Tristan's Lyceum Wolves Read online

  TRISTAN’S

  LYCEUM WOLVES

  Immortals of New Orleans

  By

  Kym Grosso

  Copyright © 2013 Kym Grosso

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-1482692396

  ISBN-10: 1482692392

  DISCLAIMER

  The characters, locations and events portrayed in this book are a work of fiction or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  NOTICE

  This is an adult erotic paranormal romance book with love scenes and mature situations. It is only intended for adult readers over the age of 18.

  For the love of my life, Keith.

  You inspire me to write romance that speaks to

  true love, and of course, sexy love scenes that steam up the

  pages. No one could ask for a more supportive husband.

  I am so lucky to be your wife and partner.

  Acknowledgments

  I am very thankful to everyone who helped me create this book:

  ~My husband, for encouraging me to write, editing my articles and supporting me in everything I do.

  ~My children, for being so patient with me, while I spend time working on the book. You are the best kids ever!

  ~Julie Roberts, editor, who spent hours reading, editing and proofreading Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves. I really could not have done this without you!

  ~Carrie Spencer, CheekyCovers, who helped me to create Tristan’s sexy cover.

  ~My beta readers, Stephanie, Liz, Nadine, Katrina, Elizabeth and Sharon, for volunteering to beta read the novel and provide me with valuable feedback.

  ~My street team, for helping spread the word about the Immortals of New Orleans series

  Chapter One

  Tristan smoothed the sleeves of his tux and straightened his tie. His platinum locks had turned a darker shade of blonde after the accident. Yearning for the warmth of the sun, there’d be plenty of time to run wolf later. Right now, he had other plans; tearing the city apart brick by brick in order to find the asshole who’d torched his club.

  A mixture of anger and excitement simmered like a raging fire underneath the cool exterior of his Alpha façade. Not only had he survived the building’s collapse, he’d orchestrated the unthinkable, a new club opening within a week. Tonight, he’d publicly demonstrate his steel resolve to the hundreds of patrons eagerly anticipating the grand opening. His team of warriors, trusted comrades, would seek retaliation for the destruction of his property and attack on his sister, Katrina. Whoever had sought to attack his family was in for a day of reckoning, as he was already strategizing in preparation for the battle.

  The heavy pounding of a techno beat reverberated throughout his private office, reminding him that he needed to go upstairs to greet his guests. The new club was on the penthouse level, fifty stories into the troposphere. Customers, subjected to heavy security on the ground level, took express elevators that emerged to a spectacular indoor twenty foot, cascading waterfall which flowed into a limestone-encompassed Koi pond. Stunning crystal chandeliers and spectacular black marble floors presented an understated sense of elegance.

  The main club, encased in floor to ceiling glass, gave way to a breathtaking, three hundred and sixty degree, panoramic view of Philadelphia. A large spiral mahogany staircase led to a magnificent rooftop deck, which opened to the warm September breeze. Landscaping adorned with tiny white lights, presented patrons with a romantic ambiance in contrast to the pounding club scene below.

  Private luxury rooms, located below the main floor, allowed vampires and supernaturals alike, the privacy they sought for feeding and sexual escapades. State of the art video feeds fed into a central security station. Every corner and crevice of the club, including bathrooms, was meticulously monitored for suspicious activity by a team of experts.

  Tristan hadn’t had to rebuild the club; his real estate investments were both lucrative and substantial, but the club was popular with supernaturals and humans alike. While wolves and witches were welcome, it was the vampires who enjoyed the greatest benefit; easily finding willing donors to satiate their thirst without relying on bottled blood. Humans, on the other hand, often sought to indulge in an orgasmic feeding experience or simply enjoyed walking on the wild side, delighting in the paranormal conversation and sexual ambiance. It was a synergistic relationship, one that he intended to continue to cultivate.

