seduce her. Of all the alphas in the park, he was the one people went to when looking for a logical solution to a problem. You went to the bears when you needed brute strength, the wolves for stealth, and the bison for scientific inquiries. No one really went to the rams for anything, and the smaller shifters kept to themselves.

The two men used the driving time to discuss park business. Having Brutus on the same page made dealing with Chintok, the bison alpha, at their upcoming meeting with the other alphas and the park superintendent a bit more palatable. The wolves are doing a great job keeping the coyotes in check, Lars said. "But the bison are still concerned about giving them more freedom within

the

park

."

Brutus humphed. Chintok will take a decade to think over any changes in the park, and you know it. If he found a human mate, she would die of old age while he pondered what to do about the situation. I agree he needs to open himself up to a private chat with the wolf alpha.

Darius is a wise leader and Chintok ignoring him is only causing rifts where there are none. Lars glanced at the window at the rams up on the hilltop, banging their heads together. He would never understand

the

rams

.

"Does Darius really want to spend hours on end on the phone, listening to the bison’s theories of life in

the

park

?"

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to split that torture by three?

Hell yes. Brutus chuckled as they made their way out of the park and under the Roosevelt arch. Both men’s cell phones began to ping as they moved into range of a cell tower. "So,

where

to

?"

I thought you wanted pizza?

Yes, well, if she is at the pizzeria.

They were driving up the small touristy street when Lars

said

, "

Stop

."

Brutus did without hesitation. The Grill?

Yes. Not his first choice.

Okay, then the Grill it is. You wanted to see her, right?

They serve elk in there.

Well I’m not about to order elk, now am I? They also serve bison burgers, but I won’t order either. Brutus pulled the jeep into an empty spot and threw the car

into

park

.

He rarely ate with any shifters other than bison. He couldn’t hold eating only meat against the carnivores, but it didn’t mean he had to

like

it

.

Jenny sat at a round table in the corner with three friends. He soaked in every inch of her in the brief glance he allowed himself. From the tight braid, to her makeup-free heart-shaped face speckled with freckles over the nose, to the open vee of her green T-shirt. You need to trust your heart will want the best for you. You have spent decades taking care of others. It’s time, my friend, to take care of you again.

Deep in Jenny’s stomach, a sizzle formed when her blond Adonis walked in. She had seen him in the park a few times. Last year, she hadn’t been able to work up the courage to approach him, but the perfect reason now fell into her lap. He came in with her bestie’s baby daddy.

I hate Quinn couldn’t make it today. Casey bit into her burger. I don’t think she is going to return to work this season.

Amy shook her head. "She has her hands full with

her

son

."

And her man. Lauren raised a glass in mock salute.

Speaking of, isn’t that Quinn’s guy? Casey asked.

Amy glanced over her shoulder. I think so, but has anyone else noticed all the fire patrol men look remarkably alike?

Sure do. Excuse me. I’m just going to say hi to Brutus. She placed her white napkin on her plate, silently thrilled Casey’s mention of their arrival gave her an excuse to greet them. As she weaved through the tables, the draw to her blond god strengthened. Brutus?

Jenny, what a surprise. The large man stood, his presence shrinking the room. He pulled her into a bear hug. Quinn is so excited you are back in the park. Are you still coming down to the lake next week to meet your godson?

The pride behind those words made her smile. Wouldn’t miss meeting little Hagan.

He is not so little. He turned to his friend. You should come, too. Where are my manners? Lars Elkson, have you met Jenny Roth, one of the rangers?

Not until now. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Roth. Lars stood and outstretched a hand in greeting.

She took it, but the shock from the touch left her speechless.

She covers your area of Yellowstone. Jenny, Lars has his office up at Mammoth. I can’t believe you two haven’t met yet, Brutus marveled.

Won’t you join us? Lars indicated the

empty

seat

.

For a minute. I don’t want to delay my friends.

Brutus made a show of looking at his cell phone, Excuse me. I want to answer a message before I forget.

They sat in silence for a minute before Lars commented, Brutus has never been known for his subtlety.

No I guess not. Hoping to extend the meeting, she asked, "Have you known

him

long

?"

"Years,

and

you

?"

"Met him last summer when he and Quinn started dating. I guess it was love at first sight since she moved in with the man pretty much

right

away

."

Just as another lengthening silence had her about to make her excuses and scurry back to her table, he spoke again. I’m thankful for his introduction and immediate absence.

