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’ve been sitting too long and putting pressure on the incision. I need to stand up and stretch my legs a bit.” Julio stood, arched his back and moved stiffly across the room. “I’m walking much better.” Julio’s gait was slow but he managed the length of the family dining room and back. He had to turn around before the kitchen.


“I’m back.” Julio wearily sat on Etienne’s lap and rested head on his wolf’s shoulder. Etienne put his hand on the back of Julio’s head and drew him in for a kiss.


“I love you.” Etienne stroked Julio’s hair.


“I love you, too.” Julio sighed. “Can I go upstairs to rest for a while?”


Etienne stood with Julio in his arms and carried him to the elevator.


By the end of the fifth day of Sean’s visits, Julio was walking normally, and the incision had healed over completely. Etienne thanked the gods.


Chapter 35