Untamed (Wolf Lake) by Jennifer Kohout Read Free Book Online Page A

considerably longer this time for Dimitri to gather his thoughts, his focus once again on the book on the table.
    "Do we attack?" Craig asked. "With the males gone, the den will be lightly guarded, we can - "
    "No." Dimitri cut his beta off. Incessant chatter, so many words...so little to say. "I have something else in mind."
    ****
    Roland found Natasha waiting for him outside, her red hair floating on the breeze like a beacon. As he watched, she lifted a hand, catching a wayward strand and tucking it behind her ear. No sooner had she let go then the same strand sprung free.  
    Enchanted, Roland watched as every so often she went through the same motions, the act subconscious as she watched the going-ons around her. Eventually, she gave up, leaving her hair floating around her face. Roland decided he liked it better that way, wild and free.
    Leaving her for the moment, Roland crossed the clearing. Marcus and some of the other males were sparring with a few of the young, the exercise more roughhousing than actual practice. Nearby, amused females shouted words of encouragement between bouts of laughter.
    Seeing his beta approach, Marcus untangled himself from a set of gangly limbs and jogged over to meet Roland.  
    "Everything all good?" Marcus asked, his eyes darting to where Natasha stood separate and alone.
    "There's not much good about that situation," Roland said. Sam's words of warning rang in his ears, a reminder that Roland didn't really do gentle. "But we'll get it sorted out. How are things out here?"
    Marcus smiled, his usual humor lighting his eyes. "These young pups have sharp teeth!"
    Roland laughed. "I suspect you're up to the task of teaching them some manners."
    "Let's hope so," Marcus said. "Otherwise, you'll never let me live it down."
    "It's not me you should be worried about," Roland said. Looking past Marcus, he noted more than one female shooting his friend not-so-subtle glances.
    Embarrassed, Marcus shrugged and avoided looking at any of the females. At thirty-five, Marcus was young for a werewolf, having recently come into his maturity and not looking for a mate. But that didn't stop the females, many of who just wanted a run and a romp.
    Roland threw back his head and laughed. Slapping his friend on the shoulder, he walked them back towards the others. "Don't let these young pups see you blushing," Roland advised. "It's worse than letting them see you sweat."
    Natasha watched as Roland left Marcus with the others. Circling back around, he made his way through the pack, stopping to touch or talk to those he passed.  
    He's checking on them, she realized, watching as Roland separated himself from the pack and started towards her. Clad in jeans and a t-shirt, Natasha found herself unable to look away, her attention caught by his long legs and the loose way he moved. He moved like the predator he was, his body was power in motion, and all of it bearing down on her.
    Roland reached Natasha, stopping a few feet in front of her. "Sorry that took so long."
    "It's okay," Natasha said, staring up at him. She felt the press of him, his big body towering over her. Such strength could easily be used to destroy. Her eyes flickered to the pack spread out over Roland's shoulder. He uses it to protect . Searching his face, seeing the way he watched her, Natasha realized that - for now - he considered her one of his to protect. For a being as strong as she was, feeling protected was a novel sensation.  
    "Nafarius is organizing the last hunt of the season, I wanted to get Marcus started before we left." He had no idea why he was explaining himself to her.
    "Which one is Marcus?" Natasha asked, curious. She'd only met a few of the other pack members on her previous visits, Craig insisting they were there on business, not pleasure.
    Roland glanced back at his friend. "The one currently getting his ass handed to him by a ten-year old."
    Natasha smiled, watching the males.
    Roland felt his hackles rise and his wolf stir.