I used greeting Brutus as an excuse to meet you. Heat burned her skin. "I saw you a few times last summer but never worked up the nerve to say something

to

you

."

"I wish

you

had

."

So you work only in Yellowstone?

I do, for wildlife management services. My main responsibilities are the six or seven elk herds, and in particular, documenting their populations. I work with the bison in the spring when they return to the park and before the elk births.

Oh, I’m a ranger much of the time in Mammoth. She groaned. Brutus had already

said

that

.

"I haven’t seen you on the common

this

year

."

She nodded. I recently returned. I didn’t think I’d be able to this year, family issues, so I turned down the chance to come back, but my replacement had something come up as well, and my situation cleared up. When the position opened, I jumped.

Jenny, are you ready? Casey sauntered up to the table, offering a view of her ample cleavage and the flick of an auburn braid over her shoulder. "Sorry. We have to

get

back

."

You’re right. I’m sorry to keep you waiting. She smiled at Lars. "Nice

meeting

you

."

You, too. Lars’ grin churned the butterflies in her stomach. "Would you like to drive down together to see Brutus and Quinn

next

week

?"

"I would

love

to

."

Great. I’ll come find you. He stood and leaned in. My office overlooks the commons. I have spent a great deal of time watching you herd the tourists.

Oh.

Brutus took his seat again and laughed. Lars, from her stunned expression, you either just made her day or came off as a crazy stalker.

Jenny bit her lip. The first option.

She caught Brutus’ grin before she ran outside where her friends waited, her heart beating far faster than usual. After climbing into the back of Lauren’s electric car, she stared out the window as they drove under Roosevelt Arch back into

the

park

.

So, you and Lars? Casey asked.

She ignored the implication. "Do you

know

him

?"

"I wouldn’t say know him. He isn’t the chatty type. Not rude, but quiet. He tends to keep to himself. Though he hangs out with Brutus a lot, and a man from park security named Darius. A strange group. Brutus is more brawn than brains while Lars is very much into his study of the animals, a bit of a deep thinker. Darius is, as we all know, a bit of a hothead. Quick to temper and just too hawt to

look

at

."

She didn’t know what to say. Brutus and his firefighters came off as burly goofballs, but Quinn said he was intelligent. Her friends would claim Quinn’s judgment was hampered by love. Perhaps it’s a case of opposites attracting.

Either way, Lars is quite something. Casey turned to wink at her friend in the backseat.

The fire brigade is more my type, Amy said, They are all like The Rock on steroids.

Lauren rolled her tongue in a rawr sound. "Give me bad-boy Darius

any

day

."

I prefer tall, svelte, and quiet myself. I would love to run my fingers through Lars’ long blond hair, Casey countered.

A surge of unreasonable jealousy ran through her. She remained silent until they reached the commons. Where are the other rangers?

Tourists mobbed the area, and the elk cows pawed the ground when the foolish visitors moved too close to their calves. She didn’t want anyone injured.

Budget cuts or an emergency somewhere else, take your pick. You know damn well when the bears show up it’s all hands on deck, Lauren said, pulling into a parking space.

I’ll go out there. She didn’t have anything else to do. Ten minutes later she emerged from the ranger dorm wearing the best uniform in the world and clutching a roll of yellow caution tape. As soon as she set up a barrier, the cows

settled

down

.

Are there any boy deer? a small child asked, pulling on her pocket.

Getting down to the boy’s level, she flashed him a big smile. Not out here. The bulls have antlers. These are mommies and their babies.

"Are they nice? Can I

pet

one

?"

A simple no never deterred an inquisitive child. "What would your mommy do if a stranger tried to hold

your

hand

?"

"She would be

very

mad

."

That is how they feel. So it’s best to stay on this side of the tape and give them their space.

Are we safe here? the woman with him asked.

Yes, ma’am. The cows here are used to people being around. Even so, it’s wise to stay the recommended twenty-five yards away from elk. If a mother feels her calf’s in danger, she will charge. Bulls can be dangerous, but there aren’t any in the area at the moment. All wild animals can be hazardous. No matter how cuddly they appear.

She spent the next few hours answering questions. Finally, the elk made their way and the visitors dispersed. As she turned from the common, she saw Lars leaning against a pillar on the portico. She approached with anticipation. What are you doing?

"Watching you. I thought you had the

day

off

."

