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  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  A Wolf’s Bargain

  Copyright 2016 by TL Reeve

  ISBN: 978-1-68361-125-7

  Cover art by Fiona Jayde

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

  Look for us online at:

  www.decadentpublishing.com

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  A Wolf’s Deception by TL Reeve

  Black Hills Wolves Stories

  Wolf’s Return

  What a Wolf Wants

  Black Hills Desperado

  Wolf’s Song

  Claiming His Mate

  When Hell Freezes

  Portrait of a Lone Wolf

  Alpha in Disguise

  A Wolf’s Promise

  Reluctant Mate

  Diamond Moon

  Wolf on a Leash

  Tempting the Wolf

  Naming His Mate

  A Wolf Awakens

  The Wolf and the Butterfly

  Infiltrating Her Pack

  Omega’s Heart

  Rebel’s Claw

  Claiming the She-Wolf

  Worth Fighting For

  Dangerous

  Uncaged

  Promiscuous Wolf

  Disquieted Souls

  A Cougar Among Wolves

  Long Road Home

  A Mate’s Healing Touch

  Another Chance

  Broken Silence

  A Wolf’s Contract

  A Mate’s Redeeming Touch

  A Cougar Among Wolves

  Pleasure Me

  Craving His Love

  Jasmine Moon

  Mating Dance

  Amber’s Ace

  Wedding Moon

  Bringing Down Romeo

  Salvaged Souls

  Winter Solstice Run

  Wolf’s Holiday

  Winter Magic

  Winter Secrets

  Winter Solstice Ménage

  Wolf in Winter Clothing

  Murder in Los Lobos

  Scent of Murder

  Scent of the Hunt

  Scent of His Woman

  Scent of Madness

  Coming Soon

  Virgin Infiltrator

  Winter Fairy Tale

  Stolen Kisses

  Winter Awakening

  His to Protect

  The Wolf’s Choice

  By TL Reeve

  Saving Their Princess

  The Bodyguard and the Dom

  Their Secretary

  Craving Cameo

  All or Nothing

  Omega’s Heart

  Winter Magic

  A Wolf’s Contract

  Private Wolf

  A Wolf’s Deception

  Coming Soon

  Bear Essentials

  Oracle’s Vision (with Michele Ryan)

  Crouching Lion, Hidden Human

  Unrequited Mate

  Dear Readers,

  Thank you for picking up a copy of A Wolf’s Bargain. I loved writing Chris and Lily’s story. They were a handful the moment I wrote them into Winter Magic, and they continued to be one throughout A Wolf’s Contract and A Wolf’s Deception. And, boy, in this story does she go down fighting tooth and claw.

  There is a twist to this story though. What you’ll have to read. And, there is some sadness as well. Things happen for a reason and I promise you, it will become clear in future books.

  I hope you enjoy A Wolf’s Bargain.

  TL

  www.tlreeves.com

  www.facebook.com/tl.reeve2014

  Dedication

  To you, the readers, thank you.

  A Wolf’s Bargain

  Chris Banks, livestock vet and longtime friend of Kalum Truesdale, has a secret. Ever since he met the cute, shy, yet bratty Lily Truesdale, he’s wanted to claim her. As a Dom, he knows how to take his time, enjoy the chase, however Lily isn’t taking the bait.

  Lily Truesdale, is enamored with Chris Banks. The sexy cowboy with a gentle touch, does things to her no other wolf ever has. But, when his secret is spilled by one of the female wolves in the pack, she backs away, uncertain of the man.

  Taking a page out of Kalum’s book, Chris devices a plan to win Lily over. He knows she has a submissive streak buried beneath her bluster. Getting her to acknowledge it is the issue. So he offers her a deal. One night with him, no holds barred, to explore Dominance and submission.

  Lust combines with passion leading to an unforgettable evening of pleasure. One that unveils a deeper connection between them—which leads to one more question, will one night ever be enough?

  A Wolf’s Bargain

  A Black Hills Wolves Story

  By

  TL Reeve

  Chapter One

  “How’s Lily been?” Chris waited at the side of the round pen for Kalum to push the cattle into position. “Haven’t seen her in town for a while.”

  The crisp morning air reminded him it had almost been a year since he’d kissed Lily. A year since he’d held her in his arms. They’d always had a bond between them. However, it took kissing her for him to put it all together. The realization she belonged to him had swept through him like an out-of-control freight train. And, ever since then, he’d battled his domineering wolf, who demanded he take what was rightfully his.

  “When are you going to suck it up and talk to her?” Kalum closed the chute on the first heifer, allowing him to administer a booster for her vaccinations.

  “Believe me, I’ve tried.” He’d put himself in her way several times, to broach the subject of their mating, but she’d have none of it.

