Roman watched his mate’s mouth open; her face turned red, and her body shook. This man scared her, but it was obvious that she was determined not to show it.

  “We didn’t have a date. After last night I won’t go anywhere with you! Get Martha the Bitch, who you were fucking, and take her instead. Now leave me the fuck alone!” Sierra stood and moved closer, her face inches from the man’s.

  Their mate was brave, their children would be strong. He could tell she was tired, cold, and hurt, but still she didn’t take anything from this guy.

  The stranger turned around to leave, but whirled and slapped her—hard.

  Their mate fell into the snow. Her scream pierced the night around them. Tears rolled down her reddened face. Roman’s body shifted to human form clothed in winter garb. Anger and protectiveness surged through his massive frame. Her cheek started to swell as he made his way to her. His brother right beside him. “He is dead meat!”

  * * * *

  Jack leaned forward and sneered at her. “You’ll do what I say. If I want to stick my cock in your mom, I will. You’re mine! Do you understand me, Sierra? No one will touch you but me unless I give you to them. Now get up and go make yourself presentable.”

  A growl of anger roared through the trees, and had her flinching, but she kept her focus on the Troll in front of her.

  Roman nodded, too furious to respond. He knew she’d heard the growl. He watched her try to get up, his gaze never leaving her face as they walked out into the clearing.

  They both reached her and helped her up, pulling her between them yet careful not to cause her more pain.

  “Did he hurt you, baby?” Roman asked, his gaze fixed on the red mark, which was already swelling of her cheek. He winked and wiped her tears, tracing the mark where she’d been hit. Gently, he pushed her into Garth’s arms, spun on his heel, and swung his fist. It connected with the man’s face, breaking his nose on impact. The crunch of bones rent the air, and blood dripped out of his nostrils. The man grabbed his nose.

  Roman’s body shifted to his other form; his hand stretched out, claws broke through the skin, and black fur started to sprout on it as he grabbed the man around the neck, lifting him off the ground.

  “Shit, what the fuck? You assholes broke my nose! I don’t know who the hell you are, but you just stepped into the wrong hole.” He tried to swing and attack him, but Roman threw the man away from them. He landed on his feet and glared at them. “You’ll regret this, I promise!” Jack turned and stomped into the trees, holding a hanky to his face.

  “You really shouldn’t have done that. His family is wealthy, and he has ties everywhere. You could land in jail.” Sierra stepped away from them glancing around knowing she was alone with them.

  “I can’t thank you enough for helping me, though. Maybe now he’ll stalk someone else and leave me alone. My name is Sierra Blacksmith. Would you like some coffee or hot chocolate? My house isn’t far and it’s the least I can do. I know my father would like to thank you personally.” She gazed down at the ground.

  Her delicate hands flew all around as she talked and gestured. The smell of Sierra’s blood was stronger now. He searched the area. He couldn’t believe he’d let that man go after he’d hit their mate.

  But he wouldn’t start this courtship by showing her how vicious his kind could be. That didn’t mean they couldn’t go hunting later. If that asshole thought it was over, he had another thing coming. Roman looked down at his mate and smiled.

  “We would love a cup of hot chocolate. My name is Roman, and this is my brother, Garth. Your coat’s covered in blood. Turn around and let me have a look.” He pushed her hair away from her face with gentle hands. Sierra stared up at him and then turned.

  “It’s nothing really,” she said. “My mom will patch me up. I just broke some stitches loose.” She glanced over her shoulder. “We should really get going before Jack comes back with his goons.” She scanned the area again. “Why are you guys out here walking? I hardly ever see anyone around during the winter months, especially at night.” She walked away before he could see the extent of her injuries.

  “We love the night. We’re waiting to talk to the local alpha in this area so we decided to get some fresh air to clear our heads,” Garth gazed at her. “Tell me why weren’t you afraid of us back there? Most humans would run screaming.”