She removed her hat. "The tourists were closing in on the elk again. I can’t

ignore

that

."

"You have an affinity

for

elk

?"

"Yes,

always

have

."

"Me, too. Can I interest you in joining me for an ice

cream

cone

?"

Mammoth had few places to hang out, but ice cream at the inn dining room would hit the spot. I would love a scoop of huckleberry.

"So, tell me,

why

elk

?"

"When I was five or six years old, my father brought me here for a vacation and I saw this magnificent bull up on the hill behind the inn. So beautiful and majestic. I begged my father for a plush elk from the gift shop. Do you know they don’t sell them? They carry bears, bison, and moose. Wolves. But where’s the love for

the

elk

?"

He offered a smile, but she sensed no teasing. "You’re very passionate

about

it

."

Perhaps too much. Sorry.

Never apologize for your passion. Holding the door to the Terrace Grill open, he rested a hand on her lower back as she passed. The simple touch, even through her shirt, brought every nerve ending to life, all of them focused

on

him

.

Huckleberry?

She fought through the fog of lust clouding her brain. What, huh, oh yeah. No way the jolt wouldn’t have zapped him, too, but he seemed so calm and cool. One scoop, please.

When his hands left her body, relief turned to an immediate sense of loss. You are losing your mind, Ranger. She grabbed a handful of napkins and located a table for two—where he’d have to sit across

from

her

.

It’s beautiful out. Do you want to stroll around? He handed her

a

cone

.

Do you mind if we sit? I have been on my feet for the last few hours. She let out a sigh as she

sat

down

.

He took the other seat. "Forgive me. Of course

you

have

."

She licked the creamy delight and groaned. "So good. Didn’t you

get

any

?"

No. I needed an excuse to get to know you better.

"You don’t need an excuse,

you

know

."

"I’ll keep it in mind. You mentioned your father bringing you here, just the two

of

you

?"

Yes, me and dad against the world. She licked a drip from the side of the cone. He passed away my junior year in college. For all his great qualities, he chain-smoked.

And your mother?

She tried not to think of the woman who gave birth to her, but she couldn’t fault him for asking. She wasn’t keen on the title. She didn’t like ‘wife’ too much, either. When I was seven, she sat me down and gave me a closing statement on why she left us. Mom’s a high-powered attorney who felt family took time away from the office. But, oddly, she also left me a note saying she never felt like a part of society. As if she never fit in.

Like

me

.

"Did you see her

after

that

?"

I see her when her career warrants me being brought out for display. She did pay for college and enough child support and alimony so my father could stay home and rear me. She covered his medical expenses in the end, as well. She gave us what she could, I guess.

But not the mother you would have wanted.

No, but you can’t force someone to be a mother if they don’t want to be. For years, she’d hated the woman. Now she only wished for space

from

her

.

"Do you want to be a mother

one

day

?"

More than anything, but I would want a couple of children. Being an only child can be lonely.

"And you are you

lonely

now

?"

He read her like a book. Yet, she found peace in being able to open up to someone about her disappointments. "Not with you, right this minute. If I hadn’t walked over to your table today, would you have

approached

me

?"

Yes. He reached over and wiped her lip. Your ice cream dripped.

She brushed the area he’d touched, cheeks

heating

. "

Oh

."

"My strength to stay away from you is at an all-

time

low

."

Strength? Good lord, she had thought him shy or perhaps nervous. Perhaps, like Brutus, this man concealed his real self in front of visitors. I don’t understand.

"Every time I saw you from my office window, I fought the desire to cross the grassy lawn to sweep you off

your

feet

."

"Why

didn’t

you

?"

You mean besides coming off as a crazy stalker? He raised an eyebrow before chuckling.

"

Besides

that

."

You’re young and full of life. I didn’t want you tied to me, to this park, when there are so many places you could experience.

Tied? How would a couple of dates have tied her to anything? "This park is a ranger’s dream. We all long for the full-time

position

here

."

So you are saying you would be happy up here in Mammoth for the next twenty years?

What ranger wouldn’t be? She couldn’t imagine not being here, and the whole time she had been in the Everglades, she’d longed for the mountains of Wyoming. But she was young and there were so many parks for her to explore. You know, a simple date doesn’t mean together forever.

Her lungs seized as soon as the words passed her lips. They were lies. Something about this man drew her where others had failed. His presence screamed acceptance.

