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    Winter's Wolf: The Crush Saga, #11
    Winter's Wolf: The Crush Saga, #11
    Winter's Wolf: The Crush Saga, #11
    Ebook219 pages3 hours

    Winter's Wolf: The Crush Saga, #11

    By Chrissy Peebles

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    About this ebook

    This is book 11 of The Crush Saga. 

    When an enemy unleashes demons on Black Shadows, Julie is forced to fight for the ones she loves. With destruction all around her, can she save her beloved community?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDark Shadows Publishing
    Release dateDec 5, 2015
    ISBN9781516384846
    Winter's Wolf: The Crush Saga, #11

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      Book preview

      Winter's Wolf - Chrissy Peebles

      Cover Artist: Book Cover by Design

      Chapter 1

      A YEAR LATER...

      The ballroom was packed with people in fancy evening wear, sipping champagne and mojito cocktails. Others occupied the dance floor, moving to the music of the live band. Chandeliers glittered above Julie and Zach as they conversed with those around them. Julie wore a strapless mermaid gown in stunning, shimmering fabric that hugged her curves, embellished with lavish beadwork and crystals for a glamorous, sexy look. Her hair was piled atop her head in an elegant up-do. Zach looked handsome and remarkably debonair in a black tuxedo and bowtie.

      So, Julie, how long have you been married? their handsome host asked.

      She beamed as she looked into Zach’s eyes. Six wonderful months.

      "Six glorious months, darling," Zach said.

      Mr. Wentworth smiled. I can tell you two are...quite in love. How did you newlyweds meet?

      It turned out that Zach is my knight in shining armor, Julie said. He rescued me at a very dark time in my life.

      From there, our love just blossomed, Zach added.

      To Zach and Julie! Mr. Wentworth said. May your marriage be long, joyful, and happy.

      They all clinked glasses.

      Cheers! Julie said, and downed her glass of champagne in one gulp.

      Cheers! Zach echoed, grinning from ear to ear.

      Edward! a man called from across the room.  

      Mr. Wentworth smiled. If you’ll excuse me, he said. I have many others to say hello to.

      Can I get you another drink, my lovely wife? Zach asked Julie.

      Sure...and might I add how much I love being married to you? She touched his shoulder and grinned. You just spoil me rotten.

      Why wouldn’t I? I’m the luckiest man alive to be married to such a beautiful woman.

      Julie smiled sheepishly. Once she was sure Mr. Wentworth was out of earshot and swallowed up by the crowd, she asked, Well? Do you think Wentworth bought it?

      Zach finished his champagne. What? That we’re happily married and completely head over heels? I think so. You’re...quite the actress.

      Yeah? Well, you’re not so bad yourself.

      The Black Shadows Council had sent Zach and Julie on a mission to stop Mr. Wentworth, a powerful necromancer, from obtaining a rare ingredient he needed to conjure up a dangerous potion to open a demon portal. Once the portal was opened, he could summon pure evil to serve as his minions; they would be his slaves as long as he was alive. Perhaps even worse, when Wentworth died those demons would have free rein, unleased on the world, with all that black magic at their disposal. Every immortal knew Mr. Wentworth had to be stopped. Nobody knew why he wanted to control so many demons, but rumor had it that Mr. Wentworth wanted to start an apocalypse of his own, a way to get revenge on his enemies on a grand scale, no matter who he hurt in the process.  

      Zach and Julie went in undercover, as newlyweds Mitzi and Don Reynolds, a couple who just so happened to be immortal specialists in hematology. Once Mr. Wentworth created the serum, they would be the specialists who gave the final okay. Of course, Julie’s real job was to destroy it. The good news was that Mr. Wentworth wouldn’t have another opportunity to get his hands on the rare herb he needed. The bad news was that, even if they stopped his insane plan, it wouldn’t stop Mr. Wentworth from practicing the dark arts. That was what worried everyone the most.

      So he can really talk to ghosts? Julie asked, staring at Wentworth as he mingled with people. That’s kind of creepy.

      Wentworth is far more dangerous than you know, Zach said. He doesn’t just talk to ghosts. He can also control them. That’s what upsets the immortal community most.

      Yeah, I studied up on it a little. This so-called death magic he’s into is really scary stuff.

      It’s pretty weird, if you ask me.

      Do you think he can summon demonic creatures, like hellhounds?

      No, just demons, Zach said, shaking his head.  

