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

“It wasn’t this bad until he did the exercises this morning,” Etienne said following the Mates as they crowded into the elevator and went up to the fifth floor.


“Julio, we’re here,” Sean called. “Bianca is bringing up lunch. Colin brought some of his books to amuse you. Kane is going to try to scold you like one of his students into getting better. Ian is going to bore you to tears talking about interior design, and I’m going to jabber away at you until you get well just to avoid listening.”


Julio smiled. “See,” Sean pointed at Julio’s face, “you’ve already regained your sense of humor. Were you giving up on us?”


“No, I got a fever, and Dr. Artis is giving me different antibiotics. He’s also changed the pain medication and ordered an antidepressant.”


“You won’t be depressed for long, especially with these jokers here.” Sean waved to the other three Mates.


“I want to get better and get out of Etienne’s hair. He’s been so good to me. I can’t take advantage.” Julio sniffed.


Chapter 22