Perhaps you are right. His eyes bored into her soul. She wanted to run yet couldn’t think of a reason to go. "Would you go to dinner

with

me

?"

Tonight?

Do you have other plans?

No.

Good. I’ll pick you up in an hour, then. Dress casually. He planted a kiss on her cheek.

Before she could reply, he left. How had she gone from being the one who had made the first approach to wondering what door she had opened? At lunch, she’d decided to be brave and use the opening to meet a man she had lusted after all last summer. But she’d never had the upper hand,

after

all

.

Getting to her feet, she thanked the people behind the counter and took the few steps to the street. An unnerving sense of being watched washed over her. Turning to the hills, she spied a mature bull with a full six-point rack. Magnificent.

They stared at one another until her attention shifted to a honking car. When she returned her focus to the hill, the beast had disappeared.

Chapter

2

One touch had broken his willpower into a million pieces. He’d fought the need to claim her for over a year, denied himself for her sake and because he doubted his herd would welcome her. Now, it didn’t matter. He had to find a way to make it work. Since the death of his first mate, he’d lived an empty life. Liesel had been the strongest dominant female elk Yellowstone had ever seen. No one, not even he, had been surprised when the fates deemed them mates. Liesel had been the logical choice. They had always been able to finish one another’s sentences and worked as a

cohesive

team

.

A hunter had shot her as she helped to lead the elk of the Grand Tetons to the National Elk Refuge outside Jackson Hole. He might have been over seventy-five miles away, but the bullet could have pierced his own heart. He closed his eyes, remembering the moment the warmth of his life had become emptiness. Now, with a chance within his grasp to feel passion again, he wanted it,

needed

it

.

Of all the things he’d prepared for in his long life, a human mate had never been one. The wolves found a way to make it work. They had been mating with humans for years, followed by the bears. The other groups didn’t believe in sharing. He couldn’t imagine a human wanting anything to do with the knucklehead rams, but he had been witness to some strange couples coming through the park, so what did

he

know

.

Leaning against a tree before the old red-roofed Fort Yellowstone building housing his office and the dorms, he chatted with passing rangers. As the door opened, he pushed himself off the trunk to

greet

her

.

"Am

I

late

?"

He didn’t think he had seen anything as beautiful as this woman in jeans and an oversized beige sweater, her shiny hair pulled back into a bouncy ponytail. "Not

at

all

."

I thought you said casual.

His blue polo shirt and khakis said business casual more than date casual. I didn’t have time to change, too busy getting our dinner put together. He indicated the backpack he carried.

You cooked?

Cooked would be a strong word. I put things together. He offered her his arm, and every ounce of him thrilled when she took it. I thought we could head up to the top of the hill behind the inn. The view is nice and, with the exception of young families looking to wear out their children, it’s relatively peaceful.

Sounds perfect. She leaned into him as they walked. "How long have you worked in

the

park

?"

More than a decade.

That long? she asked.

"Why would I want to work

anywhere

else

?"

Why indeed. What do you do in the winter?

"I track the herds. Both bison

and

elk

."

She stopped. Do you determine if the bison herds need to be thinned?

Unlike the elk and other smaller animals thinned naturally by larger prey, the bison had no real predators. As Brutus explained once, bison’s thick skin and hard heads discouraged their efforts. Thankfully, no. I track where they are wintering, the estimated numbers off the park lands, and when they return. But my reports do help make those decisions.

I know it’s part of what has to happen. I don’t have to like it, though. She fiddled with her watch. It can’t possibly take all winter to count the herds.

"No I spend a great deal of time waiting for them

to

move

."

"

Sounds

slow

."

Winter in Yellowstone can always be slow. But I go out for days on end to be with the herds. I enjoy it. True to form, they came upon a few dads with young children on the hillside. Lars smiled and greeted them. Finding a clear area, he laid a blanket down, grateful the gift shop had all the accessories a picnicking beau could want, from blankets to picnic baskets complete with dishes and cutlery. I didn’t know what you would like so I brought a variety. We have caprese sandwiches with garlic-cashew cheese, some roasted red pepper and mozzarella sandwiches with arugula pesto, lemon hummus and, if nothing else works, good ole peanut butter and jelly.

Wow.

There is also a salad.

Did you cook all this? She settled down on a corner of the blanket, leaving a large space

between

them

.

He chuckled. No, the inn was kind enough to offer me one of their picnic baskets when I told them about our plans.

