Summer of the Beast

Summer of the Beast

by Trinity Blacio

A Ravenous Romance® Original Publication

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Baileyd

A Ravenous Romance® Original Publication
www.ravenousromance.com

Copyright © 2011 by Trinity Blacio

Ravenous Romance®
100 Cummings Center
Suite 123A
Beverly, MA 01915

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60777-437-2

This book is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Don't miss these other books by Trinity Blacio!

Running in Fear: Escaped
Running in Fear: Abandoned
Running in Fear: Coming Home
Running in Fear: Cupid’ Venom
Running in Fear: Dragon's Den

The Naughty Angel and her Three Very Wise Men

Independence Day Union

Chapter One

Violet Vanworth stared out the window of her new home, boxes behind her left unpacked. “I miss you, Momma,” she whispered to herself. It was hard to believe she was in a new town. Just two months ago Violet's world had turned upside down when her mother, Ashley Vanworth, had been attacked and beaten coming home from work, and left for dead.

She'd had only had one hour with her mother before she had died, and in that hour, Violet's life took a nosedive. Not only had her mother lied to her about her father, but she had known where he was for the past twenty-five years and hadn't told her a thing.

The town of Wonder, her father's last known address, was where she now resided. After settling all her mother's affairs, Violet had found her mother owned a home in Wonder. She'd taken a deep breath before asking her, “Why would you purchase a home here, Mom, and never live in it?”

Now, turning on the stereo and the light, Violet started unpacking her belongings, adding pictures and knickknacks to the ones she'd already set out in the home. The house had been fully decorated and ready for her, as if her mother had known she would come here one day. Violet shook her head, knowing her mother's gift of sight most likely had made her purchase this place for her.

Tomorrow Violet would start getting acquainted with the town while looking for a part-time job. It was purely to keep herself busy; it wasn't as if she needed the money. Her mother had left her well off.

“Damn, forgot to go to the store,” Violet mumbled, then grabbed her purse and keys.

Ten minutes later, Violet pushed the grocery cart down the aisle of the small town store. She had received a few stares as soon when she walked into the store, but she ignored them, knowing she was new to their town.

As Violet reached for a can of coffee, a large hand from behind her grabbed it off the top shelf and handed it to her. “Here you go. I haven't seen you around town. Are you visiting?”

She turned with the coffee in her hand and glanced up and up until she finally stared into the face of the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. His black hair was pulled back into a braid down his back, and he had dark green eyes and a mustache. He stood at least six feet or more, and a body that weightlifters could appreciate.

Um, do you think so?” She immediately slapped her hand over her mouth and rolled her eyes. “I'm so sorry. It's just growing up in New York, you don't trust anyone.” She smiled and glanced down at the floor when his laugh filled the room.

“Don't worry about it. My name is Landon Drews and I'm kind of like the mayor of this small town. I usually hear about new people moving in, so I was just surprised, that's all.” He brushed a lock of her red hair behind her ear.

“Actually, my mother bought the house more than ten years ago, but just had it furnished six months ago. If you'll excuse me, I must get going.” She turned to leave, but he gently put his hand on her arm.

“I'm sorry if I dragged up painful memories. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. We're a very close-knit and friendly town.”

The scent of his aftershave or cologne had her taking a deep breath and sighing. “Thank you, and no, you didn't do anything.” She glanced over her shoulder. “But there is something you can help me with. I'm looking for a Castor Bloodstone. Would you know how I can get a hold of him?”

Landon frowned. “He's a friend. How do you know him?”

Violet glanced back at her cart. “He was a friend of my mother's a long time ago. I have some personal matters to discuss with him. If you could inform him where I live, and give him my phone number, I would appreciate it.” She grabbed a pen and small piece of paper out of her purse and wrote down her new address, her mother's name, and her own name and cell phone number. “I'm sure he'll recognize her name.”

Landon took the card and glanced at it. “I'll give this to him, but you could meet him tomorrow night, if you'd like. The town is having our Fourth of July cookout at the high school and everyone will be there. I would be happy to introduce you to him and his wife, Grace. I could pick you up around four?” Something about this red-headed woman called to his inner wolf, but for some reason he had a bad feeling her appearance would cause trouble in his town.

