Nicolai parked his rented SUV in front of Dr. Richard Reinhardt’s log cabin in Portland, situated on forest land with a view of Mt. Hood. A property the doctor normally leased out and never lived in. Why the sudden leave of absence? It had been months since anyone had seen Reinhardt, who, as head of luponomics, and lycan surgery, rarely left werewolf territory. Nicolai’s new boss, head of the LIA and Team Darkwolf, Reid, knew why, but she hadn’t shared. She’d only said his leave was personal and confidential. Deire, his assistant and lover had to know, but she too remained tightlipped.

Reinhardt’s reason for leaving must have been grave. Whatever the motive, Nicolai was here to help. He owed him. Reinhardt had become Nicolai’s savior and friend. The brilliant doctor had not only saved his life, but also made it possible for him to walk again. Dr. Reinhardt’s surgery and use of stem cells repaired his shattered spine. Not only could he run as fast as any alpha werewolf, but Nicolai returned to his original state of being faster, stronger, better. Nicolai had been born a mutant werewolf as a result of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, and his mutations made him physically superior. Werewolves considered him a freak, and referred to him as Chernobyl werewolf. All feared him, with good reason. Reid called him their weapon of mass destruction. The most dangerous werewolf to ever exist.

In gratitude, Nicolai brought Reinhardt a gift he’d picked up in Moscow. He also wanted reassurance he’d not taken ill. Though if he was sick, why had his beta lover Deire not accompanied him? Divorced from his human wife, Reinhardt was estranged from his only child, a daughter who was also a doctor. A daughter he hadn’t seen in years and who vowed she would never ever see him again. Foolish father and foolish daughter. Like Nicolai, the doctor’s parents had died long ago, and he had no siblings. No family to speak of.

Nicolai stepped out of the car and into the moist drizzle. The aroma of rich soil and volatile oils from the trees emanated a healthy smell. Different from his home. The Red Forest of Chernobyl, one of the most radioactive areas in the world. Such a place was not meant for living creatures. He was the exception.

His smile wavered. He should have at least texted Reinhardt of his visit.

Nicolai promised Reinhardt if he walked again, he’d bring him the best Russian vodka money could buy and a special Russian souvenir. Reinhardt said if Nicolai was ever well enough to visit Moscow to bring him back an authentic samovar. Nicolai spent good cash on a rare red bronze imperial samovar. If something was wrong, a welcomed surprise might lighten his mood. Certainly, the vodka would. He opened the back of the SUV and took out the samovar packed in the case and then grabbed the bottle.

As he closed the door, an irresistible aromatic scent embedded with the sweetest blood he’d ever smelled overwhelmed his senses. He inhaled. Intoxicating. The sweet delicate floral scent of snowdrop bulbs as if the flowers emerged from January snow, bringing the bloom of spring into the winter of his cold senses.

The glorious aroma was human, female, and coming from Dr. Reinhardt’s home. He narrowed his eyes and sniffed for Reinhardt. The doctor’s scent permeated the area, but not currently home. Odd. The female was. Had he broken up with Deire? That would explain his sudden need for isolation. A pissed off jealous she-wolf would drive away even the bravest werewolf. But Reinhardt was human so that might explain suddenly abandoning his critical research. No. Deire would not break lycan law and harm him. She’d get over it or be delivered to the enforcer for discipline.

A desire to release his wolf and stalk the female overwhelmed him, but nonetheless he remained in control of the bear-sized Chernobyl wolf.

Nicolai straightened his black leather jacket and rang the doorbell.

No one answered. He should return later, after calling Reinhardt. That would be polite, yet his wolf was bewitched. Whoever lay in wait inside the house belonged to him. Nicolai shook his head. Not possible. He would never take a mate. A lover, perhaps, but nobody long term. Certainly, not a weak human. And not one in a relationship with the doctor who saved his life.

The woman might not be Reinhardt’s lover, but a patient. As sweet as her blood smelled, the blood had residual corruption as if she’d been poisoned.

I’m such an idiot. Of course. His daughter. That would explain the blood type so addictive to lycans. Reinhardt had confided his daughter had Stalion’s blood type and like the enforcer’s mate, was human, but with the ability to have lycan children of superior blood. Too bad Reinhardt didn’t want his daughter ever involved with werewolves. He respected their kind, his daughter should live in human society to practice medicine, marry and someday start a family. Nicolai understood. Life amongst lycans was a cultural hardship for humans. Strict pack status rules placed humans below omegas. Pets. Because Dr. Reinhardt had saved many werewolves during combat and contributed so much to werewolf genetics research, he’d been given beta status.

