The Return of the Wolf

Ryan's Treasure Available HERE

By Becca Dale

The Minnesota border is only an hour drive from my home, but it’s worlds away in many ways. South Dakota has one of the lowest population densities in the lower 48 with only .26% of the nation’s people, which in my mind is a good thing unless I want to do some serious shopping. ;-) Minnesota on the other hand has a whopping 1.7% of the US population.

Now, why would I feel the need to share all this? Well, because in addition to people, Minnesota also has something we do not have – wolves. Despite the larger human population in MN, the wolves are free to run in the northern timber away from livestock and the animosity that proximity brings. The state has regained control of its wolf populations from the federal government as a reward for the diligence in restoring the animal numbers. So in honor of my newest shifter release I lift my glass to the rangers, politicians, and citizens of Minnesota and their noble efforts to save these beautiful animals.

Ryan’s Treasure (Book 2 in the Sanctuary Series)

Nadi has no family and no home beyond the puppy mills where she has lived since birth. Freedom calls to her until she cannot resist risking everything for a chance to run. But being free comes with dangers she’s ill-equipped to handle and a guardian who promises to protect her even as his size and brute strength terrify her.

Ryan Jones spends his life rescuing abused women by day and tortured animals by night. Nothing stops him from watching over those smaller or weaker until a half-starved she-wolf leaps between him and the barrel of a gun. In a night of passion with the gorgeous shifter, everything changes. Suddenly, by pack law, he faces an unexpected role that may destroy his image and their future.

Can love enable Ryan’s treasure to come home to his arms?

Excerpt:

Life is hope. The motto often whispered in the darkest hours urged her onward. She slipped past the sleeping guard, the one called Dane by the humans, Diablo by the animals he supposedly protected. He lolled at his post, sprawled in his chair with his feet up and his head thrown back against the crib wall, throat exposed. A trickle of drool dampened his scruffy beard, and the scent of violence rolled off of him, bitter and oppressive. If she had any strength to spare, she’d rip his throat open for the times he’d left his chair to beat or humiliate the helpless females under his care.

Too weak to attack with only bared fangs, she slunk onward, silent and cautious, hugging the buildings to hide her shadow from the harsh, yellow yard lights. Brittle grass and sharp stones cut the tender pads of her feet, leaving a slick blood trail across the dark farmyard. She had made it outside the shed, but liberty remained beyond the compound. Her pulse drummed loud enough to wake the dead and would not settle, its thump the only sound in the mocking silence. A misstep, a startled night bird, anything could shatter the stillness and destroy her chance.

She stopped and scented the air. Something or someone waited beyond the unguarded gate. The subtle whisper of agitated breaths floated on the breeze. Hesitating, torn between escape and whatever lurked in the tall grass, the bitch crouched low. A coyote’s howl echoed through the long valley, emphasizing the distance between hell and the promise of peace.

Then she saw them.

Eyes glowed in the darkness. One, two, twenty pairs attached to unseen enemies. Frightened, she huddled into the niche between the babies’ play yard and the building which housed the nursing mothers. A little one whimpered, and its mother woofed it silent.

She couldn’t stay. Her womb remained barren, and it wouldn’t be long before a bullet ended her misery as it had the suffering of so many through the years. For a fleeting second, death called with sweet relief. Perhaps a similar finish lay beyond the gate in the jaws of hidden beings. Perhaps not. Searching for a path between the unknown creatures, a place to slide though undetected, she waited, trembling with fear and anticipation.

Before the answer came clear, the group rose en masse. Great beasts the likes of which she’d never seen before emerged from the shadows. Fangs gleamed in heavy jaws. Broad hairy monsters with two-inch claws stood upon the legs of men. Growls low and savage rumbled through the group. Then he spoke. The largest of the creatures hushed the others.

Get in, free the animals, and get out.

What if we get caught?

Do what you must.

Emancipation had come with glowing eyes and a comforting command.

Leave a comment about why you love Shifter romance stories, and tell us what your favorite type of shapeshifter. One commenter will be chosen to receive a copy of any book from Becca Dale's back list in our catalog, along with another shapeshifter ebook of their choice from our catalog. Don't forget to leave your email address in your comment!

Don't miss Book 1 in The Sanctuary Series

 Tender-hearted and lonely, Kya yearns for heritage and home. The staff and animals at the sanctuary where she works have become almost family, but it is not enough. She craves the stability and acceptance she hears in the voice of her dream lover and sees in the eyes of a wounded wildcat.

   Chosen to guard the royal heir, Ja claims his lost charge in a desperate attempt to save her from enemies she can not imagine or comprehend. At every turn desire and obligation clash as Kya tests his loyalty to the clan and his will to walk away. Touching her breaks the rules that he has pledged his life to uphold, but fulfilling his duty might destroy everything worth fighting for.
   Both must face the roles they were born to play. Hers to lead. His to protect. Can Hannah blindly accept her responsibility as queen or will she turn her back on the extended family she longs for in order to keep the one who destroys her loneliness? Does she even have a choice?

Contact Becca

Website http://www.authorbeccadale.com/

Blog http://beccadale.blogspot.com

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Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3169773.Becca_Dale