  When he left a little over ten years ago, Chris had never envisioned returning. But the wide open spaces of Wyoming called to him and his wolf. He had aspirations of owning his own veterinarian clinic out on forty acres. Animals big or small would be welcome there. The only thing missing? Lily.

  “Really?” Kal cocked a brow.

  “Yeah. I have.” He patted the cow on the rear after releasing her. “She’s being stubborn. Seems like it runs in the family.”

  He yearned for the little curly-haired, slate-blue eyed girl. She’d climbed under his skin and become irritating, in the best of ways. A scratch he couldn’t sate. He had to be in her presence.

  “She’s got you whipped, and you haven’t even mated her yet.” His friend laughed.

  Chris flipped him off. “Don’t tell me you’re not wrapped around Fawn’s little finger.” r />
  His chest puffed up. “Damn straight I am. She knows I’ll do anything for her whenever she needs it. It’s my duty and my pleasure.”

  “Then, why are you giving me shit?”

  “Let me give you a piece of advice. Don’t give her too much space. The more you do, the more she’ll take advantage.”

  He had an inkling. “I won’t push her, either, though. I want a willing mate. Not some messed-up husk of a mate.”

  Magnum had been a nasty bastard—insane beyond comprehension and mate deprived. He couldn’t imagine putting someone into a horrible headspace, especially if it was Lily. Just the thought of it turned his stomach and pissed his wolf off.

  Kal nodded. “I think too much has happened in the last six months.”

  He’d figured as much. With their brother, Graham, spending time with Elle and her human companion, Kizzy, Lily had been left to her own devices. She had fallen into the role her mother left behind of caring for her siblings, but the time had come for her to start her own life.

  “True. At least she has Gabby to talk to.” Sometimes. Even she had been spending more and more time at home with Kru. As soon as he knew his mate carried his pups, Kru had turned into an overprotective pit bull. He didn’t blame the guy. She was carrying twins, after all.

  His best friend shook his head. “I thought she had it all under control. I believe she’s feeling…left out.”

  He sighed, glancing down at his boots. “Well, she’s not. I’m right here.”

  Though he tried to hide his Dominant side and the urges he’d sated for years while in Wyoming, she’d never seemed interested in him. Several times, he’d thought about throwing caution to the wind—even though it went against his need to protect her psyche—and take her to the dungeon owned by Ogre and Kennedy Laurie, Patch Williams’s mate. As a member, Chris believed it would be the perfect place for him to explore his soon-to-be mating with Lily. Would she accept Hippogriff—the name he used while at the club? If she accepted the man he was, could she come to the dungeon with him and explore the many playrooms? Perhaps indulge him in a public scene or three? No, he couldn’t allow himself to wonder about these things. Until he knew for sure how she’d react to his brand of pleasure, he’d keep it to himself.

  “Looks like you have your work cut out for you.” Kal smacked him on the back. “You don’t need my permission to do this. But, I’m giving it to you anyway. It’s past time she grows up. Settles down.”

  No, he didn’t need Kal’s permission, but he understood why his friend gave it to him. Like Lily taking on her mother’s role, he’d taken on their father’s. As the protector of their family, Kalum made damn sure they all stayed safe and had someone to turn to when they needed him most. In a way, he was glad Lily had her brothers. Because of them, she’d become a strong-willed, woman who drove him nuts—not like he minded the last part one bit.

  “Didn’t you just have this conversation with Graham?” All of the rumors about Elle’s death had turned out to be speculation. Her parents, along with Ryker’s help, had sent her away to North Carolina where she met Kizzy, her best friend. Surprised the shit out of all of them. Hell, he’d mourned her as well. To see her the first time after so many years had left him speechless and relieved. One more story of survival to add to the many.

  Kal pushed his hat up. “‘Spose I did. Saw how good it turned out.”

  Chris laughed. “Yep. Your brother has his hands full, not only with his mate, but with her friend, too.”

  “Yes, he does.” He turned away from the round pen and started for the house. Smoke poured from the chimney. Over the last couple of weeks, the weather had taken a decided downward turn, and, a few days ago, they’d gotten their first dusting of snow. A short-lived reminder of what was to come. “I’m sure Lily will have lunch ready. Seems the girls are always hungry lately.”

  He bet. “Sure, sounds great.”

  The last few months changed the Truesdale family. After the tumultuous start of the year with the murders then a crazed man hell-bent on killing Gabby, Kru’s mate, it seemed no matter how bad it got, the hills were always evolving. Thankfully, though, things had started slowing down. Time to show his mate what they could have if only she allowed him to guide her.

  “Have you given much thought on how you’ll make this work?” He glanced at his friend as they got into the truck.