The soft shuffle of feet reached the entrance. The female.

He swore and turned to leave when the door opened.

“Can I help you?”

Nicolai turned and gaped. The woman, in her twenties, dressed in a light wool robe over baggy pajamas looked up at him with enchanting amber eyes that matched her golden blonde curls, messily tied in a ponytail. Much too thin. Despite her disheveled look, perhaps after a debilitating illness, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Krasivaya, dusha-devitsa. He whispered the translation. “Beautiful, pretty maiden.”

She met his eyes and gazed. Entranced. Not moving, not speaking, not reacting. As if she was a mesmerist’s victim, she waited for his next command.

Such beautiful eyes. The color of expensive Baltic amber. Nicolai could drown in them and die happy.

She tilted her head, exposing her carotid artery. Teasing his wolf to sink his fangs into her soft throat. The pretty maiden desired him.

Nicolai shook his head. What was he thinking? He’d unknowingly rendered her mute with his alpha magnetism. All werewolves had some mind control over humans, but his ability was superior to even the most gifted alpha werewolves. He’d promised Team Darkwolf he’d never mesmerize humans, unless necessary and then only in a life and death situation. And never to submit to his sexual desires.

Nicolai released her mind and snapped his fingers to distract her momentarily from meeting his gaze.

She pressed her hand against her forehead and shook her head. “I’m sorry I just zoned out.” Even her voice played like music to his ears. Her accent was from the West Coast of America.

“I’m sorry to have disturbed you. I expected Dr. Richard Reinhardt.”

“And you are?”

“Nicolai Dimitrov, a former patient.”

“Really? Richard said he no longer practiced medicine. Not since working for some research center.”

She didn’t call him father. Odd, she smelled related to him. “Ah, he’s a friend or uncle then?”

“Richard, no, he’s my biological father.”

His body tensed. Nicolai still mourned his beloved father and couldn’t imagine such a lack of respect. Only in America did one call one’s parent by their name. Then again, he was told she’d been raised by her mom and stepfather. Why should he rationalize her insolence?

Damn. Something about her kept Nicolai enthralled. Her blood of course. He needed to get the hell out of here, before his wolf took the maiden for his. “His daughter…”

“Lisa.” She tightened her robe as if suddenly embarrassed about her comfortable sloppiness. How easy it would be for him to shred her robe and take in her nakedness.

“I brought him a gift from Russia.” He picked up the box and handed her the bottle of vodka.

“Thank you.” Lisa took it, but narrowed a glance at the box. “Open it before I let you bring it inside.”

Good for her, a suspicious woman. “Certainly.” He slowly knelt as if she had a gun pointed at him and opened the crate. Not that shooting him would hurt. Normal bullets wouldn’t kill him. He unwrapped the samovar and lifted it as he stood, allowing her a close inspection.

Her eyes brightened. “Beautiful, my grandmother had a samovar, but nothing like this. Please, bring it in.”

His wolf stirred, but he collared the beast back to the den. His reaction was only biological, because of her blood, nothing more. He should leave before he betrayed the man who saved his life by doing things to his daughter no father would approve of. He scanned the living room cluttered with books. “I’ll put the samovar by the fireplace.”

Still clutching the bottle of vodka, she nodded. “That’ll work.”

Nicolai set it down. “I must go now.”

“I’m sure Richard will want to see you. Does he have your number?”

“Yes, don’t worry. I’ll contact him.”

“He went to the hardware store. I’m sure he’ll be back in thirty minutes or less if you want to wait. There is fresh brewed coffee or if you prefer tea.” She held onto the counter as if dizzy.

My alpha aura? No, you egotistical bastard, she’s recovering from an illness. Now close to her, he understood. Lisa’s immune system was weak as if it had just battled a fierce illness.

One more minute with her and he’d have no control over his moonstruck and now concerned wolf, who wished to cuddle her next to his warmth. If he bit her, she’d benefit from the special healing properties of his werewolf saliva. Compared to other alpha werewolves, Reinhardt discovered his saliva was exceptional in destroying dangerous microbes. Fool! “No. Thank you. I must go.”

Lisa’s eyes lit up as if she figured out he wanted to hold her in his arms until she healed and then ravish her once her health restored. “I’m no longer contagious. That is, if Richard told you.”

