Alpha's Deja Vu Read online

  Table of Contents

  Look for these titles from Marie Cole

  Copyright Warning

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  EPILOGUE

  ~ About the Author ~

  ~ Also by Marie Cole ~

  More Romance from Etopia Press

  Look for these titles from Marie Cole

  Now Available

  The Lake Valley Shifters Series

  Little Panther (Book One)

  Mercenary’s Mate (Book Two)

  Alpha's Déjà Vu (Book Three)

  Alpha's Déjà Vu

  Lake Valley Shifters Book Three

  Marie Cole

  Copyright Warning

  EBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is a crime punishable by law. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded to or downloaded from file sharing sites, or distributed in any other way via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/).

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are fictitious or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real in any way. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Published By

  Etopia Press

  1643 Warwick Ave., #124

  Warwick, RI 02889

  http://www.etopiapress.com

  Alpha's Déjà Vu

  Copyright © 2016 by Marie Cole

  ISBN: 978-1-944138-59-2

  All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  First Etopia Press electronic publication: October 2016

  CHAPTER ONE

  Liam Dewitt planted his feet on the ground next to his bed, raking a hand over his bald head. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath that he released on a growl.

  “Three damn weeks,” he muttered.

  Xavier Brady, the little wolf who was currently secured in his guest room, had been there for three weeks after his rescue. Three weeks that Liam was in fucking hell. Three weeks that his mate was in the next fucking room and he couldn’t touch him.

  Granted, he didn’t blame Xavier for it. The little wolf had been through hell and back if the scars on his body were any indication. However, Liam didn’t know all the details, and Xavier wasn’t talking. He could guess, though. He didn’t have to be told to know what his little wolf had been through. The man was covered in scars. It didn’t take a genius. And knowing what he did about Sergey, he could fucking figure it out.

  Xavier had been the sick fucker’s newest experiment. And if Liam could raise the dead, he’d do it just to kill Isaac all over again. The man might’ve just been a lackey with too much power, but he’d tortured Liam’s mate, meaning he was lucky Liam had been merciful and merely ripped his fucking throat out.

  He’d pulled his mate out of a hellhole, he knew that much. He could still smell the blood and filth that had filled the nearly empty warehouse. His fangs still ached to tear into Isaac, the son of a bitch wolf who had held his mate, again and again. He’d gone into that place to find his friend’s mate and found his own.

  Fate was a crafty little witch.

  And now there was no more word on Sergey’s existence. The man was alive, Liam was sure of that. He was just in hiding like he always was. The man was good at being an elusive little shit. Helped him hide his fucked-up little experiments on shifters.

  He sighed as he stood, scratching at the hairs on his chest. He scrounged around the room for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, slipping them on with a yawn.

  He wondered if the little wolf was awake, but mentally smacked himself. Even if Xavier was up, he rarely came out of the room when he heard Liam wake up. Not that Liam could blame him. He knew that he wasn’t the friendliest guy.

  He shook his head as he opened his bedroom door. His mate was terrified of him. Just what he fucking needed. He just wanted to talk to the little wolf for more than two seconds. Maybe he could get Greg Little to help, if he could drag the man away from his new mate, Derren Styles. The wolf seemed to have a way with words—

  Lost in his thoughts, he stopped short when he reached the small kitchen in his cabin.

  His little wolf was making breakfast and humming to himself. It would be adorable if Liam weren’t in such shock.

  He gulped, feeling his throat work before he found his words. “Xavier?”

  The Omega’s shoulders stiffened, the smell of fear radiating from the small man. The smell nearly made Liam’s fangs drop, but he just barely stopped it. Xavier was silent for a moment before he let out a shuddering breath, obviously steeling himself.

  “M-morning, Alpha.”

  Holy shit, would they actually talk?

  Liam shoved his hands into his pockets, forcing a calm he didn’t feel. “You all right, little wolf?”

  Xavier slowly placed the wooden spoon he’d been using to cook eggs on the counter, shutting off the stove. “That’s a bit of a loaded question, isn’t it?” He laughed softly, but the sound was broken. “But if you mean this morning, then yeah. I’m fine.”

  “Do you need anything? I could go—”

  “You don’t have to tiptoe around me, you know? I’m not that fucked up.”

  Liam gasped out a nervous laugh despite the tension. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  The omega tilted his head in thought. “No, you did, but it’s okay.”

  Xavier turned around and Liam had to suck in a breath at how gorgeous his mate was. Lithe and lean, with pale skin and huge gray eyes. His long red hair was over his shoulders, just barely covering up a spattering of freckles. Liam had over a foot on him, but he wouldn’t call the man short. Liam was just a giant brute at nearly six foot nine.

  “Alpha?”

  Liam crossed his arms and arched a brow. “You know I have a name, right? You can use it.”