While they ate, they watched the sun set over the steaming white calcium carbonate mounds of Mammoth Springs. Finally, the tourists wandered off into the dusk, leaving them alone. Jenny sighed. "I love the isolation of Yellowstone. The clean air and low technology lend itself to family time and turning in early. The silence of the park at night is like a balm to

the

soul

."

If you can ignore the elk calls and sounds of other wildlife.

Ignore them? Never. They are a big part of why I love it so. She wiped her mouth then folded the remaining food back into the waxed paper, and stuffed it in the bag. Now to the awkward getting-to-know-you questions.

Ask me anything.

Do you have a family?

I married young. She died years ago, but we were blessed with children.

"You’re

a

dad

?"

My children are grown. Liesel and I started a family as soon as we wed. He and Liesel had kept expecting the arrival of their second mate, who she would have accepted as her lover as well. Jenny might have a harder time understanding the inner workings of the elk’s relationships. Unlike the canine, feline, and bear shifters who locked their life force with their mates, deer did not. When Liesel was shot, he gave up on the idea of another, too heartbroken even to consider another. Sitting next to his newfound mate after years of celibacy, he fought the urge to take her on the blanket under

the

moon

.

"How many children do

you

have

?"

Ten would not go over well. "My own herd, you might say. The boys work in

the

park

."

His two sons worked park patrol down near the southern and western entrances. He did his best to see them a couple times a month. His daughters had all left in search of something better. He spoke to them when they could get to a phone to call, but they had all joined new herds, so calling dear old Dad

didn’t

rate

.

I’m having a hard time believing you are old enough to have grown children.

I married young. He shrugged. "Does the age difference put

you

off

?"

"No. Though I still don’t know what

it

is

."

Time to redirect. Does it bother you that I have grown children?

Shocked, not bothered.

Would it shock or bother you if I kissed you? He crawled to her corner of the blanket.

It might if you don’t.

He claimed her lips. She opened to him immediately. A thrill he hadn’t experienced in decades, perhaps never, ran through him, filling him with an all-consuming need to claim this woman. His animal screamed mine, and he had to agree.

He gripped her braid as he deepened the kiss. A moan escaped her. The urge to lay her back and make love to her right there in view of anyone who cared to see past the inn ran through him. She clung to the short sleeves of his shirt, pulling him closer.

Lars? Through the lust-filled haze, for a second he couldn’t think whom the female voice might belong to. Jenny pulled away first, and the fog lifted. One of his betas stood before him, her head cocked to

the

side

.

What is it, Britt? he

bit

out

.

I’m sorry to interrupt. The young female elk shifter stared at him, openmouthed, and why not? Lars hadn’t been romantic in years. She turned her attention to his date then blinked twice before returning her attention to him. Jenny?

Lars struggled to stifle his irritation. Britt, did you need something?

The young shifter nodded. Your son called.

"Anders

or

Leif

?"

"Leif. He says there’s something going on with the

southern

herd

."

He jumped to his feet. Neither of his sons would call him for assistance unless he couldn’t handle a situation himself—unlikely—or he’d found signs of poachers.

What is it? Jenny

stood

up

.

"My guess, we have some illegal hunting

going

on

."

"In

the

park

?"

He wouldn’t be calling for problems outside the area. He blew out a breath. "I’m sorry, I

didn’t

mean

…"

Don’t be silly. You’re justifiably upset.

"Britt, can you walk

Jenny

back

—

"

"Go. I know my way. You need to get down to find out what’s

going

on

."

Britt wrung her hands. "Brutus said we should call Darius. His trackers might be of

some

help

."

"Can you call him and ask him if he could spare some of

his

pack

?"

Of course. She glanced one more time at Jenny before running down the hill to one of the cabins.

"I’ll

call

you

."

I hope you find whoever is responsible.

Lars nodded, already heading down the hill. He had to handle this himself. His people counted on the safety of Yellowstone. He would damned well keep it that way. He allowed himself one last glance back, rewarded with an impatient Go for his troubles. At least she had his priorities straight.

Two hours later, he joined his sons, Brutus, and some of his sleuth at the side of

the

road

.

Dad, sorry to call you out here like this. Anders rubbed the back of

his

neck

.

You did the right thing. He patted his eldest’s shoulder and faced the grizzly. Brutus."

Lars, the grizzly growled.

"What do

we

know

?"