  A new beginning, Tristan thought, as he curled his hand around the cold brass doorknob. This was his city, his territory. Outsiders were already painfully aware of his presence, as he’d placed a moratorium on any new wolves from entering his territory. If found trespassing, they’d be killed without a blink of an eye. There were times when Tristan overtly exerted his dominance, reminding all those around him exactly why he was Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha. And so it began. Letting his power flow out toward his wolves, alerting them to his presence, he advanced toward the partygoers. After a brief appearance at the opening gala, he’d meet with his advisors, then retribution would commence.

  As the private elevator door opened, Tristan smiled confidently at his guests. Urbane and handsome, he nonchalantly strode into the room, commanding the attention of every male and female. He waved to Logan, his beta, who was chatting up a sultry redhead at the bar. Spotting Marcel, his brother, the New Orleans’ Alpha, he crossed the dance floor. Tristan embraced his older brother in a sturdy hug, enough to hurt most men.

  “Hey, why didn’t you come up to the office?” Tristan questioned.

  “What can I say, Bro? There are some mighty fine women down here who required my undivided attention. Nice job with the new club by the way.” Marcel looked casually around the club. Calvin, his beta, sat at the bar, carefully observing the interaction.

  “Always the ladies’ man,” Tristan joked. “Sorry, but tonight is all about business. When I finish my speech, we’re meeting in the conference room. Logan and the others are aware of the schedule.” He patted his brother on the back.

  “Sounds good. See you in a few. Good luck,” Marcel added, knowing his younger brother fully enjoyed the attention of speaking in front of a crowd.

  Tristan smiled back at his brother as he made his way through the crowd toward the stage. The sea of patrons on the dance floor parted as he made his way toward the microphone, uber-aware the good looking Alpha was in close proximity to their gyrating bodies. Women strained to catch a glimpse of the sexy Alpha, demurely curtsying while showing off their cleavage. Males bowed their heads in respect, clearing a wide breadth for the lethal wolf.

  The striking Alpha was the picture of exemplary health and strength; not a scratch or scrape gave a hint that a building had collapsed on him less than a week ago. As he strode through the crowd, he silently acknowledged pack members. His dominant aura permeated the room. The band stopped playing. All talking ceased. Suave and cocksure, he grabbed a glass of champagne off a tray held by a passing waiter, and walked up onto the stage, commanding the attention of the entire room.

  “Welcome to Noir, mes amis!” Tristan cheerfully announced to his guests as he took the microphone. “I am pleased to have all of you here tonight to celebrate the grand opening of Philadelphia’s premier nightclub.” A cool smile broke across his face as he raised a hand to quell the surge of applause. “Yes, yes, I know. It is quite impressive. I’d like to thank Logan for assisting me in this spectacular accomplishment. Please be sure to check out the magnificent views of the skyline from our rooftop bar.”

  He raised his glass to the crowd in celebration. “Once again, thank you for coming tonight. Vive les loups Lyceum!”

  A loud cheer erupted as Tristan exited the spotli
ght, determined to meet with his pack leaders. While he felt a splinter of satisfaction with the expedient and successful opening, revenge consumed his thoughts. He’d let his patrons celebrate, while he strategized his plan of action. Shaking hands as he made his way through the crowd, Tristan eyed Logan and nodded. The band started up again, firing off a sultry rock song. Undulating bodies filled the dance floor, writhing and grinding to the music.

  This is why he was Alpha. The blazing fire had barely made a dent in his daily existence. He had easily rebuilt in the face of the fools who’d attacked his territory. The cool vibe of his new club exemplified just as much about him as it did about what was coming; a day of reckoning. Whoever had decided to torch his property had knowingly declared war on his pack. It was time to get to business, find the enemy and obliterate the threat. No one attacked Lyceum Wolves and survived.

  Tristan approached the private entrance behind the bar, and pressed his hand into the biometric security pad. Greeted with a ping and a green light, he typed the code and the door slid open. He marched down the mahogany-lined hallway. Logan and Marcel brought up the rear, making sure that no one followed as the door closed. As he turned the corner, a svelte blonde, well-dressed in a camel-colored suede suit, leaned against the wall admiring her long manicured nails. Mira.

