Wild Side

​Wild Side

Copyright © October 2017 by Laurel Richards

Previously published as Dark Seduction by New Concepts Publishing Copyright © January 2004 and as Wild Side by Liquid Silver Books Copyright © May 2014 by Laurel Richards

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Cover design by Laurel Richards

Images used under license from Shutterstock.com. Licensed images are being used for illustrative purposes only, and any person depicted on the cover is a model.

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All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. This copy is intended for the original purchaser only. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, resold, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages embodied in critical articles or in a review. If you would like to share this book, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

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

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Warning: This book is intended for mature adults only.

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Blurb

What if becoming a werewolf was as simple as joining a club? Lori has no idea what she has gotten herself into when she and her friend Tina try to join the Lycanthropic Society. She thinks she is applying for membership in an outdoor group, although she really just wants to get close to Dominick. He’s the sexy guy whose family runs the Society, and he seems to know things about her instinctively. Lori is even willing to go up against Angelique, her competition for Dominick’s affection. But can she handle a man whose love bite draws blood? And what does he mean his nipping her was her initiation?

​Wild Side

by

Laurel Richards

​Chapter 1

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We pulled into an empty space at the end of the parking lot, and I looked at the shadowed beach grass in front of us while my friend Tina killed the engine.

Ready, Lori? she asked.

As I’ll ever be, I said to irritate her.

The gravel poked at the bottom of my sandals when I got out. I was dressed casually tonight in a low-cut white shirt and black capris. My dark blonde hair was tied up so that it wouldn’t fly in my face. Tina wore a long denim skirt and an airtight black top, and her large hoop earrings swung and glittered as she walked around to the passenger side.

As I watched her bouncy gait and pearly smile, I envied her. While Tina lived for socializing, I had never felt very comfortable at parties. Judging by the assembly of cars, everyone had already arrived, and the howl-at-the-moon party was in full swing. The sound of music and voices reached us on the wind.

Come on, Lori. Tina squeezed my arm. It will be fun. You know you’ll have a good time.

I tried to let her optimism infect me, but I was doubtful. We’ll see.

We crossed the boardwalk over the dunes and made our way toward the people crowded around the pavilion and grills. I was a stranger to most of the invited guests, and the party had apparently attracted dozens of others. It was all I could do to keep up with Tina as we threaded our way through the crowd. A few people waved as we passed, but their greetings were directed more toward her than me.

We had probably gone about fifty feet when a large man holding a beer suddenly stepped back and collided with me. He nearly sent me toppling, though fortunately his spilled drink missed me by half an inch. The guy gave me an offhanded apology and returned to his conversation. By the time I looked up, Tina had disappeared.

I grumbled, though I had known it was only a matter of time before I lost her in the crowd. Though I looked around and even jumped up and down, I couldn’t find her. She was gone, and I was on my own.

After much bumping and sidestepping, I wandered over to the food table and grabbed a hamburger and a drink. Most of the people nearby had their backs to me, so I couldn’t exactly carry on a conversation. I finished my meal and decided the beach looked inviting.

The sand sank beneath my feet, and the sound of the surf drowned out some of the noise once I got away from the crowd. The moon wasn’t quite full, but it stood out brilliantly against the speckled night sky.

Beautiful, someone said behind me.

I spun around, and standing there was the most gorgeous man I had ever laid eyes on. He was probably in his late twenties, and he was lean and muscular with dark hair and sharp brown eyes. I felt a flutter in my chest as my gaze met his.

I cleared my throat. Yes, it is.

I meant you, he said without missing a beat. You’re beautiful.

Thanks. I blushed.

No one had ever delivered such a line to me before. While I was passably attractive with my blue eyes and clear skin, everything about me was pretty much average. I was flattered by the compliment.

He smiled as if my reaction amused him. I’m Dominick.

He extended his hand, and I automatically shook it.

Lori.

It’s a pleasure, Lori. He slid his thumb over the back of my knuckles before he let go. Why are you over here all alone? Weren’t you enjoying the party?

I could ask the same of you, I said.

His grin reached his eyes. But I’m not alone. I followed you, and now you’re with me.

By that logic, I’m not alone, either, I pointed out.

My answer seemed to please him. All right. Since neither of us has wandered off by ourselves, then it wouldn’t be antisocial to walk farther along the beach. Do you want to?

Where had this guy come from? Though I was interested, I was a little wary. He seemed all right, but for all I knew he was really a creep. I glanced back at the others.

He must have seen my hesitation. It’s good you’re cautious. Women need to be careful these days. I tell you what. How about I keep you well within sight of your friends?

I gave him a long look. Okay. You’re on.

To my surprise, he offered me his arm. I didn’t feel the awkwardness I expected. Instead, his touch seemed to deepen the spell I was under. I felt very comfortable with him.

As we walked, Dominick didn’t say anything, so I stared at him until he looked at me.

What? he asked. What are you thinking?

You’re very strange, I said. Do you know that?

He arched his eyebrow, but he didn’t appear insulted or even surprised by my comment.

Do you usually meet total strangers on the beach and escort them on silent walks? Don’t you think that’s odd?

No, he said. Do you?

Yes. This is the strangest encounter I’ve ever had with a man.

He assumed a shocked expression. An encounter? Is that what we’re having? I can see why you’re upset.

Hey!

He returned a short laugh. It’s simple. I saw you by yourself, I wanted to meet you, and I acted. How is that strange?

Most people work their way up to that sort of thing, I told him. They say hello and maybe talk about the weather. They don’t walk up to someone, tell them they’re beautiful, and then ask for their company.

Then they miss out on a great opportunity. He sounded smug. I know my own mind and have the courage to take the direct route. Is that such a fault?

I didn’t say it was a fault, I mumbled.

Dominick grinned. Thank you. To answer your question, though, no I don’t.

Don’t what?

I don’t usually take strangers on long moonlit walks. The situation just happened to present itself, and it was too good to pass up.

I returned a smile. I had the impression Dominick was pulling my strings—loosening some and creating tension in others.

When I took a moment to listen to the night breeze, I realized it was too quiet. I glanced over my shoulder and saw we had reached the limit of my comfort zone away from the party. With my arm still around his, I made a simple U-turn.

"It looks like I only have you to myself