“I don't know if I'm up for a party, but it would be nice to meet a few people. Okay, four it is. Do I need to bring a dish or something?” She smiled up at him, but her dark brown eyes were sad, the smile not reaching them.

“No, there will be plenty of food. Bring a light jacket because it gets cool after dark, though. I'll see you tomorrow, Violet.” He took her small hand and kissed her knuckles.

Her face turned a light shade of pink and she once more glanced down at the floor. “Goodnight, Landon.”

Carefully, she pulled her hand out of his and he watched as she made her way down the aisle. Her round hips swayed back and forth in her navy skirt.

His beta, Kelvin, stepped up next to him. “So what do you think of our new lady? Is she one of us?”

Landon tucked the card into his pocket. “Weird thing is I couldn't tell. It was as if her scent was masked somehow, and I believe she has no idea about it either. You and Salvador find out what you can about her mother, Ashley Vanworth. I don't like surprises in my town and I have a feeling we're all going to be in for one. We're going to have to watch her, but let the pack know no one is to harm her, or they'll answer to me.” The thought of any harm coming to her almost drove him to his knees. “Damn, this isn't good. My wolf is going crazy.”

Kelvin nodded. “I'm afraid yours isn't the only one. When I walked into the store and saw you talking to her, it was all I could do not to join you. Do you think she's the one for us?”

Landon turned and slapped Kelvin on the back. “I don't know, but we need to see how Salvador reacts to her tomorrow, too. And I want to know how she knows the King's son. Ever since he moved here fifty years ago, we've had to tighten security. I'll have to inform Norris about Violet so they won't be shocked when we show up tomorrow.” He walked out into the night air and took a deep breath.

“That's another reason why I was searching for you. It seems the King will be at tomorrow night's festival. We already have some of his guards showing up at the hotel.” Kelvin slipped his arm around him and nipped his neck.

“Damn, I wish they would give us more notice. Okay, inform the Dog squad they'll be needed tomorrow for security. I want you and Salvador with me tomorrow when we pick up Violet. If she is our fourth, then I want her to get used to us all right from the start.” He grinned. “Let's take the bikes out tomorrow and see how she handles riding.”

Kelvin laughed at Landon's double entendre as they both got into the SUV. “That was bad, but I like the idea. It's been a while since we've been on them.”

Even at fifty, Landon was still youthful-looking, but that hadn't stopped him from challenging the last alpha for his position when he'd walked into a meeting with the alpha and two rogue males. Landon growled, remembering the alpha's plan to slowly bring the rogues into their town. No one would have been safe if he hadn't challenged him and won. To this day, his pack might still see him as a youngster, but they knew all too well that when he was pushed into a corner, Landon was deadly. He took his responsibilities seriously and expected those who worked under him to do so also.

He glanced at Kelvin and grinned, remembering the day he had met him and Salvador at a conference for alphas. One meeting and all three knew they belonged together. After many months Kelvin and Salvador had moved their packs to Wonder, creating one of the largest packs in the United States. All three of them ruled with iron fists.

Kelvin turned in his seat and stared at him. “Have you talked to Norris, the security guy for the king?”

Landon shook his head. “Nope, he just got into town last week and has been out at Caser's since then. Why?”

“Make sure you talk to him tomorrow. Both Salvador and I have already met him.”

“Spit it out, Kelvin. You never keep anything from me.” Landon glanced at him quickly, then back at the road.

“When I first met him, it was like meeting you all over. The feelings and the signs were there. Salvador had the same reaction.” He ran his hand through his brown wavy hair. “Our family pack might be bigger than the four of us if Norris and Violet are part of it.”

He parked the car in the garage next to the three Harleys and stared at him. “Five of us? I've heard of it happening, but it's been rare to have a family unit so big. In most cases, it was because of royalty or power.” He tapped his fingers on the dashboard and sighed. “Well, it seems tomorrow is going to be a long day. Come on, let's get something to eat and wait for Salvador to come home so we can plan for tomorrow.”