  Sierra laughed. “That’s easy. You weren’t protecting yourselves, so I could read you. I’ve always had the ability to read people. That is except for that man that just left.” She nodded to where Jack had taken off, looked down at the ground, and shuffled her feet. “Do you have family around? Wives maybe? Oh shit, I shouldn’t have asked that, I’m sorry!” She shook her head. “That was way too personal a question. I guess that slap in the face left me a little scatter-brained. I can get you a meeting tonight with the alpha, if that’s what you need,” Sierra mumbled.

  Roman stared at her backside, listening to her ramble to herself. She was a wild one for sure. He gazed at his petite mate. Her head came up to the middle of his chest. Yet, Roman was worried about her injury. He wanted to pick her up and carry her.

  She’d be very passionate in the bedroom. He couldn’t wait to tie her to the bed with her ass in the air so he could fuck her. A perfect ass and not too skinny like so many females today. He and his brother would have something to hang on to. His cock hardened and he reached down adjusting his pants.

  Roman knew his brother wanted to take her now too. His thoughts drifted to him as he slammed her against the tree and fucked her until she screamed his name. Yet, they promised their mother they would court their mate and not do what their fathers had done to her.

  Chapter Three

  Sierra pulled out her phone and continued to walk. She looked back at the men and waved at them to follow her. “Come on. I have to make a quick call to work. We’re almost at my house.” She pointed the smoke that rose through the trees.

  “Oh, hello. Cindy, can I talk to the manager on duty, please?” Sierra turned and smiled at the men. Large, warm hands grabbed her from behind. Looking down, she saw the fallen tree. They lifted her up over it. Roman and Garth shook their heads and grinned at her.

  “Oops, sorry, wasn’t looking.” She grinned and hurried on her way. Sierra chatted on the phone. Her pulse beat fast, and heat surged into her cheeks.

  Roman, we’re going to have our hands full with her. She talks non-stop. I think we’ll need the ball gag when we fuck her. I bet she shouts like a banshee when she explodes.

  Sierra hung up the phone and glanced back at the men. She’d heard every word Garth had said to his brother. With a smirk on her face, she stopped in mid-step. “I don’t know what a ball gag is, but it isn’t going in my mouth. We’ll see if you are going to…you know. You two might be God’s gift to women, but I do have some say about who I fuck!” She glowered at both of them and turned.

  Walking again, Roman grabbed her arm and pulled her against his body. “You heard what he said in my mind?”

  “Do you mind?” She glanced down at his hands as he released her.

  Shrugging, she answered, “I can hear people’s thoughts; it isn’t hard. I try to stay out of people’s minds when I don’t know them. I have to protect myself, so I usually block unwanted thoughts.” She looked down at his hand as he grabbed her again.

  “We should really go. If you will release my arm.” Sierra turned and continued at a slower place. She knew her father was going to blow a fuse. She glanced behind her to see both men behind her within a few strides.

  “Did you hear what we said back there in the woods? Do you know what we are?” Roman demanded.

  Sierra stopped again and turned to face her companions. Hands on her hips, she tapped her foot. Both were well built. Each one possessed muscles on top of muscles. They stood at least half a foot taller than her. She loved tall men and shook her head to stop her heated thoughts.

  “If you mean do I know that you’re shape shifters, then yes. If you mean about this mating business, then yes on that too. I’ll tell you right now I don’t know either of you, but it’s not that hard for me to understand. I have shifters in my family and I know there are other shifters out there, so why not people like you? I’m cold, my face is swollen, my back hurts, and my house is right there, so are you coming or not?” She pointed through the trees at the large cabin home and stomped her foot.

  “Lead the way, my lady, but we’ll talk later on this, darling!” Roman smiled.

  Sierra moved around the swing in the backyard and reached for the back door, but it flew open an instant before she touched it. Her father glanced down at her, sniffed the air, and sighed. Her brothers looked on behind him. Their eyes glowed red and their arms crossed their chests. She knew they would be furious with her for taking off and risking her life again but this was ridiculous. Garth and Roman grabbed her from behind and pushed her behind them.