Anger poured off the bears in waves. The wolves have picked up a scent. They’ll call me when they find the person.

You can’t kill the hunter on Yellowstone lands. Lars would relish watching the human cower in front of the bears, though. He would gladly run them through himself. Just outside the park. "

Show

me

."

The bears stayed behind as his sons escorted him to the crime scene. Though they were likely itching to take over the scene, this was an elk kill, and Lars was in charge. Three carcasses lay on the crusty surface near a geyser: two bulls with their heads missing and a cow. Trophy hunters.

Appears to be so. Anders searched the desolate landscape. "They probably killed the cow for being in

the

way

."

This happened not too long ago? Lars crouched beside the deceased.

A family of tourists heard the shots as they finished changing a flat tire. They went straight to the first ranger station they could find. Leif handed him a flashlight.

We got here about half an hour later, Anders

filled

in

.

Lars offered a silent blessing to the departed, lifting his arms to the sky. They were in and out quick; probably not their first kill. I’ll bet if we search the area we will find more headless remains.

What the elements haven’t taken, scavengers will, Brutus said, coming up behind them. Grant’s new mate is a geologist, I don’t think you have met Morgan yet. She has been out checking the geysers in this area. She hasn’t seen anything but will keep an eye open. If they staked out the area, they knew it was fairly deserted, and the geysers would help hide the evidence. It doesn’t take long at those water temperatures to destroy a carcass.

"If they are hunting in the park, they won’t stop

with

elk

."

Brutus snorted. Anyone poaching here is doing it for the adrenalin rush. The risk of getting caught where it’s illegal.

Have the bison been alerted?

No. I’ll contact Chintok in the morning.

You wanted to be out here and not stuck on the phone. He couldn’t blame Brutus. Neither wanted to waste time dealing with the bison alpha.

"Hey, you want to call him in the morning? I have no issue backing

you

up

."

"No. I have enough to

deal

with

."

Fair enough. Brutus let out a whistle. "My sentinels are making rounds at areas where we think they might enter the park. I’ll also call Otto in the morning to get reinforcements. Otto can let me know what the black bear

numbers

are

."

A large gray wolf loped into sight and shifted about ten yards from them. Darius, the alpha. We lost their scent at Lake Lewis.

"

A

boat

?"

Most probably. I’ve two trackers circling the lake in opposite directions. Providing the poachers didn’t take the rivers, we should pick up their scent again.

Thank you, Darius.

You and Brutus have done a great deal to help get us back into the park. We are all in this together.

Yes we are. Brutus clapped the wolf on the back. The man stumbled forward a few steps with the impact. How about you join me in the morning when I go see Chintok? The old bison needs to hear about what is going on, and you should be there.

Great I have a free hour or two tomorrow.

Both Lars and Brutus laughed.

Brutus sobered. "You might want to clear your

whole

day

."

Chapter

3

Jenny expected to catch a glimpse of Lars over the weekend. But, so far, no such luck. Rumors flew amongst the rangers about the hunters within the park. A few more stories surfaced of people thinking they came across evidence of poaching, but they found no new leads. Everyone was on edge. Even the elk herd at Mammoth appeared more skittish than normal .

She received a quick note from Lars saying he didn’t know if he would make it to the picnic with Quinn and Brutus. Pulling into Lake Yellowstone Hotel parking lot, she wondered for the first time where Quinn and Brutus lived. Quinn had been vague about her new address when she moved in with Brutus. Jenny crossed the street to the picnic area. It took a few minutes to find Quinn in the crowd. Nearly every member of the fire and rescue team towered over her five-foot-eight height.

Jenny. Eyes bright, Quinn pushed through the group to throw her arms around her. "I’m so glad you

made

it

."

I wouldn’t miss meeting my godson. She searched the crowd. "Where

is

he

?"

A cry rent the air, and Brutus turned, cradling a babe in his arms. "I think he wants you, Quinn. Hi, Jenny. We are about to fire up the grills. Tofu burger

for

you

?"

Yes, please. She eagerly accepted the baby from his arms. The little guy who’d looked tiny in his father’s grasp now seemed gigantic. "Hello, Hagan. He can’t be just two

months

old

."

He’s a brute, isn’t he? Quinn moved in to kiss the downy dark hair. The baby cooed and snuggled against Jenny’s neck. "I hate that I haven’t been able to get up to Mammoth to

see

you

."

"I’ve only been back in the park for a couple of weeks, and you have your

hands

full

."