Chapter Two

Violet kicked her car again. “You stupid pile of shit!”

Her morning had started out great. The kitchen was unpacked along with her bedroom, and she even found an ad in the local paper for a waitress position at a private club she wanted to check out before tomorrow's application day. But that wasn't going to happen with her car out of commission. At least she saw the pile of goop rolling out of the car before she took off. She blew her hair out of her face and turned around to get the local telephone book to call a tow truck and find a rental.

There were no local car rental companies, so after three calls and pleading, the local garage agreed to come out and take a look at her car. Violet sat on the front porch in her jeans and halter top waiting for the guy. She was also waiting for Mr. Hunk to show up. Violet smiled, not believing she had accepted a date with him. Living in New York she had always been careful; no matter where she went there was a feeling of being followed. Yet staring up into his green eyes for the very first time, she felt safe and she didn't know why.

When she heard the diesel engine, she glanced up and watched as the tow truck pulled in backwards to her driveway. Violet made her way to the man and smiled, shaking his hand. “Thank you so much for coming. I was just afraid to drive it with the fluid coming from under her.”

“It's no problem, miss. Let me take a quick look underneath, then we'll go from there.” He grabbed the jack from the bed of his truck and proceeded to raise her car up as three motorcycles turned the corner onto her street. They pulled into her driveway and she stared as Landon raised his sunglasses and smiled.

“Having problems, little lady?” He swung his leather-clad leg over the bike after he dropped the kickstand. His two tall and amazing friends followed suit.

Violet sighed. “Yes, I was going to go run to this club and check it out because they are doing interviews tomorrow, but when I came outside this morning, some oily stuff was leaking out from underneath the car. I was afraid to drive it. It's weird, because I just had the stupid thing checked out before I drove here.”

Landon put his arm around her and walked her towards the garage as the man came out from underneath. “So what did you find, Hank?”

The guy laughed and shook his head. “Should have known it was you three.” Then he frowned. “The break line's gone. She's damn lucky she didn't drive it. Miss, I can have this fixed by tomorrow and bring it back for you by twelve. Is that okay?”

She sighed. “That would be great. I don't have to be at the club till three. Thank you so much. Do you need my credit card number now?” Violet turned to run into the house, but Landon held onto her.

“Don't worry about it now, Violet. Hank will take care of that tomorrow. Hank, why don't you do a real good sweep of her car to make sure nothing else is wrong with it?”

Violet could have sworn she heard a little growl after his question, but he smiled down at her, distracting her. “Just to make sure, that trip from New York is a long one and sometimes after a long trip the vehicle might show some other problems.”

“Okay, but I still need a car for tomorrow, Landon, and there's no rental place around here.” The mechanic nodded to Landon and prepared to tow her car.

“Don't worry about the club. I can give you a ride there. As it happens, I know the owner really well.” He grinned as his friends laughed behind them. “Oh, I'm being rude. Violet Vanworth, I'd like you to meet my partners, roommates, and best friends, Kelvin Cloud and Salvador Guárico.”

Salvador stepped forward and took her hand, kissing the inside of her wrist. “It's a pleasure to meet you,
senorita
. Landon was right. You are a beautiful woman.”

Her cheeks heated and she glanced away and stared at the back of the tow truck. “Thank you, Salvador. No one has ever called me beautiful before I came to this town.” She smiled.

“Well, then, you must have fools for men in New York,” he teased and stepped back.

Violet laughed. “Creeps, more like.” She turned to Kelvin, who moved in front of her and kissed both of her cheeks. “I have to agree with Salvador. You are a beauty. It's New York's loss and our gain to have you here.”

She fanned her face. “You guys sure know how to make a girl's head spin. Let me go grab my jacket and purse.” Violet nodded to the bikes. “I take it we're going for a ride?” She laughed and moved to the porch, glancing over her shoulder at the three hunks.

All three of them stared at her, their gazes traveling up and down her body. “Oh, we'll be going for a ride many times,” Landon said.