  “No…well, technically, yes, but I’m not sure it will. She’s not been receptive to any of the advances I’ve made so far. It might take a while to figure out a new plan of attack.” Talking about Lily always got him in a snit. He had so much planned for them. Yet, every time he saw an opportunity to pounce, she rebuffed him, sending him on to the next idea.

  “Well, you’ve got plenty of time.”

  He hoped. “She’s got me antsy.” A feeling he hated with a passion. He’d felt the same thing only days before he made his escape. He loved his parents dearly and knew nothing would make them leave the hills, which ratcheted up his anxiety about leaving to begin with.

  “She’s got all of us in knots.” His friend laughed. “I think it’s because she’s the youngest.”

  “You mean the baby.”

  “Don’t let her hear you say that.”

  He shrugged. Better not to deny the truth than avoid it. When they pulled up to the ranch house, Jordan, Tinks’s son, stood near the fence, petting one of the cows, while Kip, Kalum’s border collie, stood sentinel over the ten-year-old boy.

  “How’s he doing?” He’d learned about the boy after coming home. The poor kid. No one knew who his parents were. Tinks and Bobbi, her sister, found him wrapped in swaddling next to the creek. When no one came to claim the boy as their kin, she became his mother.

  “The kid is a natural with animals.”

  Lily had offered to watch over the boy while Tinks worked in town. Her artwork had become such a hot commodity she’d begun the arduous task of renovating one of the derelict storefronts for a gallery of sorts. The Burrows men were doing all the heavy-duty work of tearing down walls and laying drywall while she designed the layout and what would be painted on the walls. The long hours took her away from the boy, but he seemed quite content to be on the ranch. Kids, wolves more specifically, needed to socialize.

  “The Burrows clan has a couple of kids. Jessie, she’s a mite of a thing, a little young. I bet they’d be good friends. Why don’t you set up a play date or whatever the hell they’re called nowadays?”

  Kalum gave him a skeptical look. “Playdates?”

  “Hey, you’re the one prepping for this shit. I’m still trying to get my mate to pay me five minutes of attention.” He laughed.

  “I’ll talk to Lily and Tinks about it.” Kal grunted. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with you and my pup isn’t even here yet.” He opened the truck door. “Who’d have thought all those years ago when we spent summers bailing hay, we’d one day become domesticated?”

  Chris barked out a laugh. “Speak for yourself.”

  They got out of Kalum’s truck then started for the house. “Hey, kid,” Chris called out. “I bet Lily has made something great for lunch. You’d better get cleaned up or else you’ll get scraps.”

  The kid frowned then ran for the house. Smooth move. He knew everyone, especially Tinks, had struggled for a long time to make ends meet—hell, the whole pack had. “Shit.”

  Kal gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Want help getting your foot out of your mouth?”

  “I have a feeling I’m going to need it.” He frowned.

  Stepping inside the mudroom, he removed his vest, hung it up then discarded his boots. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he’d get an earful from the womenfolk.

  “What’s for lunch?” Kal passed him and crossed to his mate.

  “Scraps,” Lily replied. Her curly brown hair had been pulled up into a messy bun, allowing some of the wavy locks to frame her heart-shaped face. Her full, bow lips were pulled in
a thin line as she glared at him.

  His dick thickened at the challenge held in those slate-blue eyes.

  Shit. He sauntered into the room. “Sorry. I should have chosen my words better.” He glanced at Jordan whose plate had been piled high with lunch fixings. The kid chewed and swallowed faster than a jackrabbit being chased by a coyote.

  Lily gave him a flippant look then went to the stove. Great, you’ve really gone and done it. Chris took a seat next to Jordan and stilled the hand-to-mouth gorge fest going on. “Easy, kid. I used the wrong words. No one is going to take anything from you.”

  “Don’t let Chris give you a hard time, either. You’d think he was raised by a pack of wolves or something.” Kal nuzzled his mate’s neck, smiling at her giggle before he took the plate Lily handed him. “Thanks, little bit.”

  The boy looked up at him, cheeks bloated, looking more like a chipmunk than a wolf. He gave a curt nod then finished eating what he’d shoveled into his mouth. “Okay.”

  Without a word, Lily placed a dish in front of Chris. He frowned at the meager fixings. A few slices of fried potatoes, the smallest sliver of steak, and a handful of peas. However, he didn’t bitch about it. He’d caused the mess. He’d deal with it. “Thank you, Lily.”

  She rolled her eyes at him, and he fisted his hands under the table. The wild, dismissive streak running through her called to his wolf. The part of him demanding her submission, no matter what it took.

  He ate in silence, finishing before the others got their lunch. “I’ll see you later, Kalum. Call me if you need anything.” Chris ruffled Jordan’s hair then stood.

  “Are you sure you have to go?” Fawn rubbed her belly.

  He nodded. “I have an appointment in Rapid City.”