Marked for Life by Jaxx Steele Read Free Book Online Page A

conflict for good. The wolf stepped back and sat down. His tongue hung from his blood-covered mouth as he gasped for air. After he got his breathing under control again, he morphed back into Mark. The group of men and women were silent for a time. Mark's father exchanged looks with the council of elders and then with the rest of the tribe. With a small satisfied smile on his face, he nodded his head to Byron who stepped forward.
    " Mark, after many years of exile, the truth has finally been spoken and your accuser lies dead at your feet. Your unorthodox methods have not been used during a challenge before, but because they were not against any of our laws, your victory will be honored. Henceforth, you are restored to your post as second in command and welcomed back into the fold. "
    Mark let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Byron."
    Mark's father moved to stand beside his son and raised his hands. "Hear me, my people! I am old and no longer fit to lead our pack. From this moment forward, I relinquish my position to the second in command." He dropped a hand to Mark's shoulder and beamed with pride. "May he lead our people well. All those in agreement step forward."
    Everyone in the circle closed in on Mark. The members in the tribe talked over each other as they reached out to touch and hug him to show support to their new pack leader. Victor watched the frenzied greetings and loud congratulations with a sigh of relief. The jumbled chatter subsided after a short while and the crowd split in two. Mark walked through the opening straight to him. Without a word Mark took him in his arms and lifted him from the ground in a swinging embrace.
    "Thank you, sweetheart. You are the reason for my success. I felt something unique happening to me that could only have come from you. It invigorated me."
    "The forest helped. Yaya told me that if I called on the power of the woods it would answer me. I didn't think it was true until I touched the tree. I figured if it welled up inside me, you would also be able to use it."
    Mark cupped his cheeks and kissed him passionately. "And you were right, my love. Because of you I have been restored and now I am chief." He took Victor's hand and tugged him along. "Come, I will introduce you to your new family."
    Victor dug his feet into the ground. "Wait, wait, wait," he said quickly.
    Mark turned a confused look to him. "What's wrong?"
    "You mean, your tribe will be my family, too?"
    Mark chuckled and caressed his face. "Of course, darling. We are one. The forest has always been your home and now you will have a family to come home to."
    Victor smiled, welcoming the new feelings rising within him. Mark pulled him to the masses who in turn welcomed him with opened arms.
     
    THE END
     

About the Author
     
    I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but I escaped and I now live in Indiana. My dream is to buy a house near the beach and write all day and make enough money to live off of. I spend most of my time working a nine to five and traveling, when I can, to new and wondrous places that I can incorporate in my stories (or that will at least spark ideas for me). I do have love in my life thanks to my life partner, Hou, and our cat, Judo, who graciously lets us live with him in his house. So, all in all, I have a full and happy life.
     
    Stop by my website to see what I have coming next.
    www.jaxxsteele.com

Also by Jaxx Steele
     
     
    Available at Silver Publishing :
     
    Marked for Life
     
     
    Available at All Romance eB ooks :
     
    The Devil Made Me Do It
    After the Storm
    Hot Summer Nights
    The Gift that Keeps on Giving
    A Knight at the Speedway
    Papa Knows Best
    Dreams Delivered
    Dreams Delivered: 2-Simon Says-Ahh
    Indian Blood Moon
    Healing the Beast Within
    Christmas Nick for Everyone
    Right Side of the Tracks
    " A Year-long Valentine " in Reflections of Love
    Frozen Spring Break
     
     
    Available at Muse It Hot :
     
    Freed from Fear (Spring 2011)
     
     
    Available at Lulu.com