  “Ah, ma chère. You look beautiful this evening.” Tristan slowed his approach, admiring her long legs. Mira Conners, alpha female of the pack, attracted every wolf on the East Coast. She and Tristan had made love on more than one occasion, but they couldn’t seem to make it work as a couple. They were more than ‘friends with benefits’ but less than lovers. Mira was the first female to teach him that sex didn’t equate with love. But his relationship with her also taught him about friendship and respect. A century of being together had a way of weeding out those you could trust from those you couldn’t.

  Tristan caged her legs and set his hands upon her hips. “Nice leather.”

  “Nice tux.” She smiled, fully appreciating how delicious he looked dressed up for this evening’s event.

  “Listen Mira, we got work to do. I can’t afford to get distracted, and you have a way of doing that to me,” he whispered into her hair.

  Without looking, he yelled over his shoulder. “Marcel. Logan. We’ll meet you in two minutes. Make sure everyone’s here.”

  Marcel and Logan looked at each other, before stealing a glance at Mira, avoiding Tristan’s gaze. She’d been part of the pack since they were kids, and had been the strongest female they’d ever known. Both her physical and intellectual acumen set her far above other female pack members. Like Marcel and Tristan, she was destined to be Alpha.

  Abandoned at birth, Mira had been raised by the Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha. Both the Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha and Tristan’s father had been the best of friends, so they’d decidedly forged a strong alliance with their children. From a young age, she’d summered in New Orleans, running with her boys: Marcel, Tristan and Logan. Tristan’s parents, the Louisiana Alpha and his mate, had welcomed the addition of the little female wolf to their home and pack. Tristan’s mother had always wanted a daughter, so in a way, Mira had filled those shoes, at least for a few months each year.

  Summer after summer, they ran the bayou and raised hell. As Marcel grew older, he had become focused on learning the role of the Alpha, determined to take over for his father. In his absence, Tristan, Mira and Logan had strengthened their friendship, spending their days fishing in the swamp and warm summer nights making love in the fields. There had been a time when the three wolves had been inseparable lovers. In retrospect, Mira honestly wasn’t sure who she’d loved first, Tristan or Logan, but in the end, neither man had become her mate.

  After attending graduate school, Tristan had come to Mira’s side after her father died. Determined to protect her, he’d fought to be the Alpha of Lyceum Wolves. In his newfound position of authority, Tristan had taken her under his wing, ensuring she continued her college education. Once she’d graduated from Wharton Business School, she’d smoothly slid into Tristan’s life as his executive assistant. She was the perfect fit for his real estate holdings corporation. Sharp dressed and tongued, she wielded great power in the boardroom and the pack house. Mira was in a league of her own among the females of the pack. And while she’d occasionally made love to both Tristan and Logan, they all knew it would not result in a mating pair for the pack. Still, she fit nicely into Tristan’s life as his confidant and friend.

  Tristan liked to play the field but Mira could still make him hard with just a look. As she laid her fingers on his cheek, he let out a small sigh. She bowed her head, her eyes not meeting his. “Alpha, your new club is amazing. Sorry I’m late. Good news is that I wrapped up the Rapkus deal but got stuck in rush hour traffic.”

  Tristan placed a finger under her chin, catching her gaze. “Great work, Mira. I’m glad you made it to this meeting. I know you usually work the business end of things, but I need you on hand to ensure the security of all ongoing deals. Something tells me this attack wasn’t the last, and I’m about to go on the offensive.”

  Mira reached her hand up to cup Tristan’s hand and rubbed her cheek into his fingers, seeking his touch. He responded by holding her hips still, bringing her body flush against his. His warm breath teased her throat; she moaned as he licked her flesh.

  “Please,” she begged.

