All of a sudden, Antonia was knocked back into a present state of mind. That was when she realized that their climax had dissipated.

They fell into a heap on the sheets and Connor embraced her lovingly.

Antonia tried to blink back the fatigue taking over her so she could regroup and decode what she had just seen, but it was no use.

No G.o.ds had come to save her that night. When all was said and done, she was fully satiated and renewed with the determination to fulfill her purpose. From that point on, Antonia knew there was no going back. Not after that vision.

She snuggled up closer to Connor. I was coming to tell you that Im gonna need to get my clothes from my apartment sooner or later. Sooner rather than later since I cant walk around here naked.

He kissed her lightly near the temple and tightened his grip at her waist. No, you dont, he said and then yawned. I want you just like this.

Antonia sighed, the tension left her body, and she settled back onto the pillow. She was too tired, both mind and body, to protest.

Connor Maxim was an early riser. Antonia got firsthand knowledge of this when he stirred her awake with a hard erection nestled against her a.s.s.

Someone has a healthy appet.i.te, she said, pressing her body closer to his to make a tight fit.

What can I say? He nuzzled and kissed the back of her neck. When its this good, I like to enjoy a second or third helping.

She moaned when he rubbed his erection against the round curvature of her a.s.s. Firm hands cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and kneaded them until they were tender.

Antonia wasnt a morning person, but Connor certainly had a way of stirring all of her senses awake. At this point, she was wide-awake.

His hand traveled down her front to spread her tender p.u.s.s.y lips and stroke her c.l.i.t. Her legs fell open as he worked her up into a s.e.xual frenzy. Pulling her thighs upward so that she was spread for him, he easily slipped into her damp sheath from behind.

Connor grabbed hold of her hips and sank into her over and over again with slow, deep strokes. She rocked back into him, rolling her hips for an even better sensation.

What she thought would have been a quick, fast romp, just like last night, lasted nearly a half hour. Her o.r.g.a.s.m was long and sweet, spreading through her like molten lava. He came shortly after her, moaning her name against the back of her neck.

Youre very good at this s.e.x thing, she said when they had caught their breaths.

Thats because I love to hear your moans when I do it right, he replied. Besides, were perfect together. Thats why its so good.

He got up from the bed, taking his warmth with him. She pulled the covers over her nakedness and sat up. She bit her lip in disappointment when she realized he was gathering up his clothes.

Connor took his wallet out of his jeans pocket and set a black American Express card on the nightstand. He scribbled something down on a torn envelope. Heres my card and the pa.s.sword to the laptop in the kitchen. Order some clothes and whatever else you want. He wrote down an address. Have it shipped here overnight.

Before Antonia could protest, he leaned over and kissed her. Im going up the road to take care of some business. Ill be back in less than an hour.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

Connor must have sensed the arrival of his guests because he rose from the chair and placed the reports hed been reading on the end table. Antonia came out of the small kitchen where she had been applying the finishes touches to supper.

Sure enough, she heard the engines of what sounded like a couple of motorcycles pulling up on the gravel path in front of the ranch.

Theyre here, Connor said.

Antonias nerves were already on edge from earlier this afternoon, but she was grateful that Andrew would arrive at any minute now. The arrival of the Alphas that Connor took orders from sent her nerves into overdrive again. She swallowed and looked at Connor with apprehension.

Dont worry. These are my people and youll be part of us soon. You can tell them the truth about anything, he said. Its suggested. If you dont want to reveal something, its best not to say anything at all. Both Alphas are very good at scenting lies.

Thanks for the heads up. Now I feel a little better, she said, pushing the sarcasm in her voice.

Ill see what I can do about your mood tonight. He kissed her lips then opened the door.

He led her out onto the porch where Connors guests waited.

Both Alphas were parking their bikes and exchanging words when Antonia spotted them.

Her attention swung to the Alpha with the charcoal hair first. The striking emerald eyes drew her in and they sparkled in the light of the dusk that had fallen around them.

The second Alpha was striking as well, with deep mahogany hair and dark, brooding eyes to match. Right away, she noticed the leather and gold belt he wore with a huge ruby stone embedded above what looked like an insignia in the center.

The men ascended the steps one by one and so many wolf pheromones and testosterone filled the atmosphere that she could nearly drown in it.

