Hunter's Heart

Note: When I requested this interview with Ryon and the Alpha Pack, the guys weren’t sure whether they could take the time to sit down and talk. They’re really busy these days fighting all the dangerous things that stalk the night, and there’s a new problem on the horizon for our brave heroes. But they graciously agreed to take a few moments to give us an update on what’s been going on their world and satisfy our curiosity.

We’re sitting in the Pack’s recreation room because it’s more comfortable, and the guys are lounging around, waiting for me to begin. The room quiets, and I have to admit, being the focus of so many scorchingly sexy, strong men has me shaking in my boots. I try not to show my nervousness as I soldier on.

Nick Westfall (Alpha Pack Commander/white wolf/Seer): Can I get you something to drink?

JD: Oh no, I’m fine! Don’t go to any trouble—

Nick: Micah, get JD a soda or something.

Micah Chase (brown wolf/Dreamwalker): Sure thing, boss.

He flashes a smile at me, which pulls some at his scarred face, and rushes off. I turn to Nick.

JD: Thank you. And thanks to all of you for agreeing to take time from your busy schedule to talk with me. [I shuffle my notes] I know you guys have been through some rough situations in the past few months. Why don’t we start with what recently happened to Ryon and his new mate?

Nick (nodding to Ryon Hunter): I think Ryon’s the best source for that story.

I turn my attention to Ryon, and try not to ogle the man—but it’s not easy. Like all of them he’s stunning, but his looks are totally different from his teammates. His hair is blond and sort of shaggy, his eyes crystal blue. He has an “honest” face, one of those All-American mugs that screams apple pie and pro football. And I soon discover that he’s a sweet man with a ton of integrity—and one who loves his mate very much.

JD: Ryon, it’s great to finally meet you in person. [His beautiful smile about knocks me off the sofa]

Ryon: Same here. What would you like to know? But keep in mind some of the story is still classified info—sorry about that.

JD: No worries, just tell me what you can. First, how did you meet your mate, Daria Bradford?

Ryon (face softening with obvious love): That’s an easy one. I’d been with the team in New York hunting a group of rogue vampires. We found them and in the fight, I got pinned by one of them.

Aric Savage: Yep. Pretty boy nearly got his throat ripped out. Would have if it hadn’t been for us.

Ryon (shooting the redhead an annoyed look): Anyway, they rushed me home to the compound and I had to spend some time in the infirmary. While I was recovering, this gorgeous spirit with long black hair visited my bedside. She needed help, but I didn’t think I could help her, you know?

JD (nodding): Your gift as a Channeler/Telepath allows you to speak with the dead—but many times you aren’t able to help them because they can’t communicate with you clearly, correct?

Ryon: That’s right. But with Daria’s spirit, it was different. She told me she was alive, and I knew right away that I had to get to her, fast. She wasn’t a ghost at all, but was using a Psy gift called astral projection to reach out to me. I rallied the team and we found her just in time, lying in a ravine. She was near death, and I had to do something extreme to save her life. I thought she’d never forgive me for that one, but she has a huge heart.

JD: Can you talk about what you did?

Ryon: Not yet. Let’s just say she and I worked through it. But that was the least of our problems, considering what came next.

Micah returns with my soda, and I thank him, taking a sip.

JD: You’re referring to the monster in the Shoshone that was killing campers and hikers?

Ryon (expression grim): Yeah.

JD: What can you tell me about that? What—or who—was this creature and how did he come to be in your neck of the woods?

Ryon: I’m not allowed to discuss specifics, but I can tell you that this was one of the most dangerous and heartbreaking cases we’ve ever worked. What happened to this creature wasn’t his fault, believe it or not. We solved that case the only way we knew how, and I think it worked out all right for everyone in the end.

JD: Except you were nearly killed in that battle…

Ryon: That’s the risk that comes with the job.

JD: Unfortunately, yes. And during your mission, you and Daria learned something important about the origins of the Alpha Pack, correct?

Ryon: Yes. But I can’t reveal that information yet, sorry.

JD: No problem. Let’s go back to an issue you already mentioned—the rogue vampires. I get the impression this is a recent development?

Ryon: That’s right. We’ve been called out in the past to deal with rogue vamps, but it’s always been a minor problem until now. It takes centuries for a vamp to turn rogue, and normally there aren’t many. But for some reason they’re everywhere lately.

Nick: We don’t know where the problem is stemming from, but we’re working on finding out. In the meantime, I’ve put in a call for assistance from the vampires’ leader, Prince Tarron Romanoff.

Jaxon Law (grey wolf/RetroCog/Timebender): The arrogant jackass. [snorting]

Zander Cole (black wolf/Healer), who lost his hearing after an explosion a few months back, has been doing his best to read lips.

Zander (to Jax): True that.

Nick: Be that as it may, we need Tarron’s help or we’re soon going to be overrun by rogues. If that happens…

The commander leaves that thought unfinished, but the Pack agrees with mumbled curses. I know there isn’t much more they can tell me on that subject, so I decide to finish the interview on a positive note, addressing Ryon again.

JD: So, tell me about Daria. She seems amazing.

Ryon (beaming): She’s the most wonderful woman in the world, and I’ve been blessed to have her as my mate. She’s not just beautiful, but kind, smart, and funny. Her passion is studying wolves in the wild, real ones, which is sort of ironic.

JD (smiling): So I take it your mating is happy now?

Ryon: We had a lot of stuff to work through, but yes. She’s made me the happiest man on earth.

Aric (wrinkling his nose): Barf, gag.

Ryon: Shut up, asswipe. Like you’re not seriously whipped after mating with Rowan!

Aric: Yeah, well…

JD (laughing at their antics): Nick, thank you for giving up us an update on what’s been going on with the Pack. Ryon, I’m so glad everything worked out for you, and I’m sure our readers will love your story.

Ryon (winking): Thank you, sweetheart. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?

Kalen Black (black panther/Sorcerer/Necromancer): On that note, what do you say we all go get something to eat? I’m starved! JD?

JD: Sounds great, lead the way!

And so, I got to spend the entire afternoon soaking up the welcome attentions of a Pack full of sexy shifters. I guess that makes me, literally, one lucky bitch.

Happy reading!