  Xavier gulped but didn’t say anything.

  “What’s that look for, little wolf?”

  “It’s nothing,” Xavier lied. And hell yeah, Liam could smell the lie lingering in the air.

  “Bullshit.” Xavier tensed, but Liam couldn’t soothe him right now. “Don’t lie to me. Something’s wrong and hell, this is the most we’ve talked in three weeks. Talk to me.”

  Xavier was silent for a while, fiddling with his hands. He finally let out a breath, giving a jerky nod. “You’re right. I’ll probably be here for a while at least, so I should be honest.”

  Liam raised an eyebrow at “a while” but he’d leave that alone for now. “Go on, little wolf.”

  “I don’t know how much I can say right now,” he whispered, eyes downcast. “But let’s just say my time with Issac hurt me more than I’d like to admit.”

  Liam stalked forward, his features grim. “I shoulda killed him slower.” He slowly lifted his hand, cupping the omega’s cheek. “I could kill him all over again for what he did to you.”

  Xavier s
hook his head in denial. “It… It’s okay. I’m not important.”

  “You’re my mate,” Liam snarled.

  Xavier shuddered under Liam’s touch. His eyes slowly shifted to yellow. “You’re sure?” he whispered.

  Liam nodded. “Of course I am.”

  He just wasn’t sure how to tell his little wolf that they would also have a third that he had yet to find. And how to explain that he knew that fact in the first place. But no matter what, Xavier was his, and he’d protect his little wolf with his dying breath.

  * * *

  Tara Giles grinned as she leaned against the counter of her friend’s bakery. Josie Little was almost two months pregnant with twins and was practically glowing with happiness. Her giant of a panther mate, Cathan Nemen, leaned against a back wall, eyes monitoring everyone who came in and out.

  She couldn’t blame him really. While she only knew bits and pieces of what happened to her friend, she knew enough for it to send shivers down her spine. But for now, Josie was safe and happy so that’s all that counted.

  Tara picked up a cookie, popping half of it into her mouth before she finally spoke. “So how’s wedding planning going?”

  Cathan snorted out a laugh, attempting to cover his mouth to muffle the sound. “Well, first she would have to actually plan anything.”

  Josie shrugged as she picked up a small tray of muffins. “I don’t want the big wedding. I’m fine with it being in a courthouse.”

  Tara tilted her head. “You sure?”

  “Yeah. I don’t really have any family to invite.” She laughed, stacking muffins on a small display plate. “Though the idea of a wedding filled with shifters is appealing to me.”

  “See?” Tara pointed her cookie-filled hand at her friend. “It’ll be fun!”

  “Maybe, but…”

  Tara sighed. “But it wouldn’t be you.”

  “Exactly.”

  Cathan walked up then, kissing his tiny mate on her hair. “It’s whatever you want, kitten. You know I don’t care.”

  “And with that adorableness,” Tara said with a laugh, pushing herself away from the counter. “I’m off. Thanks for the snack, J.”

  “No problem.”

  Tara grinned as she waved good-bye, walking out the door. She managed to turn a corner on the street before she tripped, nearly running into someone. She landed on her knees and winced at the pain. Her knee was definitely scraped-up now.

  “Damn it.” She looked up, one eye closed in pain. “Sorry about that. You okay?”

  “I-I’m fine.”

  She blinked at the quiet but deep voice, looking up to see a young man. He was slightly pale and lean, his long red hair tied back. His eyes were what drew her in though. They were a beautiful pale gray.

  “M-ma’am? Are you all right?”

  “Huh? Yeah, I’m—”

  Before she could finish, the man was on his knees in front of her, scrambling to touch her knee. “Oh no! You’re bleeding!”

  Tara watched with wide eyes as he touched her knee, the small scratches slowly disappearing. “Wh-what?” She blinked up at him. “What was that?”

  Her knee was perfectly fine. No scratches. No bruise. It was as if she had never fallen…

  * * *

  Xavier Brady was almost dumbstruck at how beautiful the woman in front of him was. Her face was framed with brown hair styled in a short pixie cut. She had crystal-like blue eyes behind cat-eye glasses that just accentuated her features. She was curved and lush and—

  And she was bleeding. Because of him.

  He let out a breath as her wounds slowly healed, the burn of healing running through his chest like it always did. It always hurt to use the ability, but he couldn’t not heal people. It just wasn’t in him.

  “What was that?”

  He heard her question and brought his head back up to look at her. “I’m not sure entirely.” He sniffed the air, smiling softly at a familiar scent. “You’re a rabbit, right? Do you know anything about wolves?”

  She gave a cute little shudder. “I know they eat bunnies.”

  He laughed. “I promise not to eat you.” The sad truth that he couldn’t shift made him frown, but he pulled away slowly hoping she wouldn’t notice.