  She sighed glancing up at their wide backs. “Dad, I needed some time alone. I’m sorry. These men helped me. Jack cornered me in the woods. Roman, Garth, this is my father, the alpha you wanted to meet. Oh, and my brothers. Please move.” She shoved herself in front of them.

  “Jack attacked you again?” he asked, his tone angry. “You broke your stitches. When are you going to grow up and stop acting like a spoiled child? I swear I should have had all boys!”

  She stepped back and glanced down at the ground as she heard her mother’s voice.

  “Sierra, baby, are you okay?” Sierra’s mom appeared in the doorway and pulled her inside. She gazed at Roman and Garth.

  “I’m fine,” Sierra replied, ignoring her father. “This is Roman and Garth. They stopped Jack from attacking me. I invited them over for some hot chocolate.” Slowly, she took her coat off. Sierra strode into the family room, grabbing the blanket off the couch.

  “Lie down,” Mary Ann ordered. “I’ll have to stitch those again.”

  Sierra cringed at the idea of the needle going into her skin. Her mom took her time and peeled her shirt off her back. Lying down on her stomach, Sierra flinched inwardly upon hearing the men enter the room. Roman and Garth stood at the head of the couch staring at her back.

  “What the hell happened?” A deep growl issued from Roman.

  “Jack did this yesterday,” her father snarled next to him. “She was supposed to be in bed resting.” Her father put himself between her naked back and her two would-be bodyguards. “I’m Drake Blacksmith, and this is my wife, Mary Ann. Thank you for your help. I am in your debt,” Drake stated and glanced down at Sierra. She saw the guilt in her father’s eyes and knew he would be even more protective now.

  “There’s no need to thank us; she is our mate. I’m Roman Doming and this is my twin, Garth. We’re here on business. We were waiting for a meeting with you about moving our den down to Montana. We decided to take a run when we bumped into your daughter. God, I should have killed the Troll on the spot!”

  Looking up, Sierra saw her father shake Roman’s hand as he sized him up.

  “We don’t know yet if you’re my mates,” she mumbled. Her mom sat down by her side with the medical supplies. She hid her face, knowing tears would come the second her mom put the needle into her skin.

  The men moved to the middle of the room as she heard their conversation. Sierra peeked at Roman unaware of anyone in the room until her mom pushed the larger cut together and slid the needle through. “Ouch, Mom! Not so rough!” She glared at her mother as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned her head towards the couch and clung to the pillow.

  “We are your mates! Don’t look away, little one. There’s no shame in your tears.” Roman knelt by her and turned her head to look at him. “If I could take away the pain, I would,” he stated and kissed her lips softly.

  Roman smelled of pine trees. She wanted to crawl into his lap and bury her face in his neck. She was losing it. A total stranger and she already wanted to crawl in his lap.

  “I’m sorry, baby, but this one needs to be tight or you’re going to scar. After last night you’re lucky I had enough supplies left. It’s hard for me to get them from the hospital. We’re very fortunate your uncle is a doctor there and I’m a nurse. If you were mated, you’d be able to shift and this would’ve healed.” The same speech everyone heard in the house when they were injured.

  Sierra glanced at her mom and cringed at her mom’s stare. “Yes, Mom.”

  She closed her eyes, laid her head down, and tried to pay attention to what Roman and Garth were doing since he moved away from her. Yet she only heard bits and pieces of their words. Until she heard her father inviting them to stay at the house, her jaw dropped and her eyes snapped open as she turned to stare at her father.

  “Close your mouth. It isn’t ladylike. You know your father asked them so we can find out if they truly are your mates. Plus, they have business to discuss,” her mother stated.

  Gentle fingers ran down her cheek, but there were no actual fingers on her face. She glanced at Roman across the room and he smiled. She knew he was the one doing it. Closing her eyes once again, the warm fingers continued to caress her.

  His warm hand cupped her cheek, and she sighed, falling asleep.

