SheWolf: True Mates #1

SheWolf
ebook, 119 pages
First published December 18th 2007 by Freya's Bower
ISBN 1934069906 (ISBN13: 9781934069905)


A small town veterinarian has a big time problem. She's not human.

Plagued as a child with an extra-sensitive sense of smell, strength, and eyesight, Anna Callaway always thought she was special. But she didn't understand how special until she met Kieran Hunter.

He insists they are True Mates, but he's not human either. He's wolven.

Kieran is a protector of his race. No longer the Alpha of his pack, he spends his time searching out and punishing any who may reveal their race to humans. While patrolling, he finds two wolven about to kidnap Anna. He battles to protect her, but is surprised to find himself drawn to her in a way he never expected.

The couple must learn to deal with their differences before they can address their similarities. But when three men kidnap Anna, she must decide if she is to embrace the wolven way of life, or return to her quiet existence. And whether to abandon the man who claims her as his True Mate.

"Prove to me you are my wolf."

I found this series when I stumbled upon book two, Dark Succession, starring Ryland and Nora. Imagine my surprise when Ryland shows up in this book on the verge of raping our female protag, Anna.

Escaping for some fresh air outside a male review, Anna is cornered by Ryland and Joshua, two wolven who seek a female to birth a child for their dwindling race. Despite Ryland's claim of her, Kieran arrives, fights Joshua, and becomes Anna's savior.

Throughout the assault, Anna swears she's infertile, making the declaration in attempt to buy her freedon. When she repeats it again later to Kieran, he's taken aback. Perfect 'Yes, I am/No, You're Not' moment there.

Anna is a tough woman and she comes into this new existence with a fury. As she meets the pack even Kieran sees the alpha in her. And an alpha, in his mind, he is not. It makes for some tension that is only survived by throwing Ryland back in his face.

So yays for SheWolf. I loved this story for catering to the mindset of the only the strong survive and the better man wins. There's a moment where Anna allows Ryland's kiss as her body responds to his suitability as a mate. Then as she forces Kieran to accept what he is, she makes him prove himself worthy of being her choice. So it can't be said I don't respond to a strong female. I'm just very choosy. Most of them just piss me off. Not Anna.

I did want to bitch-slap Kieran though. Don't change her, they tell him. Had me questioning what I had read. Surely he would not change her with this kind of situation looming over them. What does he do? He changes her. What happens then? The inevitable. 4 out of 5 stars.

Excerpt:

“Get out,” she growled. Kieran watched in amazement as her body moved exactly like a shewolf. Her shoulders rose while her head dropped. She glared at the man from beneath shuttered eyes. She stalked him smoothly. Deadly force was packed in those muscles. A shocking sense of pride mingled with his own desire to kill Ryland. With one finger, she poked Ryland in the chest. “I told you that it’s the bitch’s choice, and I do not choose you. Get out.”

Ryland tossed his head. Kieran reveled in the frustration clouding the wolven’s eyes.

“This is not over,” the blond said through clenched teeth.

“Yes, it is,” she said with finality.

Slowly, he moved away, and once he was safely out of the door, Anna slammed it shut. For a moment she stood, a hand resting against the wood blocking out the rest of the world, the other raking her hair from her face. Seconds passed like minutes, and she stayed perfectly still. Kieran took a step toward her, and she turned.

His lungs squeezed the breath from his body. Her face flushed with the heat of desire, she stepped toward him. Her movements were different than they had been just moments before. Her shoulders squared, and her chin lifted. Hips swung enticingly, her steps slow and sure. A soft rumble sounded from her chest. The scent of her arousal filled the room, nearly overpowering him in her sweet desire. She licked her lips suggestively.

“You would have killed him,” she whispered.

“Yes.”

For the first time, confusion speared Kieran. He sensed her anger, but anger wasn’t what he saw on her face. “Why?”

The question caught him by surprise. Why, indeed? “Because he wanted you. You are mine.”

“Am I?”

“Yes.” He barely recognized his own voice.

Her palms touched his cheeks. She stared into his eyes. “You would kill for me?”

“Absolutely.”

He felt the shudder that ran through her body. His gaze rested on her lips—swollen and hungry for his kisses. Kisses he craved to give. But he would not start something she wouldn’t let him finish. “I don’t know why, but I find that an incredible turn on.”