Were Slave (2010) by Lia Slater Read Free Book Online Page A

she heard herself say before she could stop.
Gratitude for sex? How pathetic was she?
    "Did I hurt you?" he mumbled against the mattress.
    "No." She smiled. "Were you trying?"
    "Trying not to kill you, maybe." He rolled over onto his
back and off Nayla. "I try to show you I'm like any other man and the wolf in
me laughs at my attempt."
    She sat up and looked into his now-blue eyes as they
glistened from the soft oil lamp light. Her heart fluttered but she reminded
herself again that he wasn't what he appeared. "You didn't change into a wolf."
    "No, but he's still here, lurking. And he's angry that he
hasn't been freed. Hell, I'm angry."
    "Why?" What a stupid question, Nayla. Of course he's angry.
You're keeping him captive. And for good reason.
    He didn't answer her. And she was glad. What was the point
in debating?
    Instinctively, she turned toward him and admired his
handsome profile as he stared up at the ceiling. With strong bone structure and
powerful lips, he was any woman's dream man. But he was hers. She'd never allow
that fact to change. Hearing him talk about the wolf inside him should have
terrified her. But he hadn't made an attempt to pull the boards from the
windows and transform. Maybe he wanted to be here with her. Just a little. It
was all she could hope for.

Chapter Five
     
    Mace passed through the dungeon gate, looked out among his
pack and stifled the urge to smile.
    Two weeks had passed and they were rapidly gaining back
their energy. Nayla had allowed him to visit them an hour each day. With guards
present, of course. Even if the woman was somewhat naive, she wasn't stupid.
But he could tell her attitude toward Weres was changing, slowly but surely.
    She'd ordered her servants to bring in cots with blankets
and down pillows. Most of his pack still slept on the floor. A hard surface was
what they were used to, but her actions weren't overlooked. She'd also kept the
pack fed with three large meals a day, including fresh-baked desserts. And
wine.
    He grinned at the thought. Would they ever want to leave
here?
    Kaige, his second-in-command, had informed Mace that Nayla
had even stayed to chat with them during a meal or two. His friend had told him
she'd asked questions about Mace. Of course, Kaige hadn't answered. He was
loyal to Mace. Always had been. And Kaige had always been a bit of a roguish
flirt, as well, so Mace was sure he'd been interested in other topics of
conversation with his Nayla.
    He wouldn't blame his friend if that was the case. Nayla's
beauty was undeniable. His weak heart deceived him by thumping in his chest as
he pictured her vivid image in his head. Wild golden hair to run his fingers
through, large green eyes to bore into his soul and rosy lips sweet enough to
nibble on. And a soft, innocent voice that could convince him to forgive her of
any crime. Almost.
    Each moment he spent with Nayla, she gave a little more of
herself to him. In the privacy of her bed chambers, they were equals, enjoying
each other's bodies. Giving each other boundless pleasure. He'd grown
acquainted with every inch of her body as she had his.
    Outside her chambers, she kept her distance. Probably afraid
of what her precious country would think of her if they saw her give an ounce
of respect to him. To her WereSlave.
    To hell with it, he thought. Why did it matter what her
actions were? As long as his pack was taken care of. They'd soon be free of
this bondage and of this country.
    And Mace would be free of Nayla.
    He tightened his jaw and reminded himself, yet again, that
she was the enemy.
    Saul, the guard who smelled curiously like wolf, stood
beside him. "I'm afraid your hour is up for today."
    Mace nodded to Kaige. It was a silent assurance that the
pack wouldn't be forgotten. No, Mace would die a thousand torturous deaths
before he allowed his pack to perish in this god-forsaken dungeon.
    He followed Saul up the dark, cavernous stairway, through
the servants' quarters, the kitchen and into the main