Since I’ve been so off schedule this week I thought I’d give you a little bonus episode.

Varick didn’t know when the hybrid lying on top of him became so important. Dio’s carefree smile sat completely at odds with the long gash on his cheek. Even though the cut started to close, the image of blood pouring out of Dio’s face lingered in Varick’s mind. If he never saw that sight again it would be too soon.

Growling inside, Varick’s inner wolf yanked at  his control, trying to escape, to hunt down the creature who hurt his mate.

Mate?

Dio lost his smile. “Are you okay?”

“Am I okay? You’re the injured one.”

Dio shrugged. “I’ll heal. I always do.”

The casual way he accepted abuse told Varick more than anything that this attack wasn’t a one-time thing. “Are you often hurt?”

“Sure.” Dio frowned down at Varick. “Demons aren’t known for their parenting technique. They are a brutal species. My mother isn’t any better or worse than any other.”

Varick’s wolf growled low. Sad for Dio’s childhood and protective of their little mate. “Your mother did this?”

Dio nodded. “She thought it would garner me sympathy so you would let down your guard and allow me to manipulate you.”

“Sex works better,” Varick informed him wisely.

Dio’s beautiful smile returned. “Does it?”

“Oh yes, everyone knows that best way to tame a wolf is to give him what he needs.”

“Ah, well in the interest of wolf taming and of course inter-species relations I’d best get busy.”

Varick nodded. “That would be the wisest course of action.”

Dio laughed. “I do try to be wise.”

Before Varick’s fascinated gaze Dio’s hands transformed into claws worthy of any wolf and he promptly shredded Varick’s clothing. “Nicely done.”

“I thought so.” Dio’s eyes glowed in appreciation as he leaned back so he could look over Varick’s body. “You’re gorgeous.”

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