Huh? He wished he could tell her werewolves didn’t get human diseases with the exception of rabies, which killed them quickly. “No worries. Rest.”

“Will do. Richard will kill me if he knew I came down to answer the door.”

“Goodbye, Lisa.” He turned to tear himself from the beguiling attractive woman, and let himself out. Later, he’d call and invite Reinhardt to a nice restaurant. If the good doctor ever called him back.

As he closed the door, he heard the crash of the expensive bottle of vodka shattering on the floor.

“Lisa!”

Lisa lay on the soft leather sofa with a blanket over her and blinked. She stared at the mysterious exceptionally handsome hunk of a man who had come to see Richard. The towering dark-haired muscular Russian sat on the floor next to her. His massive hand held hers as if she were a sleeping princess and he the prince. Her heart pinged in pleasure. Traitor. She jerked her hand away and tried to sit. “What the hell?”

He gently pushed her back. “You fainted.”

Suddenly, she remembered everything. His unusual gift for her father and—the shattered glass. “Oh shit, I broke the bottle.”

“No worries. I’ll clean the mess.”

“I’m so sorry. I’ll pay for it.”

“Nonsense. You are sick. I should have not disturbed you.”

“How long was I out?”

“Not long, less than five minutes. Shall I bring you water?”

Lisa nodded. He had to be the most striking man she’d ever met. A handsome face, not a pretty boy without stubble, but the rugged façade of a warrior bent on conquering. The hot Russian had slicked back thick raven hair which enhanced his blue eyes, reminding her of the color of polar ice water. His rich deep Russian accent made her swoon, compelling her to tell him to stay and keep her company. In her travels, she’d met quite a few Russian medical staff, but none as delicious. If the Soviet Union still existed, she’d peg him as a KGB agent. A Russian James Bond who could seduce women and even men into revealing state secrets. At well over six foot five or six inches with broad shoulders, a man’s man, and a woman’s ideal caveman, he exuded raw testosterone.

A man who could go from gentleman to feral in a heartbeat. A predator. One who could bring down not just one mammoth, but the entire freakin’ herd. Yet, he obviously had vulnerabilities since her father had saved him. Richard travelled quite a bit, so he probably worked on him in Russia. Or had he? Richard had always been away from her and her mother. A workaholic father who missed her piano recitals, science fairs and so much more. What if he’d been a spy and stayed away to keep her safe? One of her childhood fantasies about why he abandoned her. Maybe this mysterious man was his colleague.

He returned with a glass of water for her. “Thank you.”

“I’ll leave now, but first call your father so he knows to come home.”

She drank half the glass. “No. I’m fine. I just won’t move until he returns.”

“Then I’ll wait.”

“Are you sure?”

“Being in the company of a lovely lady is not something I question.”

Swooning again. Damn, he’s just being polite. “Never mind. Richard must not have told you about me, but then again, he went to great efforts to keep my name out of the news.” Good old dad must have strong government connections. Only the CIA could cover up what happened.

“No, we haven’t spoken in months. I’ve been in Moscow for two weeks selling my penthouse. I’m moving to United States and wanted to make sure all was well with him.”

Penthouse. He must be one of those filthy rich Russian tycoons. The kind that bought real estate in Manhattan and London. No matter how rich, why would he want to leave Mother Russia? Maybe he fell in love with an American woman or had a business here. For some stupid reason, the idea he had a girlfriend or a wife bothered her. He didn’t wear a wedding ring, but some men never did or took it off when away from home. “For work or love?”

“Work.” He cocked his head. “Why would you have been on the news?”

His penetrating glance compelled her to open like a book and tell him everything, even after everyone had been sworn to secrecy about her case. “I’m a physician, and I work for Doctors without Borders. I was infected with Ebola in West Africa.”

His brows furrowed in concern. “The outbreak in Liberia?”

“Actually, I worked there, but that’s not where I contracted it. I flew to Nigeria with a team to help a small village battling Ebola. After three weeks, we pretty much had it contained. Who knew we would be in even greater danger? The Ta’addancin Dare came looking for young girls. They held the village hostage, murdered dozens, including some of our doctors and took our protective gear. They drove off with me and five preteen girls. I told them the girls had all been exposed and two began showing symptoms.” She snorted. “Thanks to some clean blood serum I had in my kit.”

“You made it look like they had Ebola?” His smile broadened as if pleased with her deception in fooling the terrorists.