      Uh-oh. He’s staring at us, Julie said, trying not to stare back at him.  

      "Stop being paranoid, darling."

      "I’m only being safe, honey. We have to play the part perfectly."

      Just follow the script Myles gave us, and we’ll be fine.

      C’mon, hubby. We need to take it to the next level, Julie said, pulling him out on the dance floor.

      Zach whirled her around to the music, and she couldn’t help releasing a very genuine laugh.  

      Oops. I think I had a little too much champagne, Julie admitted, letting out a small belch and blushing in embarrassment.

      Nah. You’re just...getting into character. Myles said Mitzi’s really good at getting tipsy.

      The large dance floor was lit by chandeliers, disco balls, and oversized Chinese lanterns. The walls were adorned with red velvet and flocked wallpaper.

      When a slow song started playing, Zach placed his arms around Julie’s waist and pulled her closer. For just a moment their eyes locked, and she let herself go. As they slow-danced, holding each other close, Julie couldn’t help but notice how romantic the setting actually was. She also couldn’t deny how handsome Zach looked in his designer tux. She touched his smooth face and was impressed that he’d even shaved for the occasion. Hmm. Cleans up pretty nice for a wolf, she thought with a giggle.

      The music continued, and they remained lost in one another’s gaze. Even though she still had fleeting thoughts of Grant every now and then, she couldn’t ignore the intense passion coursing through her. He drew her impossibly close, and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. He lowered his head to hers and captured her lips in a slow, gentle kiss. It was a tender, beautiful moment, followed by more gentle kisses, and none of it was scripted.  

      Stunned, Julie broke away and stared up into his eyes.

      I’m just playing the part, that’s all, he said.

      I think we both know it’s more than that, she said, smirking.

      His lips hovered ever so close to hers. You’re right. I’ve been aching to kiss you like that.

      Maybe we’ve both had too much to drink, Julie said, unable to rip her stare away from his eyes.

      Are you feeling it too?

      More than I care to admit.

      He pushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. Wait. Are we talking about feeling tipsy or just...feelings? he asked softly.

      Both. We’re friends, though, Zach. We work together. We shouldn’t cross that line.

      Love always shows up unexpectedly, even uninvitedly, right? I mean, it never seems to take the easy road, and it never chooses the person we envision.

      His lips were so close, just an inch away; Julie only had to claim them. She tried to fight the urge, but intense animal magnetism overcame her. She tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled his head down. He took her lips in a hot, hungry kiss, heat flaring between them. His tongue swirled around hers in a dance more sensual than any bodies could replicate on that dance floor. Julie’s body reacted before her mind could; her hands helplessly moved to grab him around the sides of his firm waist, and she pulled herself tighter against his strong chest, heaving against him as he forced all the air out of her lungs, expertly twirling his tongue around hers.

      Julie! What are you doing? Darn it! You have to stop kissing him. Push him away. Stop this now! You can’t get involved with this guy, not now. You’re not even over Grant yet...are you? Stop!

      She pushed Zach away as she came to her senses. They were both gasping for breath as she gazed at him, touching her fingers to her lips, absolutely speechless. He seemed just as confused and tongue-tied as she was, panting and taking a few steps back, trying to put more distance between them.

      What happened to the just-friends thing? Zach asked. That sure as hell didn’t feel like the friend zone to me.

      They’re watching us, she said.

      He casually looked over and observed the onlookers, then returned his gaze to Julie’s eyes. In that case, I guess we’d better show them how truly in love we are.

      Right. The show must go on, Julie said, then pulled him close, eager for another kiss. His tongue tangled with hers as their passionate kiss deepened, and then she took a step back. I’m going back to the hotel room. We’ve done about all we can do for tonight. He’ll bring us the serum tomorrow.

      They left the ballroom and headed to the top floor, the penthouse suite. Mr. Wentworth had made sure they had the very best accommodations.

      We have to stay focused, Julie said. Keep our heads in the game.

      Zach stopped and pushed her against the wall. You drive me crazy, Julie. All I wanna do kiss you.