Alpha Devin. Alpha Tristan. Connor greeted them with a handshake and then introduced her. This is Antonia, my mate.

Connors declaration of her as his mate to the men he looked up to gave her a sense of belonging and pride. She held out her hand, her fingers shaking nervously. I would say that its a pleasure to meet the two of you, but under the circ.u.mstances I dont know how pleasurable the outcome will be. Ive never been fond of being questioned or interrogated.

There was complete silence as they took in her words, and for a moment, she wanted to take them back.

Then the first Alpha spoke.

Youve got a mate who speaks her mind without a filter, Devin told Connor. I like her already.

Devin smiled and gave her hand a rea.s.suring squeeze. Antonia, youve got the information we need, not the other way around. We never have to ask any questions, all you have to do is speak. He winked.

Tristan took her hand and lifted it to his lips to press a kiss on her knuckles. And co-signing what Devin just said, you should use the fact that you have information we need to your advantage. He had a crooked closed-mouth grin that probably lured women, both young and old, to his bed.

Connor stepped aside, took her hand, and gestured for the two Alphas to proceed into the home. They entered the home and observed their surroundings near the foyer. Upon seeing Connors boots by the door, they removed their own boots and lined them up accordingly.

Antonia was taken aback by their behaviors from the moment theyd arrived, and she would probably be doing the same thing until they were gone. Under the guise of humans, they were animals"wolves"who fed off of each others emotions, and from what she was seeing, mirrored each others actions.

For obvious reasons, my dad has insisted he stay at the Pentagon. If orders are sent, h.e.l.l need to be there to make sure the right things happen. Rodney is on his way with Andrew, Antonias twin brother, Connor said as they moved farther into the home.

Well make sure you and your dad are compensated well for your troubles, Devin said.

I cant speak for my dad, but this is my duty. I wont accept any other monetary compensation than what was agreed upon when I took up management of the firm, Connor said.

You came to me the other night and we made a deal. You intercepted a live raid on the group of individuals who I believe have connections with a rising enemy of ours, Devin said.

Connor nodded. I have more reports, and Rodney will bring the rest of his findings when he gets here.

Well done. Send me that invoice and Ill take care of it with interest.

Antonia made dinner. Corned beef, cabbage, and cheese pie are the main course. Lets talk in the kitchen.

Excellent idea. Tristan rubbed his belly. For a moment there, I thought youd torture us with the wonderful smells coming from your kitchen without feeding us. I havent eaten since sunup. Im hungry as a wolf.

Ah, but you are a wolf, Devin joked.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

The men ate like a team of football players. When all the plates and even the pots were empty, Antonia almost wondered if shed made enough food. Just last week, she had been complaining to Andrew about how much food he ate in a week. Sat.u.r.day was usually a grocery-shopping day for her, but by Wednesday, the fridge was almost always empty. But the men sitting before her could have easily cleared out a refrigerator in a day at this rate.

That was very good, Devin said, running his napkin over his lips a few times. I think my chef would have a hard time replicating that if I asked him to make it.

Thank you, she said. I work at the diner in the city. Before we moved out here, I was an a.s.sistant to a master chef back in Philly.

One of Tristans brows arched high. Philly?

Yes, Philadelphia. Andrew and I lived there for almost a year before moving here to Virginia. She nodded and then got up and retrieved the peach pie from the stove. She set it along with a few saucers in the center of the table.

The men were exchanging looks with each other across the table when she looked up, so there was no mistaking that they had questions.

Oh, I almost forgot the whipped cream. I made it from scratch. She turned quickly and walked the short distance to the refrigerator to grab the bowl of whipped cream.

The table fell silent as she served the pie.

Two slices of pita, please, Tristan told her.

You men dont waste food, she joked. Connor told me that you require a lot of it to maintain both sides, but boy Well certainly eat whatever you put in front of us, thats for sure, Devin commented. Its a plus that you know your spices. Connor will be a very lucky man.

Antonia smiled. And Im lucky that Connor came to me when he did. She couldnt help but to glance Connors way to see that he shared the same emotion. So, please dontpunish him for revealing himself to me.

Tristan laughed and Connor fidgeted with a fork next to his placemat.

Well never do that, Devin replied. I consider Connor one of the privileged for the work he and his family has done for our Pack over the decades.. We dont punish wolves for finding their mates. We congratulate and honor them.

