Real Werewolves Don't Eat Meat 9
by
Vegan werewolf Kyle Slidell didn’t sign up to be the mate of the most powerful werewolf in the United States, the Anax Tobias Rogan. But fate had other plans after Kyle was changed from human to werewolf, and now he and Tobias are building a life together. And planning a wedding, if Tobias will get with the program.
Since taking the rank of Anax, though, Tobias has changed. While at times he’s the Tobias Kyle knows and loves, more and more often, it seems as if the power Tobias holds is trying to take control of him. And when a werewolf confronts Tobias about a crime committed by someone Tobias once loved, it pushes Tobias over the edge.
Now Kyle must help Tobias overcome and integrate the Anax power and protect his mate from those who believe Tobias should be removed from the rank—which would end Tobias’s life. Kyle has fought many threats to defend Tobias, but what can he do when the biggest threat is Tobias himself?
This book includes discussion of past sexual assault, depictions of PTSD, violence between werewolves, and a very temporary breakup between the main characters.
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 3
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Word Count: 80000
Setting: Massachusetts
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
“Anax, should I let Chloe know the guests are here?” Connor asked. He closed the door and gave me a look I couldn’t quite read. “She said she would have something ready for you and them.”
“Yes. Thank you, Connor.” Tobias gestured at his office door. “Arkhon. Kyle. Come in and have a seat.”
We followed the direction, because what else could we do? Tobias closed the door and stood in front of his desk, hands clasped in front of him and feet slightly apart. Evidently he’d decided this was official business. Otherwise, he would have sat down, or at least leaned on his desk.
“Arkhon, you requested this meeting,” he said. “Suppose you tell me why.”
“Anax, with respect, I’m concerned about you.” Zane rested his hands on his knees. “There have been stressful occurrences lately, most recently with this new information you’ve received about Harok.”
READ MORE“I’d prefer not to hear that name.” Tobias scowled, and his voice rose, taking on a coldness that chilled me right through. “Are you going to be another who tells me I’ve changed, that I’m not myself? I’m sick of hearing it. If Kyle went to you…” He glared at me.
Somehow, I managed not to flinch. Or to speak.
“Anax, no one came to me behind your back. I’m telling you only that I consider you a friend and I am your ally.” The tremble in Zane’s voice was barely noticeable to me. I hoped it wasn’t detectable at all to Tobias, because right now, I was pretty sure showing fear to him would be a bad move. “As it seems you’ve already heard from others that you are acting out of character, I wouldn’t presume to say it myself.”
“That’s good.” Tobias folded his arms. “And Kyle?”
“You told Zane to bring me if I wanted to be here.” Without thinking, I touched the titanium band on my left ring finger. “You already know I’m worried about you. That’s why you told me to leave, isn’t it?”
“Part of the reason, yes.” For a brief moment, he looked away. When he looked at Zane and me again, the anger I’d come to associate with the Anax was blatant in his eyes. “Arkhon, I asked you for information. Do you have any?”
“You asked whether I was aware of anyone else changed by the person whose name you just stated a preference against hearing, Anax,” Zane replied. This time, there was no tremble in his voice. No emotion at all. “I am unaware. I have spoken with a few of the other arkhons, as you and I agreed, and they, too, are unaware of anyone changed by that person. It may be that the wolf who spoke with you on hunt night was the only one. We are continuing to investigate, however, and to speak with those who were changed between the time of your change and the time of his death.”
“Very well, then.” Tobias turned and strode to the window. “You may leave. I’m well aware, Arkhon, that this wasn’t what you wanted to speak with me about, but the discussion is over.”
“I understand.” Zane stood and motioned for me to stay put. “Anax, with respect, please remember that you have friends. I count myself among them. And you have those who love you, one of whom is seated right here.”
“I said leave.”
I’d never heard such ice in Tobias’s tone. Even at his angriest. Even when someone nearly killed him. Or me. I’d certainly never anticipated hearing it directed at Zane.
“I’m leaving, Anax.” Zane nodded to me. “I’m sorry for taking your time. Kyle, with me.”
“You have no right to give him any orders.” Tobias spun away from the window. “He is not one of your wolves, Arkhon.”
A small smile played on Zane’s lips. The bastard had given me an order on purpose. Not for me to follow, but to get a reaction from Tobias.
I decided to play along. “I’m not yours either, am I, Anax? You sent me away, and Boston North Pack has taken me in. Which makes me a Boston North wolf and therefore I am, in fact, one of the Arkhon’s.”
“Don’t you fucking call me Anax, goddamn it!” Tobias shoved the desk, which was heavy as fuck and only moved a couple of inches. “Kyle, for fuck’s sake, get out of here! Please!”
“Tobias.” I glanced at Zane. He nodded, and I went toward my mate. “You don’t want me to leave.”
“I need you to.” The anger left his expression, and a pained helplessness replaced it. “Arkhon, apparently he is your wolf, so get him out of my office.”
What the hell was happening? Frigging mood whiplash, and Tobias’s wide eyes and sharp breaths showed that he knew something wasn’t right. He was heading out of control, and for the first time since I’d known him, he didn’t know how to get that control back. I reached for him, and he stepped back. “Don’t.”
“I love you.” I felt at least as helpless as he looked. “Tobias, I’m right here. You told me not to let you push me away.”
“If you aren’t leaving, I am.” Giving Zane and me a wide berth, he hurried to the office door. “I love you too, Kyle.”
Before I could say anything, he was gone.
COLLAPSE