      Until he stopped talking, Julie didn’t even realize she was running her fingers through his hair again, teasing the short strands as he confessed his feelings to her. It seemed so natural, playing with those tufts while they talked. She looked up at him, seeking understanding and approval. All of her reservations melted away, and her hands moved to his face. She caressed his strong jawline with her fingertips, her eyes never leaving his as she searched for the answers to the questions they both so desperately wanted to ask. Do we really have feelings for one another? Can this be real, or is it all part of the façade, just part of our job, our mission? Is it smart to let ourselves...? She eventually found the answer she was looking for, and she went up on her tiptoes and placed her lips sweetly against his, then picked up his arms and wrapped them around her neck. She deepened the kiss, moaning against his mouth. His arms snaked around her hips and pulled her tightly against him, his fingertips stroking her sides, actions that only caused her to moan louder into his mouth. Their tongues swirled and tangled, exploring and tasting one another.  

      Zach...

      Do you want me to stop?

      No, don’t. Whatever you do, please don’t stop.

      Suddenly, their moment of bliss was interrupted by the ringing of Zach’s cell phone.

      Myles, Zach said, and answered it. Hey, Myles... No worries; we’re right on track. We’re meeting Wentworth tomorrow, and he’ll hand the serum over. He paused for a moment, casting Julie an adorable smile, then said, Okay. We’ll keep in touch.

      Julie pulled out her keycard and swiped it to open the door. They walked inside, once again staring into one another’s eyes.  

      I guess we kinda got carried away, huh? Julie said.

      Zach’s eyes twinkled. You’re crazy about me.

      And what makes you think that?

      Because you’re staring at my lips instead of my eyes.

      That doesn’t mean anything. I’m just...a very good actress.

      Keep telling yourself that, he said, peering into her eyes as their gazes locked again.

      Okay, so let’s be completely honest, Julie said.

      That’s all I want, darling fake wife.

      I’m crazy about you, darling fake husband.

      His hands cupped her face. I don’t know how it happened or why, but while you were busy hating me I was busy falling in love with you.

      I don’t get it.

      There’s nothing to get, Julie. Just smile and tell me you love me, too, before I feel like a complete idiot.

      Zach...

      His lips pressed into a grim line. So you don’t have feelings for me?

      She couldn’t bring herself to speak. She was so shocked that he had admitted that he was in love with her, confirming everything Jordan had told her. It was crazy. She tried to say something, wanted to scream that she was crazy about him, too, but the words simply would not come out, so Julie did the only thing she could do: She kissed him again. She pressed her lips tightly against his, flicking her tongue around, probing for access into his mouth. When he finally parted his lips for her, she deepened the kiss. His taste invaded her mouth, all of her senses, and her whole body impulsively leaned closer to him. She wanted him to press up against her in the most sinful of ways. She bit back a whimper when he placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her away from his lips.

      "Okay, so you do have feelings for me," he said.

      All she could do was nod, so she nodded as hard and enthusiastically as she could.

      No words, huh?

      She shook her head and moved closer to kiss him again, but this time he stopped her before their lips even met.

      You’re not ready for this, Zach said, and I care about you too much to push you.

      Julie thought he was hurt because she couldn’t tell him she loved him back, but it was just far too soon for her to utter those precious three words. Maybe he’s right, she thought. Maybe I’m just not ready. She bit her lip then said, You know I care about you, too, Zach, and this crazy chemistry is undeniable, but we just can’t act on it, especially while we’re on a mission.

      He grabbed some blankets and made a bed on the couch. You can have the bed, he blurted, sounding none too thrilled about it.

      Zach, please don’t be like this. I can’t go to bed knowing you’re mad at me.

      He chuckled. I could never be mad at you, Julie. You’re right, that’s all. We can only be friends right now, he said. We have a good friendship, and I don’t wanna ruin it. I also don’t want us to feel awkward around one another, ‘cause that won’t do the mission any good either. If things change later, I’m here. If not, the friend zone is okay with me.

      Oh, Zach, I just—

      I’ll wait, Julie. I will. I promise I’m not going anywhere, so there’s no need to rush into anything.

      Thanks, Zach.

      He stripped out of his shirt and tossed it on the floor. She couldn’t help but notice his broad shoulders and powerful chest, all that hard, solid, rippled masculinity crying out for her touch.

      Goodnight, Julie, he said as he stretched out on the couch and turned out the lights.

      Goodnight, Zach.

      Sweet dreams.

      Only of you, she thought as she walked in to lie down in the huge bed.

      Chapter 2

      JULIE GAZED OUT THE window at the ocean view. Being in a high-rise gave her a bird’s-eye panorama to enjoy, and she could see boats far off in the distance. Meanwhile, as the tide lapped lazily against the shore, a dozen

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