  “You okay?”

  Damn.

  “I’m fine,” he lied.

  Her nose twitched adorably. “You’re a bad liar, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He shook his head. “But don’t worry about it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  No, but he wasn’t going to let this random woman—

  He stopped, sniffing the air again. He let the scent truly hit him this time and it nearly stole his breath. This woman was his mate. But that didn’t make sense. Liam was his mate. He was sure of that. Unless…they were a triad. He’d heard about them but had rarely seen them in real life. He wasn’t sure what to do. He had to tell Liam of course, but would this woman want—?

  “Hey?” The woman waved a hand in front of his face. “You kinda zoned out there for a bit.”

  “S-sorry.” He looked up into those crystal-like eyes. “Do you know you’re my…” He trailed off, afraid to say it.

  She looked hesitant at first before biting her lip and shaking her head. “You’re a wolf. That seems…”

  Xavier wanted to calm her and he knew how. He lightly touched her hand, looking into her eyes. “I know it’s scary, but trust me. I’d never hurt you.”

  Her eyes cleared, and she gave a slow smile. “I don’t know why…but I believe you. Although I’d like to know your name.”

  “O-oh!” He felt his cheeks heat further. “Xavier Brady. You are?”

  “Tara Giles.” She opened a small purse, shuffling through it before pulling out a card. “Look, I have an appointment I just can’t miss. How about you call me?”

  His hands shook around the card. “I-I can do that.”

  She grinned. “Good.” She stood up, holding out a hand for him. He took it, letting her pull him to his feet.

  Oh God, she was taller than he was. Not by a lot, but at least two inches, so she had to be around five foot ten. She wasn’t even wearing heels, her feet covered in some cute flats.

  She patted his cheek, bringing his attention back to her face. “Call me soon, okay? And thanks for fixing my knee.”

  He nodded. “Of course.”

  He watched her walk away, gulping softly.

  He’d met his mate.

  Now he just had to find the courage to tell Liam.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Are we a triad?”

  Liam looked up from his morning coffee a few days later, surprised at Xavier’s quiet words. “I believe so, yes. Why?”

  “Because I found her.”

  Liam raised an eyebrow. “Her?”

  “Her.” The little wolf fidgeted with his hands. “Our third. I…” Xavier licked his lips nervously. “I found her.”

  Liam slowly placed his mug on the table before pushing to his feet. He sauntered over to Xavier. “When was this?”

  Xavier gulped. “Three days ago. I was out and she fell and I healed her and I—”

  Liam placed a finger on Xavier’s lips. “Slow down, little wolf. You’re babbling.”

  Xavier whimpered. “I’m sorry.”

  “Shh,” he soothed gently. “I’m not mad.”

  “You’re… You’re not?”

  Liam shook his head. “Just tell me what’s going on.”

  “Her name is Tara Giles. She’s a rabbit.” Xavier got a wistful look on his face. “She’s beautiful and smells like flowers.”

  A rabbit shifter? Talk about complications. “Does she know?”

  Xavier blinked his eyes like he was breaking out of a daze. “That she smells like flowers?”

  Liam chuckled. “No, little wolf. That she’s our mate.”

  “Oh.” Xavier blushed. “I meant to mention you but she had to leave but I got her card so I can call her and explain everything I’m sorry.”
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  “Breathe, Xavier.” At Xavier’s large inhale and exhale, Liam continued. “I understand that it’s kinda hard to explain this situation at first. You don’t have to worry about me getting mad about it.”

  “Okay. D-do you want me to call her?”

  “That would probably be a good idea, little wolf.”

  “I don’t really know how to do this.”

  Liam snorted as he walked back to the table and picked up his now-cold cup of coffee. “Do what? Date?”

  “Yes.”

  Liam stopped walking, nearly tripping over the tiles in his kitchen. “What?”

  He spun on his heels to see Xavier shrugging. “It was never that important to me, really. I wasn’t waiting for any reason. I just didn’t meet anyone I clicked with.” He sighed. “Maybe you should talk to her.”

  Liam cocked an eyebrow. “Are you insane? She doesn’t know me. I’ll frighten the little rabbit off.”

  “Maybe, but at least you have some idea of how to do this.”

  Liam sighed and walked back over to his little wolf. “Xavier, you’ll be fine.” He pulled out his cell phone, handing it over. “Here you go. You can even do it in private if that’ll help.”

  “What… What should I say?”

  Liam shrugged lazily. “Not sure. I’m sure you can do it though. I trust you.”

  He started to walk away when he heard the barely whispered, “You do?”

  Liam sighed. “Yes, little wolf. I do. Call her,” he said softly before sipping at his coffee. “I’ll wait here.”

  * * *