Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - Were Love Conquers All [Were Trilogy 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (7 page)

Charity felt the spirits around the room. She sensed the good times, the numerous parties that took place in this room alone, as well as remnants of the triplets’ childhood. A fey goddess wanted her to see these things and to know the triplets were exactly why she was here.

“My name is Zagoran. I am Dante’s cousin.”

Charity allowed the were to take her hand, and gently he brought it to his lips and kissed her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zagoran. I hope I didn’t keep your mate from dining with you.”

“Ahh, Alexis and I do not need to be side by side at all times.” Zagoran touched Alexis’s cheek before taking a seat in a single chair in front of them.

Charity focused on the couple. They were both quite striking. Alexis, with her shoulder-length brown hair, large brown eyes, and very thin figure complemented her mate’s features. Zagoran was tall, lean, with sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes. The light streaks of blonde were attractive, and Charity was certain in wolf form both were gorgeous.

“I must ask, Charity, what are you?”

“Zagoran!” Alexis exclaimed.

“I’m sorry, dear, my curiosity has the best of me. My sense of smell seems to be malfunctioning. However, I feel goodness all around you.”

“Still, Zagoran, you don’t just ask her straight out.”

“It’s the warrior in him, Alexis,” Charity stated, keeping her eyes locked with Zagoran.

He rubbed his chin and appeared to be faltering under her gaze.

“Perhaps it is why Dante and Luther sent the two of you to interrogate me.”

Alexis lowered her head, and Charity sensed the woman’s regret. Her mate held firm.

“So, will you tell me what you are so that I may go back to my Alphas and impress them?”

Charity smirked.

“Now what fun would that be? It is their curiosity in my boss and his company. I am simply his assistant. You won’t get any more information from me.”

Zagoran smiled.

“Perhaps my cousin will be more influential.”

At that moment, Charity sensed the large figure to the side of her, and without turning she knew it was Luther.

* * * *

Luther took the seat closest to Charity. The close proximity was enough to provoke his wolf’s attention. He would need to remain calm. He didn’t want to scare her.

“It has been said that I am quite the interrogator. What information is it that you are trying to seek from this goddess, Zagoran?” Luther asked, never letting his gaze leave Charity’s.

“Whatever I can, cousin. She is quite secretive, though. Maybe you can persuade her?”

Charity seemed like she wanted to bolt, but Luther would not let her. He wanted to be as near to her as possible. He didn’t want to risk another man or beast taking her from them.

“So how did you enjoy the dinner, Charity?”

Charity folded her hands in her lap and leaned forward. Luther could tell by her body language that she was uneasy. Good. Perhaps he could intimidate her enough to find out who she really was.

She slowly raised her eyes to him, taking a moment to wet her lips before speaking. He nearly groaned out loud at the sight. He imagined those lips upon his body tasting him, teasing him.

“It was exceptional, sir, and the music was wonderful. I enjoyed it.”

“Please call me Luther. Do you like classical music?”

“It’s relaxing, and mostly I listen to Mozart.”

He rubbed his chin and tried with much difficulty to continue the small talk when all he wanted to do was taste her.

Inching closer as he placed his arm behind her on the sofa, his fingertips brushed against her hair. The golden strands felt like silk as they ran through his fingers. He noticed her body shiver from the contact. She was attracted to him as well. Thank the Gods.

“Any favorite songs?”

“I have a lot of favorites.” He leaned forward, giving her his complete attention. It was also an attempt to move closer and decipher her scent. Obviously feeling nervous by his close proximity

Charity crossed her legs and, in doing so, sent him an even better scent. She was attracted to him, he could smell her arousal.

Carefully he inched beside her. Their thighs touched, and his manhood hardened as it pressed against the zipper of his pants. If this was any other woman, he would grab her by her wrist, lift her from the couch, and take her to a room to devour her from head to toe.

Charity tensed up but continued to answer his question.

“Symphony No. 40 Wolfgang Amadeus. I like Swan Lake Suite, I…”

Luther moved closer and caressed a handful of her hair as his arm moved over her shoulders.

“Those are some of my favorites as well,” he whispered next to her ear. He absorbed her perfume. It was sweet and fresh and reminded him of spring.

Charity inched her way closer to the right, nearly falling off the sofa but Luther grabbed her waist and pulled her against him. She gasped.

* * * *

“I think I should get going,” Charity stated as she abruptly rose from the couch to place distance between herself and Luther. The man caused her temperature to rise to perspiring degrees.

He, of course, rose from the couch as well, now towering over her small frame.

She abruptly turned to Alexis and Zagoran.

“It was a pleasure meeting you.” She took Zagoran’s hand, and he held it firmly.

“Where are you running off to, Charity? The party is just beginning.”

“I should find Val. He must be wondering where I am.”

I’m wondering where the hell he is.

Charity glanced around the room. That’s when she noticed the triplets’ parents approaching.

* * * *

Celeste and Marcus Venificus headed straight towards the young woman who had gained the most attention at the party. She was quite stunning although she conducted herself in a very conservative way. Judging by the reactions of all the males and quite a few females at the party, the young woman could have her choice. The fact that she also gained the interest of Celeste’s sons was intriguing. Dante and Luther could not keep their eyes off her, and Maximus was trying his hardest to avoid her completely. Celeste took that as a sure sign that Maximus was feeling what his brothers were.

But none of that had truly drawn her to the blonde haired beauty. It was something else entirely.

* * * *

“Mother, father, how nice of you to have joined us. I haven’t had a chance to speak with you all evening,” Luther greeted his parents, placing a kiss on both of his mother’s cheeks before shaking his father’s hand.