  Tristan laughed, knowing full well they didn’t have time to make love. “No time, ma chère. But look what you do to me,” he teased, groaning as he pulled away from her. Painfully aroused, his manhood pressed against his zipper. Damn, it had been a long time since he’d been with a woman.

  “Later tonight, perhaps? Or do you have a date this evening?” he asked with a lopsided grin, knowing damn well that she had several wolves vying for her attention. She could have whoever she wanted any day of the week. Yet they both knew it didn’t matter. She was his first, no matter what plans she’d made.

  “Maybe,” she hedged with a small teasing smile. “But I could reschedule for my Alpha. Seriously, Tristan, you know that you and Logan have ruined me for any other wolf. I mean, really? How will I ever find a mate who’ll satisfy me the way you do?”

  “Ah, come now, Mir. You know that when you meet your mate, no one will compare. That’s just the way it is. Sadly, you’ll forget us like yesterday’s news…no matter what mad skills I have in bed.” He shot her a seductive grin, like a spider drawing her into his web.

  While Tristan was truly an incredible lover and she was a desirable female, they both knew that once she found her mate, she’d leave him in the wind. When a wolf found his mate and initiated the final bond, no sexual rival existed. Sure, a wolf could consensually decide with his mate to play with another during the full moon activities, but the wolf pair would make decisions as one party. All decisions would be in the best interest of both wolves. And their love would bond them only to each other.

  But until they each found mates, they were all happily single and available. While the threesome didn’t make love regularly, their strong friendship could easily turn into hot sex on the right night, waxing and waning like the moon. Given the kinky things they’d done to each other, Tristan knew it would be difficult for her to find another male who’d match the intensity of their trio.

  Tristan held her gaze and reached for her again, sliding his fingers along the curve of her jaw, down the side of her neck until the back of his hand brushed over the swell of her breasts.

  “But until you find your mate, you’ll just have to compare them all to me…Someday, though, I’ll have to give you up for good. You’ll leave Logan and me to go have a house full of pups. We’ll be hopelessly heartbroken.” He feigned sadness.

  “And what about you, Tris? Sydney’s married now; it’s time to get serious about finding your mate. The elders believe it is your time,” she countered with raised eyebrows.

  Narrowing his eyes on Mira, he released her and raked his fingers through his shaggy blonde
hair. “Please don’t start. I’m single for a reason and you know it. Besides I run Lyceum Wolves, not the elders. I appreciate their input, but we do not need a breeding pair to run things,” he grumbled, irritated that she’d brought up the topic of his mating, which was so not happening any time soon.

  “Okay, okay. God, I’m sorry I even brought it up.” She smoothed her hair and stood a bit straighter, but still lowered her eyes in submission, sensing his agitation.

  “I’m serious, Mir. I really do hope you find a mate soon, but I’m good. In fact, I’m perfect…single…the way I like it. Really,” he emphasized with a grunt as if that would convince her to give up the subject. Granted, he knew she’d been waiting over a hundred years to find a mate. But that didn’t mean he wanted any part of being tied down to one woman. No thank you.

  “Come on, let’s go. The boys should be ready for us.”

  Tristan had bristled at her questioning, knowing full well that he was not ready to settle down. Sure, he had asked Sydney Willows to move in with him over a month ago, but he did so knowing that they were not mates. Sydney had been his steady ‘friend with benefits’ for over a year. But now that she was married to his friend, Kade, he had no excuse not to play the field. Besides Mira and Sydney, Tristan didn’t date nearly as much as was rumored. When he was younger, he’d sowed his oats as much as the next wolf, but he’d refined his tastes in recent years and was quite happy with his selective but dynamic sex life.

  As they walked toward the door, he deliberately said nothing, letting the cooling sound of silence speak volumes. They entered the soundproofed meeting room without speaking another word. He’d had top of line conference facilities installed in the new club, including LCD projectors and wall to wall plasma screens. An oval cherry table with tan leather seating for twenty took center stage.