The Pack Rule Number 1 No Mates

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Six

PAUL

I'm at the edge of the infine, right at the slope when I hear the vagrant growed far off enough in the woods that I don't give chase. A smile turms my lips as I realize these aren't your average wild dogs that are in hiding to. They are shifters tone. But they are most definitely not

Their scent is unfamiliar in these parts, but I have scented them before font not angehere near here. No.

New Orleans

But New Orleans is much too far away for these hounds to be traveling Especially to be chasing after one simple mortal girl.

With creepy purple eyes?

I should get to the station," I whisper to myself, my eyes on the thick of the woods and my mind on the certainty that these hounds are still lying in wait for something

The girl? Probably. But why? What could be so special about her. Hound shifters are not known to have mates. They basically whore themselves, until they find that one compatible female that they all share in order to reproduce. Then after she's reproduced they feast on her flesh and disperse her from the world. They are rabid disgusting shifters that I wouldn't entirely mind a hunter getting their hands on

Maybe she's compatible? But why would they chase her this far? And how would a regular female have lasted that long of a chase?

"Hey there, Paul Officer Gordon's voice filters through my thoughts and I turn to find him behind me. Find anything useful?"

I heard him coming, but I've learned to recognize the steps of a threat and his were much too slow so I paid him no mind until now.

"No. Not really. However there might be some... rabid dogs loose around here. They could be dangerous to the locals. You might want to get the rangers on it," I suggest, my eyes scanning the woods.

"Really?" His gaze narrows as he follows my line of sight toward where the greenery is thickest. "Dogs?"

"Mutts," I say loudly enough that I know the shifters hiding in the forest may hear me. "Nothing special, but dangerous all the same."

Noted. I'll get the word out, Gordon says, lingering as if there is something more he'd like to say.

"What is it, Gordon?"

"Not much, friend. Just thought you might want to know they're calling off the search for those missing hunters. They found some bloody clothing deep in the woods. They're being presumed dead."

My head jerks up and a look passes between us. "What a shame," I say without even a hint of remorse.

"Right," Gordon snickers, tipping his head before sauntering down the hill.

God I love this town.

I'm heading to the station to see Rainier. I'll let him know if he doesn't already." I say absently.

Then I'm off.

ANASTACIA

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Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Six

Seriously? The only wolf available in the entire station tonight and the bastard is mated. just fucking great. If there was ever a time to regret not bowing to my grandma's tutelage, now would be the time. My natural magics have no idea how to get past the shields of bonded mate.

I can't tamper with his mind at all. Unless I brew a potion - which I have no idea how to do and somehow get him to dok it which sort of doubt he would. He's been looking at me so apprehensively that I'm sure he knows there is something different about me and be decided he doesn't like what that difference is.

Perfect. I might end up having to commit a crime just to stay safe.

"There you are," the sheriff suddenly says, leaping off his perch just in time for the sexiest being I have ever laid eyes upon to step of the

elevator.

Shifter.

But he doesn't exactly smell like a shifter to me. No. Wolves have a very distinct, not always pleasant, aroma and while his is there it is also drenched in something far more intoxicating. A scent so delicious I can feel it sizzle on my tongue as I breathe him in. Oh yummy, yummy. What have you brought for me, good sheriff?

My eyes skate up the the golden haired male standing ten feet from the cells and Goddess help me, my lady parts are silinnngge He is built in such a way that almost has me drooling and I can't seem to focus my intent on much more than him.

Oh yeah. He's perfect for this. So long as he's not mated that is. The thimble of pain in my chest at just having that though, shocks, me out of my head for the tiniest little second and as my gaze lingers on his dazzling blue eyes 1 gasp.

They are bright like the clearest sky on the hottest of summer days and there is no mistaking he noticed me too when that cint puising stare of his drops over my body with an almost physical reach. But then, that suddenly, his eyes narrow into a glare and its as if he's slightly uncomfortable for a second before he rips his gaze away.

He and his friend the sheriff exchange a few whispers, most of which I can't hear, but I do manage a few words and my pulse begins to pound nearly out of my chest when I pick out the phrase 'hounds out in the woods.

Shit. I knew it. They're waiting for me. Fuck.

Think, Ana, think.

"E-excuse me!" I stammer, aiming my words toward the sheriff while pretending not to be aware that his friend is listening just as intently.

"Yes, Anastacia?" Sheriff Rainier shoots my way, his eyes filled with a strange sort of worry for me that I find hard not to exploit.

"I-I know you said you were going to release me tonight, but I was thinking... and well... I don't really have anywhere to go untill can get a hold of my sister and arrange for her to pick me up. Might I be able to stay in jail? Just for one more night?" "Actually," his friend speaks up and holy bejeezus his voice is like molten honey. "We were just discussing that and no- unfortunately, he

can't allow it."

"Oh hello, Sheriff Paul, nice to meet you," the sheriff says on the end of a snicker.

My eyes flash in frustration and there is no mistaking that the pair of them notice. "Fine," I snarl. "But might I trouble you gentlemen with an escort out of town then?"

"Now that pussy thumping Paul says "-can definitely be arranged. I've already volunteered my services."

"Have you?" The sheriff chortles and I don't miss the swift kick he gets from Paul. "I mean- thank you. So I take it you won't be returning

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Chapter Two Hundred Sorty-Six

Vaud's eyes light with mischief as they meet with my own. Not tonight night I be escorting Missus...?

A blush rises to my cheeks as 1 fill in the blanks for him. "Miss Bordeaux. Ana Bordeaux."

Not what 1 intended, but this will work too.

Easier than pic... because I'll have Pretty Paul all alone and completely at my mercy Chapter Comments

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