Charity instantly felt the bond, a connection of some kind with the mother. Their gazes locked, and Charity was certain the woman felt it, too.

“This is Charity. Charity, meet my parents Marcus and Celeste Venificus.”

Before Charity realized what she was doing, as if guided by a higher power, she took two steps back, placed the palm of her right hand over her heart, and bowed in respect for the parents of the Head Alpha. Taking the mother’s hand softly, she kissed the top of it before rising again. Charity repeated the ancient gesture to the husband, who appeared just as pleased with the action as his wife.

“It is an honor to meet you both. Thank you for inviting me into your home.”

Charity sensed the confusion around her as Luther exchanged glances with Zagoran and Alexis, who moved out of the way.

To the side of Celeste and Marcus, Charity caught sight of Maximus, and her heart raced, nearly protruding from her skin for release.

However, Celeste took that moment to talk to Charity.

“It is nice to meet you, Charity, and we are always pleased to welcome new friends to our home. I hope you enjoyed the dinner. I noticed Alexis had your ear for quite some time. Did you have enough to eat?” Celeste eyed Alexis as if knowing what Alexis had been up to. Luther cleared his throat.

“Mother, Charity works for the owner of Caliber.”

Celeste appeared stunned a moment but quickly recovered. Charity found the older woman to be of strong spirit. To be the mate of a Head Alpha one needed to be tough, diplomatic, and forthright. There was a lot of responsibility with the job. She also had a touch of magic about her. Not too strong, but strong enough to accept the feelings the spirits were surrounding them with.

By the looks of Marcus, he was a handful.

The older man had not let his gaze lift from Charity. He was as tall as Luther but much thinner. In his day, he was an amazing warrior. Charity could feel the spirits around the room. She had a feeling this meeting was of importance, and she had the inclination to reveal her true identity to them. However, the spirits warned her that it was not time.

“I have met your boss, Val. He is…quiet,” Celeste added hesitantly.

Charity leaned a little forward.

“He is disorganized. You can say it. Believe me, I know.” Charity smiled, and Celeste returned the smile.

“What exactly do you do for Caliber?” Luther asked.

“Are you certain you want to ask me that question directly? I mean, you’ve sent just about everyone over to interrogate me.”

Marcus and Celeste laughed, but Luther appeared annoyed.

“Is that any way to speak to an Alpha,” Luther teased, taking a step closer to her.

“Is that any way to treat a guest, and might I remind you, Alpha, you and your brothers invited Val and I.”

He stared at her. His eyes glowed ever so slightly while he quietly decided how he should respond. His mother beat him to it.

“Have you seen the Backus room? There are numerous paintings and memorabilia from those before us?” Celeste asked.

“No, I have yet to see such a room but would love to.”

“I will show you so why don’t you come along with me, and I can give you a personal tour.” Celeste looped her arm through Charity’s and led her away from the crowd. Luther began to follow, but Marcus stopped his son.

Maximus stood near the doorway, looking grim and ready to tear Charity limb from limb. She evaded his eyes and listened while Celeste accompanied her through the mansion.

Charity thought that Maximus was quite daunting looking. It didn’t take a genius to tell that the man meant business. It was surprising that she hadn’t felt the need to run in the opposite direction from him because of his size alone. He had to be at least six feet tall. His biceps alone were twice the size of her thighs. No one in their right mind would dare challenge such a man, never mind a wolf. In wolf form, he had to appear magnificent. There would be no mistake who was royalty and who was not. Dante and Luther were just as large. However, they didn’t give off the same challenging demeanor. Maximus was a soldier, always on guard and always ready to snap into battle. It unnerved her in a way, but also enticed her. She was attracted to all three of them, yet apprehensive. As Celeste began to describe numerous paintings and family heirlooms, it gave Charity some time to put the triplets out of her head. This alone time with their mother was not coincidental.

* * * *

“Who is the young woman the Venificus seem to be hovering over?” Conrad Symporian whispered to his fellow lion and cousin, Dexter.

“She is an assistant to the owner of Caliber. The Venificus have concerns over the series of attacks on pack members in New Mexico and New Jersey. The company also seems to be slowly overtaking V-Con,” Dexter stated with a grin.

“Does the Master know?”

“He’s aware of the destruction of Selcon branch. He is not concerned. By the end of the week, we strike. We will be in and out like the wind, thanks to Davis.” Dexter smiled at Davis.

Davis, the wizard, was prepared to perform magic to seclude one of the brothers from the rest of the pack during the hunt.

“What’s the plan?” Conrad Symporian asked.

“While alone, Davis and I will kill him,” Dexter replied with confidence.

“Has the master decided who yet?”

“Yes, it will be Dante,” Dexter announced.

Conrad Symporian smiled.

“I will enjoy that immensely.” Dexter smirked, taking a sip from his drink while the Alphas of numerous wolf packs enjoyed themselves. In just a few days, it would be the beginning of the end for the Venificus. The death of Dante Venificus would place them in the soberest of moods. He wished he could stick around to watch afterwards, but that would be too risky. The triplets were close and never strayed too far away from one another during a hunt. He smiled as he absorbed the happiness and celebration taking place around him. The end of the week would be a whole different atmosphere.

Chapter 5

“Mother, what do you think you are doing?”

Charity nearly lost her breath and her footing at the sight of Maximus.

If it weren’t for Celeste, Charity would have faltered.

“I am showing our guest some of the family heirlooms.”

“In our private vault?”

Maximus was breathtaking and masculine.

Her tattoo apparently thought so, too, as it pounded against her chest. If this kept happening every time a Venificus brother was within a few feet of her, Charity was certain she would have a heart attack.