Youve fought the urge to mark her well. The air is thick with l.u.s.t, but your wolf will win if she stays under your care, Tristan said.

And she will, Connor responded.

Antonia didnt understand the exchange between the men. Im sorry. Mark me? What do you mean mark me?

I keep forgetting youve only just met Connor and have barely been introduced to our ways. Tristan picked up his fork and began to cut into his pie. He pushed a healthy piece of pie in his mouth and chewed with his eyes closed. Mmmm. You are a beautiful woman and a very good cook and your mate is a very loyal man, but the answer to your question is not as simple as you might imagine. He tossed a questioning look at Connor across the table. May I?

Connor gave his approval by nodding.

I can scent your auras together already in this home, and the balance is right. Connor is the wolf that will go down on bended knee at your feet for years to come. According to Caedmon tradition, the males are in charge, and only the dominant can rule with an Alpha. In Arnou tradition, that is the same, for the most part. But my elders that advised before me taught me that the moment you meet your match"your mate"she will be the only one who can sway you. And she will most definitely sway you. Ask my friend, Devin, and h.e.l.l tell you all about it. Tristan gestured to the right of him where Devin sat. Tamaras heart is in the right place and that spirit resonates with Devin into his leadership role. I bet it makes for great peace with those who have risen up against the new council. Resonating peace"thats what a female mate can do for a once-jilted male wolf. A mate can be your greatest contender or your best ally. Sh.e.l.l either aid your victory or be your downfall. As it is with our kind, our wolf rules our soul and both man and wolf constantly vie for dominance when it comes to choices that will affect both. This struggle for power makes them stronger, gains them unquestioned authority when it comes to subordinates and a.s.sociates, and leads them to better choices for themselves and their kind. But there is no vying when it comes to the heart of the wolf. The heart is given to a true mate. It is given once the bond is complete. To a wolf, marking is a sign that one has truly accepted that a mate should hold this much power over him. Tristan smiled sweetly, but his eyes were dark and nothing but sweet. Do you have any more questions?

Um, no. Thanks, that was interesting. Antonia settled back in her chair, extremely overwhelmed. Tristan had answered enough questions, ones she hadnt even asked. She sensed that he was the type of man who gave you information you could have easily been better off not knowing.

I visit Philly quite often, Tristan said, as he and the other men enjoyed their pie. I have many businesses there, but my grandfather, who resides here, fell ill a while ago--which is why Im here. There is this one restaurantmaybe you can recall the name since youve been there. They serve this delicious Pita sa sirom, cheese pie, like the one you served here this evening. It is very popular with tourists when they come by. I have them each day when I visit this place.

Antonias breathing slowed as she studied him. You speak Serbian?

Connor and Devin looked on with interest their backs stiff in their chairs.

Da. As a second language. My grandfather spoke to me in this language when I was a child. Things have changed for us over the years. When he lost his son His Adams apple rose in his throat. he stopped speaking the language. Not only does the wolf spirit consume me, but the blood of the Serbs also runs through me. But were not talking about me, were talking about where you got your pita making skills.

Mikans Plate. My brother and I worked as kitchen staff, and then I moved up as a.s.sistant to the chef. When Andrew got into trouble, we had to bail the state. Im sure Connor has told you about my criminal past. Youre welcome to be put off by it.

Im not put off by it at all. But when were you going to tell your mate that you were once a member of Cobra.

She gasped.

Connors chair sc.r.a.ped back and shock froze the well-defined features on his face.

II wasnt. I was never inducted. How had this man connected her involvement? We were couriers for a short time, thats all. And then I stopped and the boss gave me a job in the kitchens. After that, Andrew asked the boss about joining"getting on the payroll. I told him I didnt want anything to do with it.

Is your brother a member? Connor asked.

I dont know. I dont think so, but he wanted to be, she replied.

Well find out soon enough, Tristan said. You still have the box you found on her?

Antonias heart dropped into her belly as her guilty conscience grew. She felt like she was between a rock and a hard place. She was again getting pinned for things she should have never been involved in in the first place.

What do you know? Devin snarled at Tristan when Connor left to go get the box.

Tristan frowned. I am under a code of silence. I advise you, at your level, not to get involved.