His Tainted Mate (Alaskan Tails #3)

Chapter 1

RAB

Rab MacDermid ran along the snowy mountain pass, stretching his muscles, breathing the frigid Highland air, and glorying in the primal experience that it was to be a snow leopard-shifter. His body was finely tuned to the rugged environment, and he moved with a blend of power and grace. The cold air, sharp and invigorating, filled his lungs as his heart beat strongly within his chest. Each breath crystallized in the glacial atmosphere, leaving a fleeting mist behind.

He felt the crunch and give of the snow beneath his paws as he charged through the snowy landscape. The sensation of the soft, powdery snow compressing and compacting under his weight provided a satisfying rhythm to his stride. He felt every bit of the terrain through the sensitive pads of his feet, instinctively adjusting to the rocks and unstable footing hidden beneath the surface, ensuring every step was sure and balanced.

The world around him became a blur of white, gray, and icy blue. The snow-covered peaks and valleys passed swiftly by. His keen eyes, with their enhanced sight, adapted to the low light and vast distances, picking out details in the landscape with ease. All of the subtle shifts in snow drifts, contours of the rocky outcrops, and the occasional movement of potential prey were noted.

The wind whistled past his muzzle, carrying the fresh, clean smell of snow and ice mingled with the earthy aroma of the rocky ground and sparse vegetation. The cold nipped at his nose and whiskers, but his thick fur insulated him from the worst of the chill, keeping him warm and focused.

There was a deep sense of freedom and mastery over this harsh environment. Each powerful leap and bound carried him effortlessly over obstacles—his muscular body responding instinctively to the demands of the terrain. The sensation of his muscles contracting and releasing, working in perfect harmony, was a testament to the strength and agility that defined him.

He felt as though he was the embodiment of wild beauty and strength, perfectly at home in this frozen, untamed world that had been the home of the Curaidh Snow Leopards for millennia. The snowy mountains of the Highlands weren’t just his habitat but an extension of himself, a place where his kind thrived and reigned supreme.

Rab galloped through the main gate of Castle Curaidh to head for his chambers within.

“Rab,” called Callum McMurtry. “The alpha wants to see you as soon as you’re able.”

Able was a relative term. Obviously, even as a snow leopard he could listen to the alpha, but in order to converse he needed to be human. He rather doubted Sean wanted him to shift in his office and have a discussion with him naked. Sean probably wouldn’t have minded unless his mate and beta, Winter, was present. She wouldn’t be offended, but she also wouldn’t look away. She would give any man who tried to shock her with his nakedness a long and appraising look. Sean believed the only man she should be staring at without his clothes on should be Sean himself.

Rab bumped open the door and entered, trotting into his bath and into the large shower where he shook off the snow and ice that clung to his fur and then called forth the mist that would allow him to shift from snow leopard to man. Standing at an impressive height, his broad shoulders and chiseled physique were a testament to years of rigorous training. Each muscle was defined and rippled with power, hinting at the raw strength that lay within.

His face was a portrait of rugged handsomeness—or so he’d been told by more than a few beautiful women. When he smiled, which wasn’t often, his entire face lit up, revealing a warmth which was in sharp contrast with his formidable physique and temperament. He had a strong jawline and high cheekbones with green eyes and coal black hair. His eyes were sharp and vigilant and could stare into a man’s soul. More than that, they caught every detail of his environment, making him the foremost hunter of the clan. It was said that if it was lost, Rab MacDermid could find it.

When he stood as a human once more, he turned on the water, reveling in its transformative power. There was something about a hot shower after a run that reminded him that most times it was better to be human than snow leopard. He probably should have used cold water to try and combat the inherent state of arousal that often came with shifting. The laird had asked to see him, and he wasn’t going to want to see that.

Knowing he didn’t have a lot of time, Rab wrapped his hand around his hard cock and began to stroke himself, leaning against the wall with his forehead on the cold tile and his eyes closed. She appeared before him as she had for the past few months—an unknown female, not of his kind, with long, cascading chestnut hair and hazel eyes a man could get lost in and never want to be found.

Rab fucked his fist, imagining how her pussy would feel as it tightened around his cock, as she cried out in pleasure and surrender. He had no doubt she was his fated mate and that she would not easily submit to him… but submit she would. She would be his—he just needed to find her first. As his cock spat warm semen onto the floor of the shower, Rab washed himself and then turned off the shower and stepped into the warmth of the bath to dry off.

He got dressed quickly in worn jeans, a cotton cable knit sweater and sturdy boots and headed down to see the alpha of the clan, Sean Campbell. The door was open to Sean’s office. It was empty except for the alpha himself.

“Sorry,” said Rab.

Sean looked up puzzled. “About what?”

“Callum said you wanted to see me. I went upstairs to shower and dress. Had I known Winter wouldn’t be present I could have just come in and shifted.”

The alpha chuckled. “I appreciate your consideration of my feelings. My mate can be a regular pain in my ass when she chooses to be.”

“Aye, but you love her dearly and wouldn’t change a thing about her.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t. You’re needed in Tasmania.”

Rab sat down, a bit surprised. Of all the things the alpha could have said, that was one he hadn’t seen coming. “Tasmania? Why?”

“Hamish and Trudi traveled down there with a serum they think can eradicate the cancer that is plaguing her kind. They arrived two days ago and were delayed in Hobart as Trudi began to suffer from the disease…”

“I didn’t know she was sick.”

“She didn’t want anyone to know that she carried the markers for the disease. She’s just begun to experience symptoms. She wants to get down there, let their own people do some bloodwork before she injects herself with the serum. She’s weak and Hamish is concerned for her.”

“I know there aren’t any snow leopards down there. I would be honored to go and act as protection so Hamish can focus on Trudi.”

“If it were only so simple,” said Sean with a smile. “As is usual in these things, there is an unruly female at the bottom of the issue. It seems Trudi has a younger sister that also had the markers for the disease. When it seemed she was going to be afflicted, she decided to take herself off and die alone but in a place she loved—a place, I might add, that is a complete wilderness and on the other side of the island.”

Rab smiled. “Hamish wants me to go fetch her.”

Sean nodded. “Sooner rather than later. He wants her brought back so she can be treated and saved. You up for a hunt in the wilds of Tasmania? I can send men with you, or Hamish said there are plenty of volunteers amongst the devils, including one or two who would love to take her to mate.”

“God keep me from lovesick swains. And it’s no trouble. I should be able to handle one sickly, female Tasmanian devil by myself.”

“You’d be surprised,” said Sean with a chuckle. “Pack a bag, and we’ll get you on your way.”

“I can be ready in less than an hour.”

Sean nodded. “I’ll have the plane waiting.” Rab stood up and headed for the door. “And Rab?” Rab stopped and turned to look at him. “I know you’re the best at what you do, but this is important to Hamish. Elle Edwards is the only family Trudi has left and is the real reason Trudi agreed to spy on Colby for Abraham Strode. If she were to die…”

“Say no more. I’ll find the girl, get the serum into her, and fetch her back to her sister.”

“Good man. Now, be off with you.”

Rab smiled and headed back to his room to pack. It would seem things were about to get more interesting. Heading for the southern climate where it would be warm sounded like a good thing. Besides, how difficult could it be to find one willful female?