“You are very bad, Mr. Drews.” Violet shook her head and grabbed her jacket and purse, taking a deep breath. Violet had a feeling that when she got home tonight, her small toy was going to get a nice workout.

Stepping out of the house, Violet locked the door and strolled over to Hank, who stood talking to Landon. “Here are the keys to the car, and you have my phone number if you need to get hold of me. I don't care what the cost is. I need to have it fixed, unless it would be cheaper for me to buy another one.” She laughed. “Which I hope I don't. I've gotten used to this car.”

“I'll give you a call tomorrow. See you at four at the party.” Hank crawled into the truck and took off with her car as Landon handed her a helmet.

“Put it on, Violet. Don't want anything to happen to you.” He sat on the bike. “Give me your purse. I'll put it in the saddlebag.” Violet handed it to him and sat behind him on the bike, fastening the helmet.

“Okay, I'm ready.” She wrapped her arms around his muscular frame and took a deep breath.
God, he smells divine.

Violet kept glancing at the two men who rode beside them. Each man was a treasure trove of awesome masculine features. The way their long muscular legs hugged the Harleys had her imagining what else was long on their body.
Damn, I need to get a man.

They pulled into the high school parking lot and Violet whistled. The parking lot was packed. There had to be more than two hundred cars. Landon pulled his bike right up to the high school and turned off the engine.

“This place is packed. Is it always like this on the Fourth of July?” She took off the helmet and handed it to Landon as he helped her off the bike.

“Every time the town throws a shindig, everyone comes out. You'll have a good time, don't worry.” He returned her purse and she took out her brush.

“Thanks.” Violet brushed her long red hair. All three men escorted her into the back of the high school. “Are you expecting trouble?” She nodded to the security men who walked around, each one nodding to them as they passed them.

“No, but we always have security with a big event like this. You never know what the teenagers will do next.” He laughed and nudged her.

“Hey, I was a good girl in high school, thank you very much. Graduated with honors, matter of fact, and my mom was—how can I say this?—very overprotective of me. I had personal guards throughout school, but I finally put a stop to that two months ago.” She glanced around at the different booths and smiled at the people. Only on a few occasions had her mother let her go to a carnival or anything like this. “I have a feeling I'm going to be spending more money here at these booths than anything else.” She laughed and glanced up at Landon, who frowned down at her.

“What do you mean, you had guards up until two months ago?” He stopped and held onto her waist.

Violet sighed. “Mom was paranoid that someone would grab me and take me away from her. Until two months ago, I had a constant shadow, but when she died, I let the guards go. I can take care of myself, and Mom wasn't around to worry, so I didn't need them.” She pulled on his arm. “Now come on, I want to try to win a big stuffed animal today. One of you guys can strap it down on the back of your bike for me tonight when you take me home.” They all moaned.

For an hour she tried to win a big stuffed wolf, but not once did she come close, until Kelvin pushed her out of the way and knocked down all three of the bottles. “Pick which one you like.” He grinned down at her and she pointed to the black and gray one.

She reached up on her tiptoes and dragged his head down, kissing his lips. “Thank you. My first gift from a man!” Violet hugged the wolf when the man handed it to her, smiling.

Kelvin wrapped his arm around her and they joined Landon and Salvador. “You have to be kidding, right? About never getting a gift from a man?” Kelvin asked, taking the wolf as Landon handed her a beer.

She shook her head. “Nope, told you, my mom was paranoid. Had a total of two dates behind my mother's back, and both ended badly. So I just gave up and concentrated on my classes, even in college. It wasn't always so bad. Mom and I went to plays and concerts, and we traveled.”

Kelvin stopped one of the security men and gave him her wolf. “Would you go strap this onto my bike for me?” The guard grinned and took the wolf with him.

“Aren't you afraid someone will steal it?” She watched the man carry her gift away as Landon leaned down and whispered in her ear.

“No one will steal it, I promise. Now, come on, I see Cesar and his wife.” Landon wrapped his arm around her while Kelvin held onto her hand.

Her stomach knotted and her hands grew sweaty. They stopped in front of two large men and one beautiful woman. Security guards were all around them.