Quinn led them to the picnic table farthest from the crowd. Let me know if he gets too heavy.

Never. Sitting, she adjusted the baby in her lap. He yawned and cuddled back into her embrace. "So, fill me in. Other than the baby, what is

going

on

?"

"I’m on family leave for the foreseeable future. But I’m not sure I want to go back now that I have this

little

one

."

"How does Brutus feel

about

that

?"

You’ve met him, haven’t you? she teased. He’s thrilled about both his son and the idea of my staying home with him. But if I wanted to head back, he would support that decision, too. The man in question turned to Quinn and offered her a wink before lifting his beer to his lips. Quinn blushed and fidgeted with her shorts hem. "I’ve been meaning to

tell

you

."

What?

We eloped during the winter. I wanted to give you the news in person.

"Congratulations. I know how smitten you are with him, and with

the

baby

…"

He came faster than we expected, but Brutus is so thrilled to be a daddy.

And everyone knows he loves you. She would have said more, but a sizzle went through her, starting at the nape of her neck and moving to her fingertips. Lars came up the path. As he neared, their eyes locked, and he made a beeline for her. He leaned over and brushed her lips before facing the new mother.

"Hi, Quinn. Motherhood

suits

you

."

I’m severely sleep-deprived. She spoke with such love, no one would believe she cared about exhaustion. Can I get you something to drink?

"No, you should sit. I can

get

it

."

Quinn got to her feet. "Don’t be silly. I’m pampered all day by Brutus and his family. Sit and relax. Jenny, do you want me to take

the

baby

?"

"Don’t even try it. This is

my

time

."

Quinn backed away, hands up but laughing.

You are a natural with the baby,

he

said

.

It’s easy when they’re asleep. I’ll be finding Mama super quick when he awakens, trying to feed. She rubbed her cheek against his head. You’re exhausted.

I’ve been watching the herds most nights.

Any signs of the hunters?

A few, but the evidence is so old it could be another set of predators. He rubbed a hand over his face. It’s not hunting season anywhere around, so they can’t try and say they wandered in by mistake.

"Hopefully you’ll catch them

and

soon

."

A companionable silence fell between them. Quinn brought them each a beer before returning to Brutus, who wrapped a protective arm around her. After a few sips, Lars cocked his head and asked, "So why haven’t you gotten married and had a baby of

your

own

?"

Perhaps because my career got in the way. Or I haven’t met the right person. She never wanted to make the mistake her mother had. Would having a baby with the wrong person cause her to run as well? She doubted it, but she always worried. Her father had once called her her mother’s daughter, to her horror. But the right person already had full-grown children. Would he even want to start all over again? Why would you think I am so desperate to have children?

The way you’re clinging to Hagan like it’s your only chance. He reached out and twisted a curl of Hagan’s hair around his finger. "You would make a wonderful mother. Why deprive the world

of

that

?"

She wanted to ask him if he would help father her child, but she couldn’t work up the courage, even in jest. She could face down an angry animal, deal with tourists who didn’t have a brain cell. But when it came to this man, the ground seemed to be made of egg shells at all times. "I guess time

will

tell

."

I hope so, he replied, running his knuckles over her cheek.

Staring into his eyes, she reminded herself to breathe, to enjoy the moment with him. She couldn’t worry about next season, next year, or even next week. She could live in the now and enjoy being the center of his attention. After all, Quinn had taken the leap, and it worked for her. And if it didn’t, she would remember she hadn’t shied away from what she wanted.

Hey, Dad. A tall blond young man, so like Lars she would have known he was related even if he hadn’t called him Dad, came up to the table. "Didn’t think you were going to

make

it

."

Anders. He stood and embraced the younger man. I didn’t think so, either.

This must be the Jenny I have heard so much about. His smile was so much cheekier than his father’s as he peered down at the baby. "Wow, you move

fast

,

Dad

."

Oh no. This is— she began.

"Sorry. Just kidding. This little guy and I are well acquainted, though usually no one is able to pry him out of his proud papa’s arms. You must have mad skills. I’m Anders, and it’s a pleasure to

meet

you

."

"It’s nice to meet

you

,

too

."

"The old man has been alone for far

too

long

."

She forced herself to smile. She had convinced herself it made no difference as long as his children were younger than she. But Anders had to be a few years older. Hagan let out a grunt followed by a loud wail as he rooted for milk. Saved by the baby. Excuse me. She stood, looking for Hagan’s parents.

