Julio Reyes has had a hard life. Orphaned at fourteen, he ran away from a group home to avoid rape but wound up being an independent prostitute in NYC. He has a life plan -- go to school, become a stylist and open his own salon.<br><br>Etienne Daurensbourg is 139 years old and fears he’ll never find his Mate until his friend Alexei introduces him to Julio. Julio is Etienne’s Mate, but before he has a chance to court Julio -- who is a human high beta and therefore stubborn and independent -- Julio gets knifed and is forced to let Etienne provide him with a home and help to recover.<br><br>Pack problems arise that may force Etienne into the pit. Will Julio be able to love Etienne despite the fact he is a loup garou?

Julio's Wolf

“I know I should. I have to build myself back up for school. Instructors that train hair stylists make the students stand all day to do hair. I have to get my stamina back. I used to be able to stand all night. Now I can’t manage more than ten minutes.”


“I have a home gym. When the doctor and the physical therapist agree, we can start to use it, but first, you have to start walking and doing your exercises.”


“By the time I’m able to use a gym, I should be able to go home,” Julio whispered.


“We’ll see how you feel.” Etienne pulled up a chair beside the bed and set a hospital like tray table over Julio’s knees. “See, service with a smile.”


“Thank you, Bianca,” Julio called out before she left.


She turned back. “Polite, too. Katya told the truth.” Bianca got into the elevator presumably to go to the kitchen. Julio and Etienne were alone.


Chapter 19