* * * *

“Caser, Blane, Grace I'd like you to meet Violet Vanworth.” Landon rubbed her arm when he felt her tremble next to him, and leaned down to whisper. “Hey, it's okay. They aren't going to bite.”

Caser stepped forward and held out his hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I understand you were asking about me.” He studied her.

“Maybe we should do this at a different time, when we are alone. I don't want to ruin anyone's day.”

Violet glanced up at him, and he could have sworn there were tears in her eyes.

“There is nothing my father or wife doesn't know. So, please, I'm dying of curiosity here. You thought I might have known your mother, but the name isn't familiar to me.”

Violet pulled away from him, dug into her purse, and pulled out an envelope. “This was given to me to give to you. I found it in my mother's safe when she died. Attached was a letter explaining a few things to me. She wanted you to have it. As you can see, I haven't opened it. My mom's personal seal is still on it.” Her hand trembled as Caser took the letter and opened it.

She glanced up at him again and moved closer to him. Landon could tell she was scared half to death, and he didn't like it one bit.

Both Kelvin and Salvador stepped in closer, both running their hands on her arms and back, trying to reassure her when he heard the growl.

Violet stepped back and glanced around, ready to bolt. “I'm sorry. Please, don't be mad.” She buried her head into his chest when he wouldn't release her.

The king of all werewolves, Blane, Castor's father, stepped forward and read the letter. “Have you heard of this happening before?” he asked his father before he turned to his wife and handed her the letter.

“No, but it could happen, especially since we don't know anything about her mother's kind.”

Both men stared at Violet as Grace crumbled the letter in her hand. “You just couldn't keep it in your pants, could you?” She snarled and marched away from the group, flinging the paper onto the ground.

Caser picked up the paper and unfolded it. “Violet, look at me, please.”

Slowly she lifted her head, her eyes swollen from tears, and her lips trembled. “I didn't want to hurt you or your family. I just wanted to meet my father. Was I so wrong?” Her voice was a mere whisper, but they had heard her, and he tightened his grip on her.

“No, child, it wasn't wrong. I want you to read this letter, Violet. It might help explain a few things to you too.” He handed her the letter and she wiped her face, reading.

Landon read over her shoulder and learned her mother was one of the most powerful witches around. No wonder Violet had been protected all her life.

“I don't understand. My mother was a witch, as in a real witch, and you are a werewolf? There has to be a mistake, but…” Her hand flew to her mouth. “That's why she could see things and do things. I swear if she was here right now…” She glanced at her father. “Then you really are a werewolf.” She glanced around her, then up at Landon. “You too?”

He laughed. “Afraid so, baby. The three of us are the alphas of this town. Your father is a prince of all werewolves and your grandfather is our king.”

“King!” she squeaked, and her head spun around to Blane. “Oh my God, I didn't know. I swear I didn't.” She tried to back up, but he held onto her.

“What's wrong, Violet?” Kelvin leaned down and stared into her face.

“I didn't do this on purpose. Please believe me. I don't want anything from them. Mom left me well off. I'll keep it quiet, I promise. My God, your
wife
! What have I done?” She tore out of their arms and ran towards the front of the school.

Landon caught up with her, along with the others. “Easy, Violet. We know you didn't do this to cause trouble.” Landon held her tight and rubbed her back.

Blane stepped up to them. “I take it she's your mate?” He glanced at Kelvin and Salvador, and he nodded. “We think so, yes.”

The king nodded. “Violet, can you look at me for a minute? I want to ask you a couple of questions.”

“Come on, Violet. Where's that New York backbone I saw at the grocery store last night?” Landon teased and lifted her chin up.

“Right now it's running back to New York.” She slowly turned when they all laughed, and Blane smiled.

“First question. I take it you have guards?” Blane glanced around, then frowned down at her.

She toed the dirt with her foot. “I did until two months ago when I let them all go. It was a pain in the ass, having someone follow me everywhere.” Violet turned to glance back at Blane and he moaned, running his hand through his red hair.

“Okay, that will have to be remedied before you leave here. Second, do you have a birthmark in the shape of a wolf head?”