“Yep. The girls might have been exposed, but we quarantined the symptomatic ones from the rest. We prevented the children from getting Ebola. I figured if I made them look sick, I could save their lives from a horrible fate. The Ta’addancin Dare militants got scared, especially when I started shivering from fever. Not faked. Apparently, I had contracted it earlier. They left us in the middle of nowhere to die. The girls wanted to help me, but I told them to stay away. They did. The army came in and found us. Fortunately, the girls remained free of Ebola. I was flown to Bethesda, Maryland and kept in their containment center. I almost died. Once I was no longer contagious, Richard had a rich buddy of his fly me back to Portland on a private plane until I could get back on my feet.”

“That explains Dr. Reinhardt’s absence,” he muttered.

“I didn’t know it at the time, but he’d actually flown to Africa after our rescue. The man who disappeared from my life after the divorce stayed at my side the entire time.”

“And your mother?”

“Mom and Stepdad were killed in a car crash a year ago.” Why am I telling this complete stranger my story? It’s not like I’m under the influence of truth serum. To think she tried contacting Richard before the funeral. It was as though he’d disappeared from the face of the world. He only found out recently and begged for forgiveness. On what she thought her deathbed, she forgave him for missing her mother’s funeral.

“Sorry.”

“My last home was with a boyfriend I broke up with five months ago, so I didn’t really have any other place to go.” She bit her lip. Why can’t I shut my mouth?

Nicolai frowned and pressed his thick thumb over her lower lip, then as quickly released it. “Will you make a full recovery?”

“My liver has improved, but now it’s just the fatigue. I lost twenty pounds. I’ve gained five back. I hope to return to normal soon.”

His voice grew stern. “I forbid you to go back.”

Lisa frowned. “Excuse me?” Maybe due to his limited understanding of the English language he confused the word “forbid” with “should not.” He didn’t mean to be bossy or did he?

“The risk is too great.”

“Not that it’s any of your concern, but I’m not allowed anyway. I have a price on my head.”

He narrowed his eyes and stared into nothing as if angered that someone wanted her dead. He turned to her. “Good, we agree. There are plenty of hospitals here that will hire you.”

“No, we don’t agree. To be honest, I’m not sure what my plans are, but I’m not working for some bureaucracy.” Who the hell did this macho dominant man think he was telling her what to do? And why did part of her feel compelled to obey him? Just because he was the hottest all-man hunk she’d ever met didn’t mean she should be so freakin’ submissive. And yet if he asked her to get on her knees and pleasure him, she’d obey.

Nicolai took her hand and gazed into her eyes with those feral gray-blue eyes. “You are a brave woman.” His warm lips gently kissed her cold hand, warming her heart and feminine parts dormant for much too long. Her panties shamelessly soaked from being in his presence. Heck, even her nipples pressed against her layered clothing, tingling in anticipation of his lips licking, biting, sucking. Geez, Ebola must have damaged my brain.

Why did she want this enigmatic, much too dominant, strange man? Not her type. Sure, she fantasized about brawny guys with Greek god bodies, but for long term she favored older brainy guys. Equal outside and inside the bedroom. A man like him went after hot supermodels. No, most likely strippers. Yet, he moved to kiss her. Apparently, he didn’t care one least bit she had been an Ebola patient, or that she wore pajamas and looked gaunt. Not to mention her lack of makeup and displaying the mother of all bad hair days. Her thick blonde curls probably made her look like Goldilocks and Medusa’s love child.

Richard’s car pulled up just at the moment Nicolai’s mouth almost made contact with hers. Nicolai stood and backed away as if worried she might still be contagious, or that she was the farmer’s daughter and dad brandished a shotgun. He straightened his black leather coat. “Your father is here.”

Boy was he off about what Richard was like. “Umm. Good. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.” Richard had not been around to catch her making out on the couch as a teenager. Her stepfather had been there for that teen scene. He’d taken her first boyfriend, Steve, to another room and had the treat-my-daughter-with-respect-or-else talk.

The door opened, and Richard glared at Nicolai. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Lisa had only seen her father look worried during her bout with Ebola. But never this pissed off. What was Richard thinking?

Her heart raced. Oh, shit. Had Nicolai been paid to bring her back to Africa? The militant who thought she died vowed to behead her on hearing she and the girls had survived. No. Nicolai made her feel safe. She was being paranoid. And so was Richard. “Chill, he brought you a gift.”

Richard lowered his gaze as if Nicolai had some leverage over him. As if he was some freakin’ king who required obedience and respect. Yeah, I felt that, too. “You should have called first.”