Quinn and Brutus made their way through the ever-growing group of park staff who came for a burger and to meet the infant. "He has perfect timing. Every time I’m about to sit down to eat, he demands

his

meal

."

Quinn eased her fussy son from Jenny’s embrace and settled into an empty seat to nurse. Hagan’s absence left an emptiness in Jenny she never would have imagined. The hand at her lower back had her jumping. "Walk

with

me

."

She nodded but couldn’t face Lars. Too many conflicting emotions churned

within

her

.

A distance away from the group, he turned her toward him. "Seeing my son

bothered

you

."

She nodded.

Age is simply a number.

He’s older than I am. She hoped he would

contradict

her

.

Many in the park are older than you are. He grinned, but she couldn’t return his smile.

"Don’t joke. How old

are

you

?"

I’m younger than Brutus, if it makes any difference.

She wanted to pull out her hair. Why won’t you answer the question?

Because you will harp on the answer when I’d rather have you focus on what is important.

"

Which

is

?"

This. He placed her hand on his heart. "I knew you would fight the age difference. Even now, it’s all you can

focus

on

."

"Because your

children

are

…"

"Are not us. They have nothing to do with us. If they aren’t concerned with the age difference, and I’m not, why

are

you

?"

Excellent question. She didn’t care what people thought, so why would she focus on something no one else seemed to care about. "Brutus is older

than

you

?"

Mmm hmmm. He’s ancient, actually.

But he appears so young.

"And by that you mean to say I

look

old

?"

"No. I knew you were older than I but not twice

my

age

."

He lifted her against his body, and his kiss burned him into her soul. Deep inside her a fire lit and threatened to cause an inferno. His kiss proved to her he could keep up with any suitor. His hands gripped her ass, lifting her off her feet. I’m young enough to give you all the babies you could possibly want. I want to see you large with my child, Jenny.

Those simple words sent heat rushing between her thighs and into her core. Under his cool exterior, the face he showed the world of the sexy but somewhat reserved scientist, simmered a passion which threatened to burn them both. "I

want

you

."

He eased back and searched her eyes. "I want you, too, but not here and

not

yet

."

How could she forget they stood on a hiking trail a few yards from the picnic area? "Yeah,

not

here

."

He let her slide down his body to stand again. "There are things you don’t know yet about me, and I want to make sure you have all the facts before I make love

to

you

."

In her current state, nothing he could say would alter her need for him. "So, we need

to

talk

."

Yes.

When?

As soon as possible.

Tonight?

Yes, in my office.

She spent the rest of the picnic in a haze of desire. She smiled and laughed with the others and even managed to ask Quinn how old Brutus was, but Quinn’s a couple of hundred years old comment didn’t help her in the least. Not until she passed Mammoth Springs on her way home did she remember she wanted to ask where the hell her friend lived. Back in her room, she forced herself to stop pacing the floor. She had to keep her mind occupied with something she could do on autopilot. Talk about

the

elk

.

The elk lay majestic and unaffected in the common, sunning themselves, oblivious to the humans who wanted to get as close as possible and get some selfies. She was speaking with a group of Boy Scouts when one of the cows rammed her from behind, sending her flailing to the ground before the female huffed and stomped across the street.

Shaking off the attack, if attack it had been, she excused herself, limped back to her room, and lowered her pants and panties to check for damage. Her left butt check already showed the colorful signs of what promised to be a hell of a bruise. She replayed the event over and over in her mind, trying to figure out what set the

animal

off

.

Maybe the cow had sensed her nervousness about her meeting with Lars? If he thought the age difference might be an issue, whatever he planned to share must be a doozy. When she approached Lars’ office, his door ajar the sounds of voices

wafted

out

.

Exactly what did you think would happen? Though Lars’ voice remained calm, his tone conveyed his anger loud and clear.

I thought she would get the message and leave good enough alone, The female whined. "You didn’t expect us to be happy about the situation

did

you

?"

You’re out of line, Amanda. This isn’t going to happen again. Do I make myself clear?

But, Alpha…

Not again. The rumble in his voice had her knees quaking.

"

Yes

,

sir

."

"Leave, now. Tell Erin I wish to speak to her

as

well

."

The door opened, and she stared up in the tear-streaked face of a beautiful brunette with large doe eyes. Sorry, Jenny said, for lack of