  Roman’s hands skimmed over her plentiful breasts. He squeezed her nipples between his forefinger and thumb and brought his lips in contact with her. Sierra’s moan vibrated into his mouth, his lips full and aggressive. Tongues danced together, each fighting for control of the other. Another body slipped in behind her, his form pressing into her. An enormous cock pushed into the crack of her ass. Roman’s hands traveled down her thighs to the junction of her pussy and rubbed against her mound, making her clit rub against her jeans.

  “Feel how our bodies scream for us to join. You’re made for us, little one!”

  Sierra looked up to find Roman standing over her, smiling. Her eyes caught movement behind him. Focusing on the target, she saw Jack’s evil smile. He said one word: “Mine!”

  “NOOOO!” she screamed. Her body melted away from her mates, leaving them there alone. The distant roar of their anger filtered through her mind.

  They tried to grab her, but nothing worked. She knew this had to be a dream. Everything went black, and she heard no more.

  Chapter Four

  She jerked, and her eyes flew open, the dream still fresh in her thoughts. Sierra’s body shook, and Jack’s evil grin still filled her mind.

  “I told you no one would take you from me. I warned you what would happen if you let anyone touch you. You’re mine. I’ll prove it now!” Jack’s scratchy voice insisted.

  Sierra looked around. A shiver skirted her spine when she realized she wasn’t home anymore. “How did I get here?”

  He leaned over her and flipped her onto her back. His dirty-clawed hand grabbed her breast and pinched the nipple. His other hand held her arms above her head as she tried to scratch him.

  “What the hell did you do? Where am I?” she screamed, inhaling the scent of rotten meat and decay. She tried to fight him, but he was too strong. “You’re at my home,” he sneered into her face. “No one knows where it is, so don’t worry. We won’t be interrupted again. I have more powers than you know, baby,” Jack smirked.

  Her fingers started to tingle, the blood flow cut to a minimum. He released her nipple and tore at her jeans. Sierra bucked trying to force him off of her. She would be damned if he would rape her.

  “No! God, someone help me!” She struggled and kicked at him every chance she got, but he finally managed to strip her body naked. Tears of anger and frustration streamed down her face. She just needed to give them time to get here. She fought harder and brought her knee up into his groin, but missed.

  He lay on top of her and rubbed his cock against her belly as he licked her breast with his rotten tongue. She gagged and coughed the smell of piss and rotten flesh as he lowered his body onto her.

  Sierra knew she had to concentrate to get out of there. Roman and Garth’s snarls filled her head; they were so close. Then she heard her father issue commands to her brothers.

  Sierra tried once more and rammed her knee into his cock.

  He screamed, grabbing his cock and rolling off of her. His friends stormed into the room. The door slammed against the wall. Sierra concentrated, trying for the first time to shield her body as the other Trolls surrounded her growling. Clothes appeared on her. She surveyed the room keeping her distance from their claws and heard the muffled shouts of men. Thank God!

  Men from her father’s pack fought the Trolls guarding the home outside. She didn’t know how they’d gotten to her so fast, but she didn’t care as long as they hurried. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep the four here off of her. Tears rolled down her cheeks, relief and anger flooding her body.

  “This isn’t over, Sierra!” Jack’s voice filled the room, but he and his friends vanished into thin air. The door flew open, and her mates rushed in full of rage. Their growls of frustration rang through the house at losing their prey.

  Sierra needed to learn how to protect herself! She knew she had powers that she hadn’t even tapped into yet, but until now, she’d never had the need to use them.

  We’ll teach you how to use your powers. You’re not alone, little one. Roman whispered in her mind as he spoke with her father. Her brothers and the others from the pack searched the home, waiting to see if any other traps would surface. Not one person approached her to comfort her. She was surrounded by family and friends, yet alone.

  I must do this on my own, Roman. Tell Father I’ll talk to him tomorrow.

  Remembering the spell she had heard in a dream, Sierra cussed at herself for not using it sooner. She focused her thoughts on the one place no one knew existed. Her mates and family yelled in the distance for her to come back, but she ignored them as she disappeared from the room.

  She’d put her family in harm’s way one too many times. It was time for her to grow up. Her father had been right and she wouldn’t disappoint him anymore.