“You are right, Dr. Reinhardt. Apologies.”

Richard turned to her as she lay on the sofa with her head propped up by pillows. “You should not have come down.”

“I’m feeling much better.” She wanted to add, even turned on, but thought better of it.

Her father ignored her and checked her pulse. “Wait here. I’ll give you a thorough examination after I have a private conversation with my friend.”

Not former patient? Interesting. “Did you see what Nicolai brought you?” She pointed her chin toward the samovar.

Richard smiled. “Beautiful.”

“I thought you might like it,” Nicolai grinned.

“Come, we’ll talk in my office.”

No matter how wrong it was, Nicolai missed being away from Lisa. Even if she lay in the living room, steps away from the closed office door. “I’m sorry, again, my friend. My intention was to show my gratitude, not cause you distress.”

Reinhardt gestured for him to sit and then poured them both a glass of brandy. “I take it you didn’t tell Commander Reid you were making a surprise visit?”

He took the glass. “No. If she knew, she’d have more than a few words with me.”

“Only Reid and Deire know about Lisa.”

“You have a brave daughter. It is not every day I meet a human who survived both Ta’addancin Dare terrorists and Ebola.”

Reinhardt sighed. “And the scars of a father who abandoned her and her mother to join werewolf society.”

The ordeal of almost losing his only child had aged Reinhardt. His hair and beard were now more white than gray. His face bore additional wrinkles than the last time Nicolai saw him. As though he too had suffered from Ebola.

“I, for one, am grateful you saved my life. I owe you a life debt.” He lifted the glass. “To our health and to Lisa’s.”

Reinhardt drained his. “Good news is her boss no longer wants her stationed in West Africa. The militant, a man only known as Yaffar, wishes to behead her. We tried to keep all her contact information from the media.

“You should have sent a werewolf team.”

“Our Navy Seal team did fine without werewolf involvement.” He shook his head. “Anyway, I didn’t know what was going on until after her rescue.”

“So this terrorist, Yaffar, where is he?”

“In hiding. He’s not the big fish, but he’s the one who means to murder Lisa.”

“How is her recovery coming?”

“Slow. I told Reid I’d be back in another month, but it depends.”

“My bite can help speed her recovery.”

“Damn it. She’s got Stalion’s blood. I can’t let you, or any werewolf become addicted to her blood.”

“I have control.”

He snorted. “Like Adam had with Eva?”

The werewolf enforcer had chosen Eva, a human as a mate, but in the end because she was Stalion’s descendant the pack allowed their union. “They are married and accepted.”

“Power to them, but not for my daughter. She must never know of your kind.”

His heart clenched. “I understand.”

Reinhardt relaxed. “Deire says you are completely back to normal.” He laughed. “That is, your normal. Super strength and speed.”

“Thanks to you, Dr. Reinhardt.”

“Please, it’s Richard.”

“Very well, Richard.”

“Are you returning to Russia?”

“No. I will temporarily move to LIA headquarters until I find my own place.”

“So you decided to join Team Darkwolf?”

“Yes, but I still enjoy being a lone wolf. Reid understands my need for privacy.” Away from their tactless jokes about his Chernobyl origins. One more crack about his glow in the dark cock and he would break necks.

Dr. Reinhardt stood and bowed. “Once I return to HQ, we’ll share some vodka.”

He obviously couldn’t hide his veiled impatience to get him to leave. Nicolai smiled. “Let me know, if you need anything.”

“I only need you to stay away from Lisa.”

Nicolai’s heart hardened with wolfish rage. As grateful as he was to the doctor for saving his life, that was a request he couldn’t promise. In fact, his gratitude to the good doctor was all that stood in front of his enraged wolf, who he’d unknowingly challenged. Nicolai and his wolf fought for supremacy. “Don’t worry, my friend.”

“Good. Will you return to Montana then?”

“Perhaps soon. I think I’m in the mood for a vacation. Somewhere warm. A little heat will be good for me.”

Nicolai walked past where Lisa had fallen asleep. The temptation to steal her away and bite her soft throat to deliver healing saliva nearly overwhelmed him. Yet, once he tasted her blood there would be no going back. She’d be his forever. He quietly closed the door.

As he got in the car, his keen ears heard her ask her father where he’d gone. He waited for his answer.

“Nicolai went home. He won’t be back.”

Nicolai’s heart tugged as he pulled out of the driveway and onto the road. Not until Lisa is safe. And then I will not betray you, my friend. I will stay away.